Which amplifier configuration allows for voltage gain greater than one?

Which amplifier configuration allows for voltage gain greater than one?

• A. Common base.
• B. Common collector.
• C. Common emitter.
• D. Common junction.

Answer: (C)

The common emitter configuration is well-known for providing voltage gain greater than one. In this configuration, the input signal is applied between the base and emitter terminals, while the output is taken from the collector terminal. The key characteristic of the common emitter amplifier is its ability to amplify voltage due to the transistors’ ability to control a larger collector-emitter current with a smaller base-emitter current. This configuration results in a phase inversion—meaning the output signal is 180 degrees out of phase with the input signal—but it also boosts the voltage. The common base configuration, on the other hand, generally provides a voltage gain that is less than one. The common collector configuration, also known as an emitter follower, provides unity gain, meaning it does not amplify the voltage but can increase current. Lastly, the term "common junction" is not commonly used in amplifier configurations; it may be a misunderstanding or mislabeling of one of the other configurations. Overall, the common emitter amplifier is favored in many applications when a voltage gain greater than one is required, making it the correct choice for this question.

The common emitter configuration is well-known for providing voltage gain greater than one. In this configuration, the input signal is applied between the base and emitter terminals, while the output is taken from the collector terminal. The key characteristic of the common emitter amplifier is its ability to amplify voltage due to the transistors’ ability to control a larger collector-emitter current with a smaller base-emitter current. This configuration results in a phase inversion—meaning the output signal is 180 degrees out of phase with the input signal—but it also boosts the voltage.

The common base configuration, on the other hand, generally provides a voltage gain that is less than one. The common collector configuration, also known as an emitter follower, provides unity gain, meaning it does not amplify the voltage but can increase current. Lastly, the term "common junction" is not commonly used in amplifier configurations; it may be a misunderstanding or mislabeling of one of the other configurations.

Overall, the common emitter amplifier is favored in many applications when a voltage gain greater than one is required, making it the correct choice for this question.