Formula Used:
| From: | To: |
The Low-Frequency Voltage Gain of a Common-Source (CS) Amplifier represents the amplification factor at frequencies where the gain is relatively constant and not yet affected by the amplifier's internal capacitances. It is a key parameter in amplifier design and analysis.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The negative sign indicates phase inversion, which is characteristic of common-source amplifiers. The gain is proportional to the transconductance and the parallel combination of output and load resistances.
Details: Accurate calculation of low-frequency gain is essential for designing amplifier stages with desired voltage amplification, ensuring proper signal levels in multi-stage amplifiers, and predicting overall system performance.
Tips: Enter transconductance in Siemens, output resistance in Ohms, and load resistance in Ohms. All values must be positive and non-zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: Why is the gain negative in common-source amplifiers?
A: The negative sign indicates a 180-degree phase shift between input and output signals, which is characteristic of common-source configuration.
Q2: What is typical range for transconductance values?
A: Transconductance values typically range from microsiemens (μS) to millisiemens (mS), depending on the transistor technology and bias conditions.
Q3: How does load resistance affect the gain?
A: Lower load resistance decreases the gain, while higher load resistance increases it, up to the limit set by the transistor's output resistance.
Q4: When is this low-frequency approximation valid?
A: This approximation is valid at frequencies well below the amplifier's cutoff frequency, where capacitive effects are negligible.
Q5: Can this formula be used for all transistor types?
A: This formula is primarily for MOSFET common-source amplifiers, though similar principles apply to other transistor types with appropriate parameter adjustments.