FCC Exam Question: 3-5A5

A common emitter amplifier has:

A. Lower input impedance than a common base.
B. More voltage gain than a common collector.
C. Less current gain than a common base.
D. Less voltage gain than a common collector.
Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The common emitter (CE) amplifier is known for providing both significant voltage and current gain. In contrast, the common collector (CC) amplifier, also known as an emitter follower, primarily offers current gain and impedance transformation, with a voltage gain close to unity (less than 1). Therefore, a CE amplifier inherently has much greater voltage gain than a CC amplifier. Option A is incorrect: CE amplifiers have medium input impedance, while common base (CB) amplifiers have very low input impedance. Option C is incorrect: CE amplifiers provide high current gain (beta), whereas CB amplifiers have current gain slightly less than unity (alpha). Option D is incorrect: This statement contradicts the correct understanding that CE has *more* voltage gain than a CC.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.