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UJT Relaxation Oscillator Operation

This document describes an experiment to study the operation of an unijunction transistor (UJT) as a pulse generation circuit. The UJT is a three-terminal semiconductor device that exhibits negative resistance characteristics, allowing it to function as a relaxation oscillator. When used in an oscillator circuit with a charging resistor and capacitor, the UJT will produce pulses by alternately charging and discharging the capacitor. The document provides the circuit diagram, UJT characteristics curve, and procedures to observe the output pulses and analyze the circuit behavior by varying components and measuring voltages and times.

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114 views5 pages

UJT Relaxation Oscillator Operation

This document describes an experiment to study the operation of an unijunction transistor (UJT) as a pulse generation circuit. The UJT is a three-terminal semiconductor device that exhibits negative resistance characteristics, allowing it to function as a relaxation oscillator. When used in an oscillator circuit with a charging resistor and capacitor, the UJT will produce pulses by alternately charging and discharging the capacitor. The document provides the circuit diagram, UJT characteristics curve, and procedures to observe the output pulses and analyze the circuit behavior by varying components and measuring voltages and times.

Uploaded by

kashishlala
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

AIM:- To Study the Operation of UJT as a Pulse Generation Circuit.

APPARATUS:-
Experimental kit
Patch cords
Power supply
Power Scope

THEORY:-

The unijunction transistor is a three terminal, single junction device. An UJT is made up of
n-type silicon base to which is alloyed a P-type emitter. It has a three terminals, viz. base-one B1,
base-two B2 and emitter E as shown in Fig.(a). Its circuit symbol and equivalent circuit is shown in
Fig.(b) and Fig (c).

Fig(a):Basic structure Fig(b):symbol Fig(c): Equivalent circuit

The unijuction transistor is highly efficient switch its switching time is in the range of
nanoseconds . since UJT exhibits negative resistance characteristics , it can used as a relaxation
oscillator. Figure below shows a circuit diagram with UJT working in the oscillator mode . The
charging resistance R should be such that its load line intersect the device characteristics only in the
negative resistance region .

The UJT is often used as a trigger device for SCRs and TRIACs. Other application includes
non-sinusoidal oscillators, saw tooth generators, phase-control, and timing circuits.
As shown in circuit diagram and waveform when source voltage VBB is applied , capacitor C begins
to charge through R exponentially towards VBB . During this charging , emitter circuit of UJT is an
open circuit .The capacitor voltage vc , equal to emitter voltage ve, is given by
t
vc = ve = VBB (1 − e RC
)

the time constant of the circuit is  2 =R1C .

When the emitter voltage ve reaches the peak point voltage Vp(=n VBB+VD), the unijuction between
E-B1 breaks down . As a result ,UJT turns on and capacitor C rapidly discharges through low
resistance R1 with a time constant  2 =R1C .Here is  2 much smaller the  1 . When the emitter
voltage decays to the valley point voltage Vv ,UJT turns off. The time T require for capacitor C to
charge from initial voltage Vv the to the peak voltage Vp, through large resistance R, can be obtain
under.

… V p = VBB + VD = Vv + VBB (1 − eT RC
)

VD = Vw = (1 − e t RC
)
Assuming

1 1
= RC In( )
Or = f 1 −

In case T is taken as the time period of output pulse duration (neglecting small discharge time), then
the value of firing angle  1 is given by

1
Equ… 1 =  = RC In( )
1 −

Where  is the angular frequency of UJT oscillator.

The maximum value of R is determined by the peak – point values Vp and Ip . When voltage across
C reaches Vp , the voltage across R is VBB – Vp

VBBV p V BB(VBB + VD )
 Rmax = =
Ip Ip

The minimum value of R , govern by valley point values Vv and Iv is given by,

VBB − Vv
Rmin =
Iv
Fig(d): Equivalent circuit for UJT analysis.

VEE

Fig(e):V-I characteristics of UJT

The on state as VEE increases, the ,the UJT stays “off” until VE approaches the peak point value VP,
then P-N junction becomes forward biased and begins to conduct in the opposite direction .As shown
in fig(e) IE becomes positive near the peak point [Link] VE exactly equals VP the emitter currents
equals IP (peak point current) .

Turning off the UJT Once it is “on”,the UJT’s emitter current depends mainly on VEE and RE .As
VEE decreases ,IE will decrease along the “on” portion of the VE-IE curve. When IE decreases to
point V , the valley point , the emitter current is equal to Iv ,the valley current , which is essentially
the holding current needed to keep UJT “on” .When IE decreases below Iv, the UJT turns “off” and
operation rapidly switches back to the off region .

PROCEDURE:

1. Study the circuit connections. Identify the different devices and components in the circuits.

2. Connect one capacitor in the circuit.

3. Keep potentiometer in minimum position and observe Vc, the voltage across
capacitor(Charging & Discharging) on CRO along with Vb1 and Vb2.

4. Note peak voltage Vp and Vally Voltage Ve.

5. Measure T1 (Charging duration) & T2 (Discharging duration). Also calculate T = (T1 + T2).

6. Observe Vb1 and Vb2 on CRO & note their amplitudes.

7. Vary ‘R’ and repeat the same procedure. Take three readings for one capacitor.

8. Plot all relevant waveforms Vc, Vb1 and Vb2 on graph papers.

RESULT & CONCLUSION :

PRECAUTIONS:

1. Do not tamper with the components of UJT firing circuit.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What is UJT?

2. Why UJT is called relaxation oscillator ?

3. What is peak voltage and valley point voltage of an UJT?

4. What do you mean by instrinsic stand-off ratio of UJT?


AIM :-To Study the Operation of UJT as a Pulse Generation Circuit.

APPARATUS:-
1. Experimental Kit.
2. Patch Chords.
3. Power Supply.
4. Power Scope.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

Common questions

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The maximum resistance value in a UJT circuit is determined by the peak-point voltage VP and current IP, and is calculated as Rmax = (VBB – VP) / IP. The minimum resistance value is determined by the valley point voltage Vv and the current Iv, given by Rmin = (VBB – Vv) / Iv. These resistance values are crucial for ensuring that the load line of the circuit intersects within the UJT’s negative resistance region, enabling the proper oscillation behavior .

Noting the amplitudes of Vb1 and Vb2 on a CRO is important because it provides visual confirmation of the voltage levels at different bases of the UJT, correlating them with the overall circuit performance. These measurements help verify that the UJT operates within its specified thresholds, ensuring that the desired waveforms are generated. Accurate amplitude data facilitate analysis of waveforms to confirm the expected operational characteristics of the UJT as a pulse generator .

UJT is often used as a trigger device in electronic circuits due to its efficient switching capabilities and negative resistance characteristics. It is commonly used for triggering silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs) and TRIACs. Its applications extend to non-sinusoidal oscillators, sawtooth generators, phase-control, and timing circuits. Its reliable on-off switching provides precise timing and pulse generation in these applications .

The V-I characteristics of a UJT provide insights into its negative resistance behavior and switching thresholds. The curve's shape clearly demarcates the peak point (VP, IP) where conduction begins and the valley point (Vv, Iv) where it ceases. Understanding these points is key to designing circuits such that the load line intersects appropriately within the conductive region, enabling predictable switching behavior crucial for applications like oscillators and trigger devices .

T1 and T2 in a UJT circuit represent the charging and discharging durations of the capacitor, respectively. Measuring these time intervals helps determine the period T of the output pulse, which is the sum of T1 and T2. This period is crucial in understanding the frequency of the output, as it correlates with the pulse generation rate of the UJT as a relaxation oscillator. The precise control of T1 and T2 through adjustments in resistance R enables the tuning of the circuit’s timing properties .

The UJT remains 'off' until the emitter voltage VE approaches the peak point voltage VP, at which a P-N junction becomes forward-biased and starts conducting. When VE equals VP, the emitter current reaches the peak point current IP. Afterward, as VE decreases along the 'on' portion of the VE-IE curve, the emitter current IE reduces until it reaches the valley current Iv. At this point, the UJT turns 'off', as IE has decreased below Iv, switching the operation rapidly back to the 'off' region .

In a UJT-based circuit, the time constant, typically expressed as τ = R1C, significantly affects the charging and discharging speed of the capacitor, thereby influencing the frequency of the oscillations. The intrinsic stand-off ratio (η), defined as η = Vp/VBB, is crucial in determining the voltages at which the UJT switches 'on' and 'off', effectively setting the thresholds for oscillation. It ensures that the operation stays within the desired characteristics for reliable pulse generation .

Varying the resistance R in the UJT circuit directly affects the charging rate of the capacitor, thereby altering the time constant τ = RC. This, in turn, changes the duration of the output pulse T and the frequencies of oscillation. A higher resistance increases the charging time, resulting in longer pulse durations and reduced oscillation frequency, while a lower resistance has the opposite effect. Such adjustments allow the circuit to be fine-tuned for specific timing and frequency requirements .

The UJT functions as a relaxation oscillator due to its negative resistance characteristics. When a voltage VBB is applied, the capacitor C starts charging through a resistor R. The charging continues until the emitter voltage VE reaches a critical peak value VP. At this point, the UJT turns 'on' causing the capacitor to discharge quickly through a low resistance, R1. The UJT remains 'on' until the emitter voltage decreases to the valley point voltage Vv, at which it turns 'off', and the cycle repeats .

During an experiment to study UJT operation as a pulse generator, it is crucial not to tamper with the UJT firing circuit components to maintain circuit integrity. Ensuring proper circuit connections, keeping potentiometers in their minimum positions initially, and observing all voltage readings accurately help in reliable data collection. Adhering to these precautions ensures consistent experimental outcomes and avoids component damage .

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