Common Collector Configuration of BJT

Jul 23, 2024

Common Collector Configuration of BJT

Overview

  • Common collector (CC) configuration: Collector terminal is common between the input and the output side.
  • Input: Applied between base and collector terminal.
  • Output: Measured between emitter and collector terminal.
  • AC Signal Perspective: Collector terminal grounded.
  • DC Biasing Perspective: Similar to common emitter configuration with resistor on emitter side.

Circuit Analysis

  • DC Biasing: Base-emitter junction is forward biased, Collector-base junction is reverse biased.
  • AC Analysis: DC voltage sources considered as zero; collector terminal grounded.
  • Current Directions:
    • Base current (Ib): Input side
    • Emitter current (Ie): Output side
  • Voltages:
    • Input side voltage = Vcb
    • Output side voltage = Vce

Characteristics

Output Characteristics

  • Defines: Relationship between emitter current (Ie) and voltage (Vce).
  • Similarity to Common Emitter Config: Ie ≈ αIc (α close to unity; Ie ≈ Ic).

Input Characteristics

  • Defines: Relationship between base current (Ib) and voltage (Vcb).
  • Voltage Relations:
    • Vce = Vcb + Vbe
    • As Vcb increases → Base current (Ib) reduces.
    • Fixed Vcb → Increase Vce → Increase Ib.

Current Gain (γ)

  • Definition: Ratio of emitter current (Ie) to base current (Ib).
  • Symbol: γ = Ie / Ib
  • Relation to α and β:
    • γ = β + 1
    • β = α / (1 - α)
    • γ = 1 / (1 - α)
    • α * γ = β

Properties

  • Input Impedance: Very high
  • Output Impedance: Very low
  • Current Gain: Very high (γ = β + 1)
  • Voltage Gain: Low (close to unity)
  • Power Gain: Low

Applications

  • Frequently used for impedance matching in amplifier circuits.

Summary

  • Common collector configuration is essential for impedance matching due to its high input impedance and low output impedance, along with a high current gain.