ABSTRACT
This chapter gives an overview of amplifier design techniques using bipolar transistors. An elementary understanding of the operation of the bipolar junction transistor is assumed. Section 20.2 reviews the basic principles of amplification and details the proper selection of an operating point. This section also introduces the three fundamental single-transistor amplifier stages: the common-emitter, the common-collector, and the common-base configurations. Section 20.3 deals with the problem of amplification of dc and difference signals. The emitter-coupled differential pair is discussed in great depth. Issues specific to output stages are presented in Section 20.4. Section 20.5 briefly touches on supply-independent biasing techniques. Next, Section 20.6 combines all the acquired building block knowledge in a condensed overview of operational amplifiers. A short conclusion is presented in Section 20.7, followed by a list of references.
