Amateur ExtraE6A07
Which of the following indicates that a silicon NPN junction transistor is biased on?
D
Answer
Components and circuit devices
Type
A
Base-to-emitter resistance of approximately 6 ohms to 7 ohms
B
Base-to-emitter resistance of approximately 0.6 ohms to 0.7 ohms
C
Base-to-emitter voltage of approximately 6 volts to 7 volts
D
Base-to-emitter voltage of approximately 0.6 volts to 0.7 volts
Answer Notes
A bipolar junction transistor (BJT) consists of semiconductor layers. The base-emitter junction acts essentially like a forward-biased diode when the transistor is turned on. For a silicon-based component, a forward-biased PN junction has a characteristic voltage drop.
This standard voltage drop is typically around 0.6 to 0.7 volts. Therefore, measuring this specific voltage across the base and emitter terminals is a clear indicator that the silicon NPN transistor is properly biased and conducting.
The distractors often confuse voltage with resistance or get the decimal point wrong, such as 6 to 7 volts instead of 0.6 to 0.7 volts. Remember that standard silicon diodes and transistor junctions operate at a fraction of a volt, not whole volts or ohms.
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What is the beta of a bipolar junction transistor?
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What is the term for the frequency at which the grounded-base current gain of a bipolar junction transistor has decreased to 0.7 of the gain obtainable at 1 kHz?