BJT current gain (β) vs collector current (IC): From typical device graphs, how does the DC current gain generally behave as IC varies over the normal operating range?

Introduction / Context:
In bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), the DC current gain β (or hFE) is not a perfect constant. Datasheets include plots of β versus collector current IC and temperature to guide biasing. Understanding the qualitative behavior helps choose operating points with stable gain and low distortion.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We consider a typical small-signal BJT over its recommended IC range.
• Temperature is assumed nominal and fixed.
• We focus on qualitative variation, not exact numerical β.

Concept / Approach:
For most BJTs, β rises from very low IC, reaches a broad maximum across a mid-current region, then declines at higher IC due to high-level injection and other effects. Over the practical mid-range used for linear amplification, β changes modestly—often treated as “approximately constant,” but in reality it varies slightly with IC and temperature.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Examine typical β–IC curves: low IC → lower β; mid IC → higher β; high IC → β roll-off.Interpretation: not constant, but not wildly changing within the normal region.Therefore, the best qualitative description is “varies slightly.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Datasheet plots (e.g., for 2N3904/BC547 families) show β variation across decades of IC, with relatively mild change within a recommended operating band.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(a) “Enormous” variation is not representative of the mid-range. (b) Exactly constant is idealized and untrue. (d) Although β = IC/IB is true as a definition, it does not answer how β behaves with IC; it is not a behavior description.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming β is a fixed number regardless of bias; ignoring temperature and device spread. Designers often include emitter degeneration to desensitize circuits to β variations.

Final Answer:
varies slightly.