- #1
ncstebb
- 10
- 0
Hi all,
I'm confused about saturation and cut-off. I've heard it described a few ways. Here is a very basic description of them.
Explanation 1. Saturation occurs above the maximum input voltage within the linear range of the amplifier. Cut-off occurs at below the minimim input voltage that is in the linear range of the amplifier.
Explanation 2. Saturation is where the current through the collector is at a maximum. Cut-off occurs when this current is at a minimum.
These definitions seem to conflict. It seems to depend on whether the amplifier is inverting the signal or not... For an inverting amplifier the maximum input voltage (saturation in explanation 1 above) results in the minimum output voltage (and current) (this is cut-off if we use explanation 2).
I guess I'm only thinking about this on a very basic level (I'm not sure I can understand it in terms of the semiconductor junctions and depletion regions yet). But any clarification would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in anticipation.
I'm confused about saturation and cut-off. I've heard it described a few ways. Here is a very basic description of them.
Explanation 1. Saturation occurs above the maximum input voltage within the linear range of the amplifier. Cut-off occurs at below the minimim input voltage that is in the linear range of the amplifier.
Explanation 2. Saturation is where the current through the collector is at a maximum. Cut-off occurs when this current is at a minimum.
These definitions seem to conflict. It seems to depend on whether the amplifier is inverting the signal or not... For an inverting amplifier the maximum input voltage (saturation in explanation 1 above) results in the minimum output voltage (and current) (this is cut-off if we use explanation 2).
I guess I'm only thinking about this on a very basic level (I'm not sure I can understand it in terms of the semiconductor junctions and depletion regions yet). But any clarification would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in anticipation.