: Chapter 4 - Transistor as an Amplifier

An amplifier circuit

IB = base current IC = collector current IE = emitter current VBB = base voltage VCC = collector voltage The function of resistantRB is to control and limit the base current.

How transistors function as an amplifier: The forward-bias from base to emitter narrows the base-emitter,BE depletion layer. The reverse-bias from base to collector widens the base-collector, BC depletion layer. The free electrons from emitter diffuse easily through the forward-biased BE junction into the p-type region. The base region is lightly doped and very thin, so it has a limited number of holes. Therefore, only a small percentage of the all electrons flowing through BE junction can combine with the available holes in the base region. Most of the electrons do not combine with holes but diffuse intoBC depletion layer. Once here, these electrons are pulled through the reverse-biasedBC junction by the electric field set up by the force of attraction between the positive and negative ions. Electrons now move through the collector region and into the positive terminal of the collector voltage source. This forms collector current which is larger than the base current.

Conclusion: When there is a small change in the base current, there will be a big change in the collector current.