A voltage applied to the gate (or base) of a transistor or vacuum tube, which causes the device to operate in its conductive state. When the control voltage (input voltage) is applied to the gate, it is added to the bias, causing the resultant voltage to be higher or lower, based on the design criteria.
Forward and Reverse Bias
Forward bias (same direction as control voltage) brings the device into or closer to the conductive state of the device. Reverse bias (opposite direction) holds the device in a non-conductive state until the control voltage is sufficient to bring it to the conductive state when added together. Bias is used mostly in analog devices, such as an audio amplifier, to keep the output voltage constantly in the conductive region of the transistor or tube. It may also be used in a digital circuit to enable the transistor to switch faster because the transistor is "primed."
Transistor Conduction Curve
This is the typical conduction curve of a bipolar and field effect transistor (FET). A forward bias pushes the voltage past the transition region and keeps the transistor operating in its conduction region.
Forward and Reverse Bias
Forward bias (same direction as control voltage) brings the device into or closer to the conductive state of the device. Reverse bias (opposite direction) holds the device in a non-conductive state until the control voltage is sufficient to bring it to the conductive state when added together. Bias is used mostly in analog devices, such as an audio amplifier, to keep the output voltage constantly in the conductive region of the transistor or tube. It may also be used in a digital circuit to enable the transistor to switch faster because the transistor is "primed."
Transistor Conduction Curve
This is the typical conduction curve of a bipolar and field effect transistor (FET). A forward bias pushes the voltage past the transition region and keeps the transistor operating in its conduction region.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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