Question
Which of the following indicates that a silicon NPN junction transistor is biased on?
Answer Options
- A) Base-to-emitter resistance of approximately 6 ohms to 7 ohms
- B) Base-to-emitter resistance of approximately 0.6 ohms to 0.7 ohms
- C) Base-to-emitter voltage of approximately 6 volts to 7 volts
- D) Base-to-emitter voltage of approximately 0.6 volts to 0.7 volts
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
A Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) is ‘biased on’ (in the active or saturated region) when its base-emitter junction is sufficiently forward-biased to allow current flow. Since this junction is essentially a standard PN-junction diode, the voltage required to turn it on is the diode’s forward voltage drop.
For transistors made from silicon—the most common material—the required forward voltage drop across the base-emitter junction is approximately 0.6 volts to 0.7 volts. When this voltage is successfully applied, the transistor is considered ‘biased on,’ and it is ready to conduct collector current proportional to the base current.
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