Question

the maximum value of collector current in a biased transistor is
select one:
○ a. greater than ie
○ b. ic(sat)
○ c. less than ib
○ d. βdc*ib

Explanation:

Step1: Recall transistor current relationships

In a transistor, \(I_E=I_B + I_C\), so \(I_C\) can't be greater than \(I_E\) (eliminating option a). Also, \(I_C=\beta_{DC}I_B\) in active - region operation. But when the transistor is in saturation, \(I_C\) reaches its maximum value \(I_{C(sat)}\). And \(I_C\) is much larger than \(I_B\) (\(I_C=\beta_{DC}I_B\) in active region, \(\beta_{DC}\gg1\)), so \(I_C\) is not less than \(I_B\) (eliminating option c). While \(I_C = \beta_{DC}I_B\) is for active - region, not the maximum value.

Answer:

B. \(I_{C(sat)}\)