Match circuit types to key small-signal characteristics: (A) Darlington pair, (B) Common-Base (CB) amplifier, (C) Cascade amplifier (multi-stage) — identify the best mapping among voltage gain, input impedance, and high-frequency isolation.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: A-2, B-3, C-1

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Small-signal amplifier topologies are characterized by input/output impedance, voltage gain, and frequency behavior. This question distinguishes between the Darlington emitter follower, CB stage, and cascaded multi-stage amplifiers often seen in RF front ends and audio preamps.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Darlington pair behaves like a high-gain emitter follower.
  • Common-Base amplifiers show low input impedance and good high-frequency isolation.
  • Cascade (multi-stage) connection can deliver high overall voltage gain.


Concept / Approach:
Match each topology to its hallmark: Darlington → very high input impedance and voltage gain near 1; CB → low input impedance, useful for wideband/high-frequency stages; cascade → stacking stages multiplies voltage gain.


Step-by-Step Solution:

A (Darlington) → two transistors as an emitter follower → voltage gain ≈ 1 with very high input impedance → 2.B (CB amplifier) → emitter is input, base common → low input impedance and good HF isolation → 3.C (Cascade amplifier) → multiple gain stages → high overall voltage gain → 1.


Verification / Alternative check:
Emitter follower’s Av ~ 0.9–0.99; CB stage’s Rin ~ tens of ohms and wide bandwidth; cascading two CE stages yields Av ≫ 1. These align with the selected descriptors.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • A-1, B-2, C-3: Misattributes large voltage gain to Darlington and high input impedance to CB.
  • A-2, B-1, C-3: Gives high gain to CB and isolation to cascade—reversed.
  • A-3, B-1, C-2: Swaps multiple properties simultaneously.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Assuming Darlington provides large voltage gain; it primarily boosts current gain and input impedance.
  • Confusing cascade (multi-stage) with cascode (CE–CB pair). Cascode has different properties.


Final Answer:
A-2, B-3, C-1

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