lab#08: Common emitter amPliFier

❖ Introduction:
The common emitter amplifier is a fundamental configuration in analog electronics, widely
used for its ability to provide significant voltage gain. This lab aims to demonstrate the
operation and characteristics of a small signal common emitter amplifier, investigate the
factors influencing voltage gain, and observe the effects of load resistance and bypass
capacitors on amplifier performance.

❖ Objectives:
• Demonstrate the operation and characteristics of the small signal common emitter
amplifier.
• Investigate the factors influencing voltage gain.
• Observe the effects of load resistance and emitter bypass capacitor on the amplifier's
performance.
SeCtion i: FunCtional eXPeriment
❖ TASK#01: (Main Circuit)
➢ Procedure:
1. Circuit Assembly: Wire the circuit as shown in the provided diagram, omitting the signal
generator and power supply initially.
2. Power Supply: After checking all connections, apply a 15 V supply voltage to the
breadboard.
3. Voltage Measurements: Using the DMM, measure the transistor's DC base, emitter, and
collector voltages with respect to ground. Record the results in Table 1.
4. Expected Values: Calculate the expected values of these voltages, assuming a base-
emitter voltage drop of 0.7 V, and compare them with the measured values.
5. Output Observation: Observe that the output signal level is greater than the input signal
level and is inverted with respect to the input.
6. Voltage Gain Calculation: Using the measured DC collector voltage, calculate the DC
collector current. Calculate the resistance and transconductance, recording these values in
Table 2.
7. AC Voltage Measurement: Measure the AC peak-to-peak voltage at the junction of the
emitter and the bypass capacitor.
8. Voltage Gain Calculation: Calculate the expected voltage gain from base to collector and
record in Table 3. Measure the actual voltage gain by dividing the peak-to-peak output
voltage by the peak-to-peak input voltage.
9. Load Resistance Effect: Remove the load resistor and observe the output voltage level.
Measure and compare the voltage gain.
10. Bypass Capacitor Effect: Reconnect the load resistor and remove the bypass capacitor.
Observe the output voltage decrease and measure the voltage gain.
➢ Circuit Diagram:

➢ Waveform Result:

➢ Measurement Table:
Parameter Value
VC 11.73V
VB 4.94V
VE 4.15V
Vout 2.11V
IC 1.3mA
IB 13.8uA
IE 1.3mA
❖ TASK#02: (Without Load)
➢ Circuit Diagram:

➢ Waveform Result:

➢ Measurement Table:
Parameter Value
Vin 0.2V
Vout 9.62V
Gain 48.1
❖ TASK#03: (Without Bypass Capacitor)
➢ Circuit Diagram:

➢ Waveform Result:

➢ Measurement Table:
Parameter Value
Vin 0.2V
Vout 141mV
Gain 0.71
 SeCtion ii: troubleShooting
❖ FAULT#1: (Emitter Bypass Capacitor Open)
Apply 12 VDC and the AC signal of 1 kHz at 20 mVp-p to the amplifier circuit. While
monitoring the Vout carefully, remove one end of the emitter bypass capacitor and record
the Vout below

➢ Circuit Diagram:

➢ Waveform Result:

➢ Measurement Table:
Parameter Value
Vin 20mV
Vout 13.7mV
Gain 0.68
❖ FAULT#2: (Transistor Shorted)
Short the emitter to the collector of the transistor and observe the output signal. Record the
voltages and analyse the effect of the short.

➢ Circuit Diagram:

➢ Waveform Result:

➢ Measurement Table:
Parameter Value
Vin 20mV
Vout 6.08pV
Gain 0.304n
❖ Critical Analysis:
1. Understanding of Concepts
The lab successfully demonstrated the fundamental principles of the common emitter amplifier
configuration. The students were able to observe the characteristics of the amplifier, including its
voltage gain, phase shift, and the effects of load resistance and bypass capacitors. The hands-on
experience reinforced theoretical knowledge, allowing students to connect practical observations
with the underlying electronic principles.
2. Impact of Load Resistance:
The experiment highlighted the significant impact of load resistance on the amplifier's performance.
When the load resistor was removed, the output voltage increased, demonstrating the relationship
between load resistance and voltage gain. This observation is crucial in practical applications, as it
emphasizes the need to consider load conditions when designing amplifier circuits. The decrease in
output voltage when the bypass capacitor was removed further illustrated the importance of this
component in maintaining gain stability.
3. Voltage Gain:
Voltage gain in an amplifier refers to the ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage, indicating
how much the amplifier increases the amplitude of the input signal. It is typically expressed as a
dimensionless number or in decibels (dB). In a common emitter amplifier, the voltage gain is
influenced by the transistor's characteristics, the values of the resistors in the circuit, and the load
connected to the output. A higher voltage gain signifies that the amplifier can produce a larger output
signal from a smaller input signal,
4. Bypass Capacitor Functionality:
The role of the bypass capacitor was effectively demonstrated. When the capacitor was removed,
the output voltage dropped significantly, indicating that the total AC emitter resistance increased.
This change resulted in a lower voltage gain, showcasing how bypass capacitors can enhance
amplifier performance by providing a low-impedance path for AC signals. This understanding is vital
for designing amplifiers in real-world applications, where maintaining gain under varying load
conditions is essential.
5. Troubleshooting Insights:
The troubleshooting section provided valuable insights into common issues that can arise in
amplifier circuits. By simulating faults such as an open bypass capacitor and a shorted transistor,
students gained practical experience in diagnosing circuit problems. This hands-on approach is
beneficial for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for any
engineer.

❖ Conclusion:
Overall, the lab on the common emitter amplifier was a valuable educational experience that effectively
combined theory with practical application. The critical analysis of the results and observations made
during the experiment provided students with a deeper understanding of amplifier design and operation.
By addressing the identified areas for improvement, future iterations of the lab can further enhance
student learning and engagement in the field of electronics.