Formula Used:
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The drain current formula calculates the current flowing between the drain and source terminals of a field-effect transistor (FET) based on transconductance, aspect ratio, and process transconductance parameter.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula relates the drain current to the square of transconductance divided by twice the product of aspect ratio and process transconductance parameter.
Details: Accurate drain current calculation is crucial for transistor design, circuit analysis, and ensuring proper operation of electronic devices using field-effect transistors.
Tips: Enter transconductance in siemens (S), aspect ratio (dimensionless), and process transconductance parameter in A/V². All values must be positive.
Q1: What is transconductance in FETs?
A: Transconductance (g_m) is the ratio of the change in drain current to the change in gate-source voltage, representing the gain of the transistor.
Q2: How does aspect ratio affect drain current?
A: The aspect ratio (W/L) directly influences the drain current - larger W/L ratios typically result in higher drain currents for the same bias conditions.
Q3: What is the process transconductance parameter?
A: The process transconductance parameter (k'_n) is a technology-dependent parameter that characterizes the mobility and oxide capacitance of the transistor.
Q4: When is this formula most applicable?
A: This formula is particularly useful for MOSFET transistors operating in saturation region for circuit design and analysis.
Q5: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: This simplified formula may not account for all second-order effects such as channel length modulation, body effect, or short-channel effects in modern transistors.