Math Problem Statement

Using the transistor values of:   β = 200, Ic = 4mA and Ib =  2.0 X 10-6 A

, find the value of the Base resistor (Rb) required to switch the load "ON" when the input terminal voltage exceeds 2.5v. 

Solution

To find the value of the base resistor (RBR_B) required to switch the transistor "ON" when the input terminal voltage exceeds 2.5 V, we need to use the following relationships between the base current (IBI_B), collector current (ICI_C), and base-emitter voltage (VBEV_{BE}).

Step 1: Transistor Current Relations

The collector current (ICI_C) and base current (IBI_B) are related by the transistor’s current gain (β\beta):

IC=βIBI_C = \beta I_B

Given values:

  • β=200\beta = 200
  • IC=4mA=4×103AI_C = 4 \, \text{mA} = 4 \times 10^{-3} \, \text{A}
  • IB=2×106AI_B = 2 \times 10^{-6} \, \text{A}

Using IC=βIBI_C = \beta I_B, we can verify that:

IB=ICβ=4×103200=2×105AI_B = \frac{I_C}{\beta} = \frac{4 \times 10^{-3}}{200} = 2 \times 10^{-5} \, \text{A}

So, the base current needed to achieve the desired collector current is IB=2×105AI_B = 2 \times 10^{-5} \, \text{A}.

Step 2: Base-Emitter Voltage Assumption

For most standard transistors, the base-emitter voltage VBEV_{BE} is around 0.7 V when the transistor is fully on (saturated).

Step 3: Applying Ohm’s Law

To find the base resistor RBR_B, we can use Ohm's Law. The voltage across RBR_B is the difference between the input terminal voltage (VinV_{in}) and the base-emitter voltage VBEV_{BE}:

RB=VinVBEIBR_B = \frac{V_{in} - V_{BE}}{I_B}

Given:

  • Vin=2.5VV_{in} = 2.5 \, \text{V}
  • VBE=0.7VV_{BE} = 0.7 \, \text{V}
  • IB=2×105AI_B = 2 \times 10^{-5} \, \text{A}

Substitute these values into the formula:

RB=2.5V0.7V2×105A=1.8V2×105A=90,000Ω=90kΩR_B = \frac{2.5 \, \text{V} - 0.7 \, \text{V}}{2 \times 10^{-5} \, \text{A}} = \frac{1.8 \, \text{V}}{2 \times 10^{-5} \, \text{A}} = 90,000 \, \Omega = 90 \, \text{k}\Omega

Final Answer:

The required base resistor RBR_B is 90 kΩ.


Would you like more details on this calculation or further clarifications?

Here are five related questions to explore:

  1. How would changing β\beta to a lower value affect the required base resistor?
  2. What would happen if VinV_{in} were reduced below 2.5V?
  3. Can we assume VBE=0.7VV_{BE} = 0.7 \, \text{V} for all transistors, or does it vary?
  4. What are the implications of using a higher base resistor than calculated?
  5. How does saturation affect the transistor’s switching performance?

Tip: Ensure that the base current is sufficient to saturate the transistor to fully switch it on.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Ohm's Law
Transistor Current Relations
Electrical Circuit Analysis

Formulas

Ic = β * Ib
Rb = (Vin - Vbe) / Ib

Theorems

Ohm's Law: V = IR

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12