The steady state operation of a bipolar transistor depends a great

deal on its base current, collector voltage, and collector current

values. Therefore, if the transistor is to operate correctly as a
linear amplifier, it must be properly biased around its operating
point as improper transistor biasing will result in a distorted
output.
Establishing the correct operating point requires the selection of
bias resistors and load resistors to provide the appropriate input
current and collector voltage conditions. The correct biasing point
for a bipolar transistor, either NPN or PNP, generally lies
somewhere between the two extremes of operation with respect
to it being either “fully-ON” or “fully-OFF” along its DC load line.
This central operating point is called the “Quiescent Operating
Point”, or Q-point for short.
When a bipolar transistor is biased so that the Q-point is near the
middle of its operating range, that is approximately halfway
between cut-off and saturation, it is said to be operating as a
Class-A amplifier. This mode of operation allows the output
voltage to increase and decrease around the amplifiers Q-point
without distortion as the input signal swings through one
complete cycle. In other words, the output is available for the full
360o of the input cycle.
So how do we set this Q-point biasing of a transistor? – The
correct biasing of the transistor is achieved using a process
known commonly as Base Bias.

But before we start looking at the possible different transistor

biasing arrangements, lets first remind ourselves of a basic single
transistor circuit along with its voltages and currents as shown on
the left.
The function of the “DC Bias level” is to correctly set the
transistors Q-point by setting its Collector current ( IC ) to a
constant and steady state value without any external input signal
applied to the transistors Base.
This steady-state or DC operating point is set by the values of the
circuits DC supply voltage ( Vcc ) and the value of any biasing
resistors connected the transistors Base terminal.
Since the transistors Base bias currents are steady-state DC
currents, the appropriate use of coupling and bypass capacitors
will help block any biasing currents from other transistor stage
affecting the bias conditions of the next. Base bias networks can
be used for Common-base (CB), common-collector (CC) or
common-emitter (CE) transistor configurations. In this simple
transistor biasing tutorial we will look at the different biasing
arrangements available for a Common Emitter Amplifier.

Fixed Base Biasing a Transistor

The circuit shown is called as a “fixed base bias circuit”, because

the transistors base current, IB remains constant for given values
of Vcc, and therefore the transistors operating point must also
remain fixed. This two resistor biasing network is used to
establish the initial operating region of the transistor using a fixed
current bias.
This type of transistor biasing arrangement is also beta
dependent biasing as the steady-state condition of operation is a
function of the transistors beta β value, so the biasing point will
vary over a wide range for transistors of the same type as the
characteristics of the transistors will not be exactly the same.
The emitter diode of the transistor is forward biased by applying
the required positive base bias voltage via the current limiting
resistor RB. Assuming a standard bipolar transistor, the forward
base-emitter voltage drop would be 0.7V. Then the value of RB is
simply: (VCC – VBE)/IB where IB is defined as IC/β.
With this single resistor type of biasing arrangement the biasing
voltages and currents do not remain stable during transistor
operation and can vary enormously. Also the operating
temperature of the transistor can adversely effect the operating
point.

Collector Feedback Biasing

This self biasing collector feedback configuration is another beta

dependent biasing method which requires two resistors to provide
the necessary DC bias for the transistor. The collector to base
feedback configuration ensures that the transistor is always
biased in the active region regardless of the value of Beta (β). The
DC base bias voltage is derived from the collector voltage VC, thus
providing good stability.
In this circuit, the base bias resistor, RB is connected to the
transistors collector C, instead of to the supply voltage rail, Vcc.
Now if the collector current increases, the collector voltage drops,
reducing the base drive and thereby automatically reducing the
collector current to keep the transistors Q-point fixed. Therefore
this method of collector feedback biasing produces negative
feedback round the transistor as there is a direct feedback from
the output terminal to the input terminal via resistor, RB.
Since the biasing voltage is derived from the voltage drop across
the load resistor, RL, if the load current increases there will be a
larger voltage drop across RL, and a corresponding reduced
collector voltage, VC. This effect will cause a corresponding drop in
the base current, IB which in turn, brings IC back to normal.
The opposite reaction will also occur when the transistors
collector current reduces. Then this method of biasing is called
self-biasing with the transistors stability using this type of
feedback bias network being generally good for most amplifier
designs.

Voltage Divider Transistor Biasing

Here the common emitter transistor configuration is biased using

a voltage divider network to increase stability. The name of this
biasing configuration comes from the fact that the two
resistors RB1 and RB2 form a voltage or potential divider network
across the supply with their center point junction connected the
transistors base terminal as shown.
This voltage divider biasing configuration is the most widely used
transistor biasing method. The emitter diode of the transistor is
forward biased by the voltage value developed across resistor RB2.
Also, voltage divider network biasing makes the transistor circuit
independent of changes in beta as the biasing voltages set at the
transistors base, emitter, and collector terminals are not
dependant on external circuit values.
To calculate the voltage developed across resistor RB2 and
therefore the voltage applied to the base terminal we simply use
the voltage divider formula for resistors in series.
Generally the voltage drop across resistor RB2 is much less than for
resistor RB1. Clearly the transistors base voltage VB with respect to
ground, will be equal to the voltage across RB2.
The amount of biasing current flowing through resistor RB2 is
generally set to 10 times the value of the required base
current IB so that it is sufficiently high enough to have no effect on
the voltage divider current or changes in Beta.
The goal of Transistor Biasing is to establish a known quiescent
operating point, or Q-point for the bipolar transistor to work
efficiently and produce an undistorted output signal. Correct DC
biasing of the transistor also establishes its initial AC operating
region with practical biasing circuits using either a two or four-
resistor bias network.
In bipolar transistor circuits, the Q-point is represented by ( VCE, IC )
for the NPN transistors or ( VEC, IC ) for PNP transistors. The stability
of the base bias network and therefore the Q-point is generally
assessed by considering the collector current as a function of both
Beta (β) and temperature.
Here we have looked briefly at five different configurations for
“biasing a transistor” using resistive networks. But we can also
bias a transistor using either silicon diodes, zener diodes or active
networks all connected to the transistors base terminal. We could
also correctly bias the transistor from a dual voltage power supply
if so wished.

Fixed Bias Circuit

In this, a resistance RB is connected between supply VCC and base
terminal of the transistor. The required zero signal base
current IB is provided by VCC and a single VCC keeps the base
emitter junction forward biased and the collector base junction
reverse biased.

Fixed Bias Circuit

Base Circuit (at the input end)

Apply K.V.L. to the base circuit-
VCC-IBRB-VBE=0
IBRB=VCC-VBE

IB≅ VCC/RB (∵VCC>>VBE)

IB=(VCC-VBE)/RB

 For silicon transistors VBE is 0.7 V and for germanium

transistors VBE is 0.3 V.
 In this circuit, the supply VCC is of a fixed value. As the
resistance RB is selected, IB is also fixed.
Hence this circuit is called as fixed bias circuit.
Collector Circuit (at the output end)
Now apply K.V.L. to the collector circuit.
VCC-ICRC-VCE=0
VCE=VCC-ICRC
ICRC=VCC-VCE
IC=VCC-VCE/RC
The collector current in CE configuration is given as,
IC=βIB+ICEO
where ICEO→ Leakage current
 IC=βIB (∵βIB>>ICEO)
Advantages of Fixed Biased Circuit
 It is a simple circuit.
 The operating point can be fixed anywhere in the active
region of the characteristics by simply changing the value
of RB.
 Biasing conditions are set easily.
 No loading effect as no resistor is present at base-emitter
junction.
 Due to their simplicity fixed bias circuits are cost effective.
Disadvantages of Fixed Biased Circuit
 Poor thermal stability.
 Since IC=βIB is already fixed. IC depends on β which is
different for same type of transistor and shifts the
operating point.
 Adjusting the operating point over a wide range may be
challenging with fixed bias, limiting its suitability for
certain applications.
 Potential for thermal runaway.
 Limited temperature compensation leads to changes in
bias point.
Collector Biased Circuit
In this, one end of RB resistor is connected to the base and the
other end to the collector. here, the base current is not determined
by VCC.
 Collector Biased Circuit

Base Circuit: Apply K.V.L. to it:

VCC=(IC+IB)RC+IBRB+VBE
VCC=ICRC+IBRC+IBRB+VBE

∴ VCC=βIBRC+IBRC+IBRB+VBE
But IC=βIB,

∴ IB=(VCC-VBE)/{(1+β)RC+RB
VCC=IB[(1+β)RC+RB]+VBE

Collector Circuit
Apply K.V.L. to this circuit,
VCC=(IC+IB)RC+VCE

∴ VCE=VCC-(IC+IB)RC
VCC=ICRC+IBRC+VCE

∴ IC=β[(VCC-VBE)/(1+β)RC+RB
IC=βIB

Advantages of Collector to Base Bias Circuit

 It is a simple circuit.
 It provides some stabilization of the operating point.
 It needs only one resistor at base.
 Reduced sensitivity to transistor variations.
 Lower sensitivity to the power supply changes.
Disadvantages of Collector to Base Bias Circuit
 It does not provide good stabilization because stability
factor is high.
 It provides a negative feedback which reduce the gain of
the amplifier.
 Dependency on component matching.
 More complex in comparison to fixed bias circuits.
 Restricted utilization in certain application with specific
voltage requirements.
Voltage Divider Bias Circuit
The voltage divider is formed by R1 and R2. The voltage drop
across R2 forward biases the base emitter junction.
The R1 and R2 resistor act as a voltage divider giving a fixed
voltage at point B which is base. This is the most widely used
biasing method that provides biasing and stabilization to a
transistor.
 Voltage Divider Bias Circuit

Base Circuit: Voltage across R2 is the base voltage VB.

∴ VB=(VCCR2)/(R1+R2)
Apply voltage divider to this circuit

Collector Circuit: Voltage across RE is VE and can be obtained as

VE=IERE=VB-VBE
IE=(VB-VBE)/(RE)
Apply K.V.L.
VCC=ICRC+VCE+VE
VCE=VCC-ICRC-IERE
Advantages of Voltage Divider Base Circuit
 IC in this circuit is almost independent
of transistor parameters.
 The resistor employed in the emitter provides stabilization.
 It is the most prominent one.
 Flexibility in adjusting operating point.
 Moderate sensitivity to power supply changes.
Disadvantages of Voltage Divider Base Circuit
 The signals tend to get mixed up.
 It requires more components.
 Due to the increased complexity, it tend to be more
expensive.
 It can lead to reduction in overall circuit efficiency due to
the power dissipation.
  Dependency on component matching.
Modified Fixed Bias Circuit (Fixed Bias With Emitter
Resistor)
In this, resistor RE has been added from emitter to the ground
terminal of the fixed bias circuit. This is done to improve the
stability of the circuit.

Modified Fixed Bias Circuit

Base Circuit
Apply K.V.L. to this circuit
VCC=IBRB+VBE+IERE
But IE=IB+IC
and IC=βIB
On substituting the value of IC in IE, we get
IE=IB+βIB
Now substituting the value of IE in VCC
VCC=IBRB+VBE+(βIB+IB)RE

∴ IB=(VCC-VBE)/(RB+βRE+RE)
=IB(RB+βRE+RE)+VBE

Collector Circuit
Apply K.V.L. to this circuit,
VCC=ICRC+VCE+IERE=ICRC+VCE+(IB+IC)RE
VCE=VCC-IBRE-IC(RC+RE)

∴ IC=β[(VCC-VBE)/(RB+βRE+RE)]
IC=βIB
Advantages of Modified Fixed Bias Circuit
 The addition of emitter resistor provides improved stability.
 It provides a high voltage gain.
 It is a simple circuit, with enhanced stabilization.
 Reduced sensitivity to transistor variations.
 It can strike a balance between simplicity and performance.
Disadvantages of Modified Fixed Bias Circuit
 Its operating point can be effected by change in
temperature.
 It requires the use of dual polarity power supply.
 Limited voltage range.
 Potential for component matching.
 Complex circuit.
Solved Example on Transistor Biasing
1. For the fixed bias circuit determine I B, IC, VCE, VB, VC and
VBC for the following parameters R B = 240 KΩ , RC= 2.2 KΩ ,
VCC= 12 V and β=50.
As it is fixed bias circuit

∴ IB= (12-0.7)/ 240 KΩ = 47.08μA

We have IB = (VCC – VBE)/ RB

∵IC= β IB
∴ IC= 50 x 47.08μA = 2.35mA
∵VCE = VCC– ICRC
∴VCE = 12 – 2.35mA x 2.2 KΩ= 6.83 V
∵Emitter terminal is grounded
∴ VB= VBE= 0.7V

∵VBC= VB– VC
VC = VCE= 6.83 V

∴VBC= 0.7V – 6.83V = 6.13 V

 Transistor Biasing

Biasing in Amplifier Circuits

In all amplifier circuit, the DC bias is provided by the voltage divider
circuit of resistances R1 and R2 and emitter resistor RE provides
stabilization. the value of R 1 and R2 are such that the current
through them is 10 times the base current (I B) and the value of
RE is in between 500 and 1000 Ω.
 Common Emitter Amplifier

Applications of Transistor Biasing

Parameter
Type Analysis Application

β dependent,
Fixed Bias Circuit Digital Switch
unstable Q point

Collector To Base
Greater stability Amplifier
Bias

Voltage Divider Bias β independent,

Amplifier
Circuit stable Q point

Emitter Bias Circuit Greater stability Ic driver amplifier

Conclusion
Transistors are one of the most widely used semiconductor devices
which are used for a wide variety of applications, including
amplification and switching. However, to achieve these functions
satisfactorily, a transistor must be supplied with a certain amount
of current and/or voltage. Biasing is necessary to keep the
transistor in its active region, where it can amplify signals without
distortion. A Stability factor is a measure of the stability of a
transistor amplifier circuit with respect to changes in transistor
parameters like input and output current and voltages due to
temperature, aging, or other factors.
FAQs on Transistor Biasing
What is meant by transistor biasing ?
Transistor biasing is defined as the proper flow of zero signal
collector current and the maintenance of proper collector emitter
voltage during the passage of a signal.
Why is transistor biasing necessary?
 For proper working it is essential to apply voltages of
correct polarity across its two junctions.
 If it is not biased correctly, it would work inefficiently and
produce distortion in the output signal.
 Operating point should bot be affected due to temperature
changes and device variations.
What are the different types of transistor biasing?
 Fixed bias circuit (Single base resistor biasing) or base
bias.
 Collector to base bias circuit.
 Voltage divider bias circuit (V.D.B.) or self bias.
 Emitter bias or modified fixed bias circuit.