VARIOUS METHODS FOR TRANSISTOR BIASING

Various methods used for biasing of transistors are 1. Base Resistor Method. Biasing circuit is very simple, biasing conditions can be easily set, calculations are very simple and there is no loading of source by the biasing circuit but this method is rarely used because of very poor stabilization and strong chances of thermal runway. 2. Collector to Base Bias Method. This method is simple and provides better bias stability but the circuit provides a negative feedback resulting in reduced amplifier gain. Stability factor is also fairly high. 3. Self Bias or Emitter Bias (Voltage Divider Bias) Method. This is the most commonly used biasing arrangement as it provides good bias stability. The emitter resistance RE provides stabilization. The resistance RE causes a voltage drop in a direction so as to reverse-bias the emitter junction. Since the emitter-base junction is to be forward-biased, the base voltage is obtained from the supply through R1-R2 network. The net forward bias across the emitterbase junction is equal to VB minus dc voltage drop across RE. The base voltage is set by VCC and R1 and R2. The dc bias circuit is independent of transistor . In case of amplifiers, to avoid the loss of ac signal (because of feedback caused by RE) a capacitor of large capacitance is connected across RE. The capacitor offers a very small reactance to ac signal and so it passes through the condenser. Typical value of S for this type of circuit is about 10.

Methods to Bias a Transistor

The different ways of biasing a transistor largely depend on the function of the transistor. A properly biased transistor must be able to not only maintain the correct current and voltage, but also sustain circuit-biasing conditions such as temperature. When selecting a method of biasing a transistor, keep in mind that you can use a transistor as either a switch or an amplifier. The biasing conditions are generally determined by the type of transistor and the base resistor. When a transistor is not biased correctly, it will result in unwanted signals called distortions.

Fixed Bias
y

This method involves connecting a base resistor across the collector and the base sections of the transistor. When a signal input across the collector-base terminals is passed through the transistor, it results in an amplification that is reflected across the collector emitter terminal. This arrangement usually results in the dissipation of a lot of heat, resulting in thermal instability when the circuit is maintained for a long time. A temperature rise usually affects the gain of the amplifier resulting in unstable or distorted output when the transistor

Self-Bias
y

This biasing method involves adding a bias resistor between the base and the collector terminals resulting in a feedback voltage being fed back to the base from the collector.

This arrangement allows the voltage reflected at the collector terminal to fall when there is an increase in temperature. The base current decreases when it detects this temperature, effectively stabilizing the circuit. When the collector current increases, an opposite effect is produced, thereby giving the same result of circuit stability.

Combination Bias
y

This arrangement incorporates a voltage-divider circuit, which is added across the emitter, base and collector terminals with an additional resistor at the emitter for selfbias. This arrangement is further enhanced by adding a bypass capacitor across the emitter resistor and the output due to an amplifier degeneration that occurs when there is an increase in current on the emitter resistor.

Reverse Biasing
y

This is adding a negative voltage across the base of a transistor so the transistor fails to transmit current. Reverse biasing usually occurs when transistor conditions such as the temperature go high and can be configured by having feedback voltages from the emitter fed back to the base. You can also create reverse biasing manually, for example, when a transistor is used as switch to cut off current flow to a transistor. Depending on the circuit, reverse biasing circuits can take different approaches.