In a common-emitter (C–E) amplifier, why is an emitter resistor commonly included in the bias network?

Introduction:
Bias stability is critical in analog amplifier design. Incorporating an emitter resistor in a common-emitter stage introduces negative feedback that counters variations in temperature, β, and supply, improving operating-point stability and making designs more robust.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Single-transistor CE amplifier with resistive bias network.
• Emitter resistor Re present; optional bypass capacitor may be used.
• Small-signal linear operation around a chosen Q-point.

Concept / Approach:
The emitter resistor creates emitter degeneration. As collector/emitter current rises, the voltage across Re increases, effectively reducing V_BE and counteracting the increase in current—this negative feedback stabilizes I_C and V_CE. A bypass capacitor may be added to maintain AC gain while preserving DC stability, but the resistor's fundamental role is stabilization, not raw gain.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Small-signal models show transconductance reduction and increased linearity with emitter degeneration; bias simulations show reduced drift over β spread and temperature.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• ac signal bypass: This refers to a capacitor placed across Re to restore AC gain, not the resistor's purpose.
• collector bias: Collector biasing uses collector resistors and supply; Re is not for collector bias.
• higher gain: Re without bypass reduces voltage gain; it improves linearity and stability instead.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming Re increases gain (it usually lowers it unless bypassed) or forgetting that the bypass capacitor affects AC only, leaving DC stabilization intact.

Final Answer:
stabilization