Electrical and Electronics: Module 24

Module 24A: Basic Transistor Theory (Core)

Suggested time: 15 - 20 hours

Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: Modules 1, 2, 17A, 17B

Foundational Objectives

To read and interpret schematic diagrams and other technical documents.
To use appropriate terminology for electricity or electronics in context.
To analyze circuits and predict their output.
To become knowledgeable of the various principles and characteristics of electricity and electronics.
To design and/or build circuits to an acceptable standard capable of producing a desired output.
To demonstrate the safe use and knowledge of meters and hand and power tools used in the electrical industry.
To make and interpret meter readings.
To test and evaluate the integrity of electrical and electronic components.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To develop knowledge of the principles of basic transistor theory. (COM)
To develop an understanding of how transistor theory is measured and evaluated. (CCT)
To use instruments to assess transistor circuits. (TL)
To develop a responsible attitude to safety. (PSVS)

Note: Other CELs may be emphasized.

Learning Objectives	Notes
P-N JUNCTION
24.1 Describe P-type and N-type material.	Draw diagrams of the pure silicon and germanium atoms. Draw diagrams of the silicon or germanium material doped with indium, gallium and boron (producing P-type material). Draw diagrams of the silicon or germanium material doped with arsenic, phosphorus, bismuth and antimony (producing N-type material).
24.2 Define depletion region. (COM)	Explain what happens when the two types of material form a junction.
24.3 Explain the action of the P-N junction. (COM)	Draw a diagram showing the effect of applying different polarities on the junction.
24.4 Name and explain two diode ratings. (COM)	Locate different types of diodes in a cross reference manual.
24.5 Identify the cathode and the anode.	Test several different shaped diodes to determine the cathode and anode.
24.6 To test a diode using both an ohmmeter and a multimeter and noting the importance of the different readings obtained on each meter.	Use an ohmmeter and a multimeter to test diodes and check the labeling of the leads.
24.7 Draw the symbols for a diode, zener diode and varactor diode. (COM)	Locate these symbols.
24.8 State the characteristics of a zener diode. (COM)	Locate the characteristics and draw a graph showing current vs. inverse voltage.
24.9 State the characteristics of a varactor diode. (COM)	Locate the characteristics and explain.

SILICON CONTROLLED RECTIFIERS (SCR)

24.10 To describe the conditions required to turn a silicon controlled rectifier SCR on and off. (COM)	Set up a circuit using an SCR and test the operation by turning it on and off. Test the SCR and identify the leads.
24.11 To list two application of the SCR.	Examine circuits and determine the use of the SCR. Explain the operation of the SCR.

TYPES OF TRANSISTORS

24.12 Describe the structure of a transistor. (COM)	Have students differentiate bi-polar junction transistors (BJT) and field efficient transistors. Have the students identify the N material and the P materials needed to create a transistor. Refer to 24.1 to 24.4.
24.13 Draw and label a pictorial diagram of an NPN transistor.	Use a cross-reference manual and sample transistor to draw the diagram.
24.14 Draw and label a schematic symbol of an NPN transistor. (COM, CCT)	Choose from a list of diagrams to draw and label.
24.15 Draw and label a pictorial diagram of a PNP transistor. (COM)	Use a cross-reference manual and sample transistor to draw the diagram.
24.16 Draw and label a schematic symbol of a PNP transistor. (COM)

Module 24B: Transistor Theory (Core)

Suggested time: 15 - 20 hours

Level: Advanced

Prerequisite: Module 24A

Learning Objectives	Notes
TRANSISTOR AMPLIFIER CONFIGURATIONS
24.17 To draw a schematic diagram showing correct biasing (polarity and voltage level) of an NPN and PNP transistor in a simple common-emitter circuit configuration.	Set up the circuit for the common-emitter circuit and draw the schematic.
24.18 Explain how a small change in base voltage causes a large change in collector voltage-emitter circuit configuration. (CCT)	Using an oscilloscope, measure the input and output voltages in the circuit set up in 24.17. Calculate the voltage gain of the circuit.
24.19 Troubleshoot the common-emitter amplifier. (CCT)	Using appropriate instruments, troubleshoot a common-emitter amplifier circuit that has been altered by the instructor.
24.20 To draw a schematic diagram showing correct biasing (polarity and voltage level) of an NPN and a PNP transistor in a simple common-collector circuit configuration.	Set up the circuit for the common-collector circuit and draw the schematic diagram.
24.21 Explain how a small change in base voltage causes a large change in collector voltage in a common-collector configuration.	Using an oscilloscope, measure the input and output voltages in the circuit set up in 24.19. Calculate the voltage gain of the circuit. Compare the voltage gain of the common-collector amplifier with the gain of the common-emitter amplifier.
24.22 To troubleshoot the common-collector amplifier.	Using appropriate instruments, troubleshoot a common-collector amplifier circuit that has been altered by the instructor.
24.23 To draw a schematic diagram showing correct biasing (polarity and voltage level) of an NPN and a PNP transistor in a simple common-base circuit configuration.	Set up the circuit for the common-base circuit and draw the schematic diagram.
24.24 Explain how a small change in emitter voltage causes a large change in collector voltage in a common-base configuration. (CCT)	Using an oscilloscope, measure the input and output voltages in the circuit set-up in 24.23. Calculate the voltage gain of the circuit. Compare the voltage gain of the common-base amplifier with the gain of the common-emitter amplifier and the common-collector amplifier.
24.25 To troubleshoot the common-base amplifier.	Using appropriate instruments, troubleshoot a common-base amplifier circuit that has been altered by the instructor.
24.26 To evaluate each of the above transistor amplifier configurations. (CCT)	Compare the characteristics of each of the amplifiers and describe suitable applications and uses of each configuration.

COUPLING NETWORKS

24.27 To recognize direct coupled stages. (COM, CCT, IL)	Have students select from a set of schematics, circuits that use direct coupling for connecting the output of one stage to the input of the next stage. Give examples of the appropriate use of such coupling. List advantages and disadvantages of using direct coupling.
24.28 To recognize and locate in a circuit the components used in resistive-capacitive (RC) coupling. (COM)	Locate the components in a circuit incorporating resistive-capacitive components (RC) coupling. Test the components. Give examples of the use of RC coupling. List and explain the limitations of using RC coupling.
24.29 To recognize the application of impedance coupling.	Locate the components in a circuit where impedance coupling is used. Compare the configuration to RC coupling. Explain the use and application of impedance coupling.
24.30 To recognize the use of transformer coupling for connecting two stages.	Locate the transformer used for coupling the stages. Describe appropriate uses of transformer coupling. Explain maximum power transfer between stages and how this is attained using transformer coupling. Relate the type of core used in the transformer to the frequency application.

Module 24C: Transistor Theory (Core)

Suggested time: 15 - 20 hours

Level: Advanced

Prerequisite: Module 24B

Learning Objectives	Notes
JUNCTION FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTORS (JFET)
24.31 Describe the operation of the junction FET. (COM)	Set up a circuit using a junction FET and observe and describe the action of the circuit.
24.32 Draw a schematic diagram of a properly biased N-channel and P-channel JFET. (IL)	Set up one of the circuits and draw the schematic diagram.

INSULATED GATE FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTORS (IGFET)

24.33 Describe the operation of the IGFET.	Set up a circuit and observe the operation.
24.34 List the safety precautions to be used when handling and using an IGFET. (PSVS)	Read the label on the containers regarding the shipping and handling of sensitive devices.

OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS

24.35 To describe the basic operation of the op-amp (non-inverting mode). (COM)	Construct a circuit using an op-amp as a voltage amplifier in non-inverting mode. Measure the input voltage and output voltage. Calculate the gain. Describe the results of the amplification.
24.36 To describe the operation of the op-amp (inverting mode).	Construct a circuit using an op-amp as a voltage amplifier in inverting mode. Measure the input and output voltage. Calculate the gain.
24.36 To use the op-amp as avoltage comparator. (TL)	Construct the circuit of an op-amp voltage comparator and test the operation. Adjust the feedback resistor and note the effect on the output.
24.37 To use the op-amp as a timer.	Construct a circuit using an op-amp as a timer and explain the action of the circuit.
24.38 To explain the use of the op-amp in voltage regulation (see Module 23.25).	Connect an op-amp to an unregulated power supply and explain the action of the op-amp.
24.39To describe the characteristics of the low-pass, high-pass and band-pass active filters.	Construct the circuits for each of the filters using op-amps. Observe the waveform and plot response curves using an oscilloscope. Explain the action of the op-amps.