A laboratory exercise to improve student understanding of dominant pole analysis and high-frequency modeling of Field Effect Transistors. Issue 2 (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Ernest M; Schubert, Thomas F
• Is Part Of: International journal of electrical engineering education. Volume 52:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 155
• Page End: 167
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Assessment -- amplifier frequency response -- transistor modeling -- Miller's Theorem -- laboratory; Electrical engineering -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; Electrical engineering -- Periodicals; 621.30711
• DOI: 10.1177/0020720915575924
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7209

Abstract

In the quest for increased student understanding of the principles underlying high-frequency response of Field Effect Transistor amplifiers, a laboratory exercise employing a unique method to determine the intrinsic transistor model capacitances was used. The method employs two simple measurements: determination of the high 3-dB frequency for a common-source amplifier being driven by a Thévenin source with two different output resistance values. Circuit simulation results utilizing these experimentally determined intrinsic capacitances show much greater correlation to experimental results than those typically obtained using manufacturer-supplied values. Students participating in the laboratory exercise reported good gains in knowledge levels and reasonable gains in confidence levels.