SHS1 Physics · Semester 2 Week 16: Analogue Electronics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.3.3.LI.3 - Describe the various transistor configurations and the use of an N-P-N transistor as a small signal amplifier.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Identify the three transistor configurations (Common Base, Common Emitter and Common Collector) and state the terminal that is common to both the input and output circuits in each configuration.
Describe the key characteristics of each configuration, including voltage gain, current gain and phase relationship between input and output signals.
Set up a single-stage N-P-N transistor circuit in the Common Emitter configuration and use it to amplify a small AC signal.
Explain the role of the biasing components (resistors and capacitors) in the operation of a Common Emitter amplifier circuit.
Compare the three configurations and state at least two practical applications of each configuration in electronic devices.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Electric Field, Magnetic Field and Electronics (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Analogue Electronics (3.3)
Content standard: 1.3.3.CS.3 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the processes and functions of the Bipolar Junction 1.3.3.LO.3 Explain the structure and operations of Bipolar Junction Transistors and their applications.
Indicator: 1.3.3.LI.3 - Describe the various transistor configurations and the use of an N-P-N transistor as a small signal amplifier.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 16 (Week 36 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Source document note: The official curriculum document has a fault in this entry, so the curriculum text above is transcribed exactly as printed:

content standard text - p.70: the document prints this learning outcome code as 1.3.3.LO.3.1
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 76

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Project-Based Learning: Using group-based or mixed abilities, learners construct circuits for the Common Base Transistor configuration, the Common Emitter Transistor configuration and the Common collector Transistor configuration. Learners through presentations in the form of PowerPoint presentations and circuits describe the various characteristics and operations of the various configurations.
Foster collaborations that broaden students' exposure to diverse physics-related career paths and role models.
Assessment (1.3.3.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Videos
- PhET interactive simulations
- Flash cards, Interactive virtual laboratory