EET - 224 - LABORATORY EXPERIMENT #4-A

AC Load Line Characteristics and Amplifier Signal Parameters

OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this laboratory experiment will be to verify the effect DC
operating conditions have on the AC load line and signal parameters of a common
emitter amplifier.
LEARING OBJECTIVES

• The student will be lean how to compute the AC load line parameters for a
class A common emitter amplifier.
• The student will learn how to compute the optimum bias conditions for a
class A common emitter amplifier.
• The student will learn how to use an oscilloscope to measure the signal
voltage drop across the transistor in a class A common emitter amplifier.
• The student will learn how to use an oscilloscope to identify cutoff clipping
distortion in the output signal of a class A common emitter amplifier.
• The student will learn how to use an oscilloscope to identify saturation
clipping distortion in the output signal of a class A common emitter
amplifier.
• The student will learn how to use the Multisim Software to identify clipping
distortion in the output signal of a class A common emitter amplifier.

LIST OF EQUIPMENT
Item # Description Manufacturer* Model #* Serial #*
1.) DC Power Supply
2.) Digital Multimeter
3.) Digital Oscilloscope
4.) Function Generator
5.) Amplifier
6.) Simulation Software

Note:*Manufacturer, Model #, and Serial # of equipment used are provided by the

student.

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EET - 224 - LABORATORY EXPERIMENT #4-A

Figure #1

PART A Experimental Results:

STEP #1 Obtain an Amplifier test board. Measure and record the value of
each resistor in Figure #1 except R2. Record results in Table #1.

STEP #2 DC Operating Conditions:

Construct DC bias circuit for the amplifier described in Figure #1.
• Do not connect the function generator or capacitors for this part.
• Verify jumpers “J1” and “J2” are connected correctly.

STEP #3 Turn on DC supply and adjust R2 such that VCE is set to +6

volts DC.

STEP #4 • Measure the magnitude and polarity of VCC, VRC, VC, VE,
VCE, VBE, I1, I2, and IDC.
• Record results in Table #1.
• Do not measure the resistance of R2 at this time.

STEP #5 Use measured results obtained in step above to compute the value of
IB, IC, hFE, IE, VBE, VCE, PDQ, and PDC. Record results in
Table #2 and show calculations on the computations page provided.

PART B Signal Conditions: Turn off the VCC supply.

Construct the class A common emitter amplifier in Figure #1.
• Verify that jumpers J1, J2, J3 and J4 are connected correctly.
STEP #1 Turn on the VCC supply. Verify that VCE = +6 volts DC.

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EET - 224 - LABORATORY EXPERIMENT #4-A
STEP #2 Set the oscilloscope to the AC coupled mode:
a. Trigger off Channel #1
b. Connect Channel #1 across the function generator, Es.
c. Connect Channel #2 across RL
d. Adjust the amplitude of the function generator until the
output voltage from the amplifier exhibits clear signs of
clipping distortion.
e. Sketch two cycles of the clipped waveform in Table #3.
f. Label waveform voltage levels appropriately.
g. Identify the type of clipping distortion that exits at voutput.
h. Label the clipped voltage level in Table #3.
STEP #3 Reduce the amplitude of the function generator until the maximum
peak to peak output voltage without clipping distortion is obtained
from the amplifier.
STEP #4 Measure and record in Table #3 the peak-to-peak value of VLoad,
Es, and Vinput for the maximum output voltage without clipping.
a. Sketch and label two cycles of each waveform in Table #3.
b. Show the phase relationship between Es and each waveform.
c. Record readings in both Table #3 and Table #4.
STEP #5 Measurement of Vce p-p with an AC Coupled Oscilloscope:
a. Connect the External Trigger across the applied voltage “Es”
b. Select External Trigger from the Trigger Menu. Note, the
Level adjustment might be needed to stabilize the waveform.
c. Connect the Positive “+” Lead of Channel “1” to the Collector
d. Connect the Positive “+” Lead of Channel “2” to the Emitter
e. Connect both Channel “1” and “2” negative “-“ leads to ground
f. Select the Math Mode, Ch”1” – Ch”2”, to measure VCE p-p
g. Sketch and label two cycles of VCE p-p in Table #3.
h. Record the magnitude of VCE p-p with respect to Es in Table #3
and Table #4.
STEP #6 Turn off and disconnect the DC supply, Function Generator,
Oscilloscope, and jumpers J1, J2, J3, and J4 from the circuit.
STEP #7 Measure and record the value of R2 in Table #1 .

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EET - 224 - LABORATORY EXPERIMENT #4-A
STEP #8 Compute and record experimental values of signal parameters listed
in Table #4 from the data obtained in Parts A and B for VCE = +6 v
DC. Use measured resistance values. Clearly label calculations for
experimental results on computations page provided for Table #4.
STEP #9 Repeat Part A and Part B for VCE = +11 volts DC. Record
results in Tables #3 and #4, respectively.
PART C Multisim Simulations: Heading: Use the following heading:
EET-224-Laboratory – Dr. Fiorillo : Experiment #4
AC Load Line Characteristics of a C.E. Amplifier
Multisim DC Operating Point and Transient Analysis
Date: --/--/---- , Board #______
Your First and Last Name on this line.
Multisim Simulation of the DC BIAS Circuit
STEP #1 Construct the DC Bias Circuit described for the amplifier in Figure
#1 with the Multisim Editor. Use the value of hFE and measured
resistance values obtained in Part A.
STEP #2 Run a DC Operating Point analysis of the bias circuit.
a. Display the results for the following DC parameters: IB, IC,
hFE, IE, IR1, IR2, VB, VE, VBE, VC,VCE, PDQ, and PDC.
b. User defined functions are to be used for Multisim to
compute the value of VCE, VBE, hFE, PDQ, and PDC.
c. Record results obtained from the simulation in Table #2.
STEP #3 • Save the file for future reference.
• Save both the bias circuit and DC Operating Point results in a
Word file for future reference.
PART D Multisim Simulation of the Common Emitter Amplifier
STEP #1 Construct the common emitter amplifier described in Figure #1 with
the Multisim Editor.
• SAVE the amplifier in a separate file.
• Use measured resistance values recorded in Table #1.
• Use the Measured value of hFE recorded in Table #2 when VCE
= +6 v DC.
• Let C1 = 1ufd, C2=1ufd, CE=50ufd
• Es = 1v peak @ f = 1k hz,
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EET - 224 - LABORATORY EXPERIMENT #4-A
STEP #2 Run a Transient analysis of the amplifier and display two cycles of
the waveforms for Es and voutput on the same set of axes.
• Label both waveforms and the portion of the output signal
that exhibits clipping distortion and the type of clipping
distortion that is observed.
• Use the following axis limits:
o Figure #1:
• Left axis:
• Range: Min: -8, Max: 8
• Total ticks:16, Minor ticks:1, Precision: 2
• Bottom axis:
• Range Min:0, Max: .002
• Total ticks:8, Minor ticks:1, Precision: 2
STEP #3 Display the Cursors and Cursor Measurement Table with
readings at t = .25ms and t = .75 ms.
STEP #4 • Save the amplifier circuit in a Multisim file.
• Save amplifier circuit, transient analysis output, and transient
output with cursor readings output in a Word file.
STEP #5 Repeat Steps #1 through #4 for the amplifier described in Figure #1
when VCE = +11v DC.

PART E DATA ANALYSIS

STEP #1 Given VCE = +6 v DC: (Use nominal resistance values for this step.)
a. Compute the theoretical AC load line and signal parameters
identified in Table #5 for the amplifier.
b. Include computations in an organized format on the separate
computations page provided for Table #5.
c. Use a straight edge to draw the AC Load Line on the grid.
d. Label the AC Load Line completely include one cycle of Es and
VCE p-p that illustrates clipping distortion on the grid.
e. Record results obtained in Table #4.
f. Compute and Record % Error between Theoretical and Measured
values in Table #4.
STEP #2 Given VCE = +11v DC
Repeat Step #1 for VCE =+11 v DC.

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EET - 224 - LABORATORY EXPERIMENT #4-A
STEP #3 Optimum Bias Conditions: Determine Optimum Bias conditions
described in Table #7 for the amplifier in Figure #1.
• Record the results in the Optimum Bias column in Table #4
and Table #7.
• Use nominal resistance values, measured hFE, and VBE=.7v
for this set of computations.
• Show all work in an organized format in Table #7.
STEP #4 What conclusions can be drawn about circuit conditions at optimum
bias and the results obtained at VCE = +6v and +11v DC,
respectively.

PART F Laboratory Report :

Submit a laboratory report according to the guidelines discussed in
class. Include each of the following items :
Page #1: Standard Laboratory Cover Sheet
Page #2: Include each of the following on Page #2
• Objective
• List of Equipment in appropriate format!
• Conclusion
Page #3: Table #1 and Table #2
Page #4: Table #2 computations page.
Page #5: Table #3
Page #6: Table #4 with computations included.
Page #7: Table #5
Page #8: Table #5 computations page.
Page #9: Table #6
Page #10: Table #6 computations page.
Page #11: Table #7 with computations.
Page #12: Multisim Simulations Summary page VCE = +6v DC
Page #13: Multisim Simulations Summary page VCE = +11v DC

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EET - 224 - LABORATORY EXPERIMENT #4-A
Table #1

Parameter VCE = VCE =

Resistor Nominal Measured % Error DC +6v DC +11v DC
Values (Measured) (Measured)

Rx VCC
R1 VRC
RC VC
RE1 VE
RE2 VCE
RL VBE
R2 @ 6v
DC
I1
R2 @ 11
DC
I2
R2
Optimum
IDC

Table #2****
VCE = + 6 v DC VCE = + 11 v DC
Parameter Measured* Multisim** %E*** Measured* Multisim** %E***

IB
IC
hFE
IE
VBE
VCE
PDQ
PDC
* Determine and record the value of each parameter listed from measured values recorded in Table #1.
** Record the value of each parameter from the Multisim DC Operating Point Simulation.
*** Determine and record the %Error between the Measured and Multisim values.
**** Show all computations on a separate page, label all computations.

Date: Board # Name :

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EET - 224 - LABORATORY EXPERIMENT #4-A
Computations Page for Table #2
VCEQ = + 6v DC VCEQ = + 11v DC
Place each answer in a box! Place each answer in a box!

Date: Board # Student:

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EET - 224 - LABORATORY Table #3 EXPERIMENT #4-A
Parameter VCE = +6 v DC VCE = +11 v DC

VLoad p-p
Clear signs of
when
Clipping
Distortion
first appears
in the output Vload peak clip = Vload peak clip =
signal
Clipping Type = Clipping Type =

VLoad p-p
No Clipping
Distortion

VLoad p-p = VLoad p-p =

ES p-p
No Clipping
Distortion

Es p-p = Es p-p =

Vinput p-p
No Clipping
Distortion

Vinput p-p = Vinput p-p =

VCE p-p
No Clipping
Distortion

VCE p-p = VCE p-p =

Date: Board # Name :

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 EET - 224 - LABORATORY Table #4 EXPERIMENT #4-A
VCE = + 6 v DC Optimum5 VCE = +11 v DC
Parameter Meas1 Theo4 %E Meas1 Theo4 %E
VLoad p-p max

Vin p-p max

Es p-p max

Vce p-p max

Parameter Exp2 Theo4 %E Optimum5 Exp2 Theo4 %E

PLoad

PL dBm

PDQ3

FOM

PDC3

N Stage
Notes: 1.) Measured results obtained in Table #3
2.) Experimental Results below are based upon computations with the maximum peak to peak signals obtained
above without clipping distortion for the specified value of VCEQ DC listed for each column.
3.) PDQ and PDC Experimental Values obtained from Table #2. Theoretical from Part E.
4.) Theoretical results obtained from Part E.
5.) Optimum bias results obtained from Part E.
***Computations: PLoad, PLdBm, FOM, N Stage, @ ***Computations: PLoad, PLdBm, FOM, N Stage, @
VCEQ = +6v DC VCEQ = +11v DC

Date: Board # Name :

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EET – 224 LABORATORY LABORATORY #4-A
Table #5: Figure #1 – VCEQ = +6v DC
DC Analysis Conditions
Parameter Theoretical Parameter Theoretical

VCEQ +6v DC IR1

ICQ IDC
VBEQ +.7v DC PDC
hFE* PDQ
*Measured Value of hFE
Table #5-b - Part A: Figure #1 - AC Load Line: Theoretical Results-- VCEQ = +6v DC

Alpha DC 1
RDC
RAC
vce cut AC
ic sat AC
Vce p-p-max
vLoad p-p-max
PLoad max
PLoad dBm max
FOM
N Stage
AC Output Model

Theoretical Type of Clipping Distortion that will exist first in vce p-p when
the amplifier is overdriven. Place answer in cell to the right--------------------->
Does your Multisim simulation of the amplifier confirm the type of Clipping
Distortion that will exist first in vce p-p when the amplifier is overdriven. --->
Do Optimum Bias Conditions Exist for this Amplifier? (Yes or No) ----------->
Justification:
Board # Date: Student’s Name:

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EET – 224 LABORATORY LABORATORY #4-A
Computations Page for Table #5

Board # Date: Student’s Name:

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EET – 224 LABORATORY LABORATORY #4-A
Table #6 – Figure #1 – VCEQ = +11v DC
DC Analysis Conditions
Parameter Theoretical Parameter Theoretical

VCEQ +11v DC IR1

ICQ IDC
VBEQ +.7v DC PDC
hFE* PDQ
*Measured Value of hFE
Table #6-b - Part A: Figure #1 - AC Load Line: Theoretical Results-- VCEQ = +11v DC

Alpha DC 1
RDC
RAC
vce cut AC
ic sat AC
Vce p-p-max
vLoad p-p-max
PLoad max
PLoad dBm max
FOM
N Stage
AC Output Model

Theoretical Type of Clipping Distortion that will exist first in vce p-p when
the amplifier is overdriven. Place answer in cell to the right--------------------->
Does your Multisim simulation of the amplifier confirm the type of Clipping
Distortion that will exist first in vce p-p when the amplifier is overdriven. --->
Do Optimum Bias Conditions Exist for this Amplifier? (Yes or No) ----------->
Justification:
Board # Date: Student’s Name:

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EET – 224 LABORATORY LABORATORY #4-A
Computations Page for Table #6

Board # Date: Student’s Name:

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EET - 224 - LABORATORY EXPERIMENT #4-A
Table #7: Optimum Bias Conditions
Show Optimum Bias Computation for all parameters below. Label all computations and include all models
used! Use nominal resistance values for this set of computations.
Parameter Magnitude

VBE +.7 v DC
Alpha DC 1
hFE Geometric

RDC

RAC

ic saturation AC

vce cutoff AC

ICQ optimum

VCEQ optimum

Vce p-p optimum max

Vload p-p optimum max

PLoad optimum max

PLoad dBm

IR1

IR2

IB

R2 Optimum

PDQ

PDC

FOM

N Stage

Date: Board # Name :

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EET - 224 - LABORATORY Sample Output Display EXPERIMENT #4-A

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