UJT negative-resistance region A UJT (unijunction transistor) exhibits negative resistance between which current levels on its characteristic?
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ACurrent is less than valley current
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BCurrent is less than peak current
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CCurrent is more than peak current but less than valley current
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DNone of the above
Answer
Correct Answer: Current is more than peak current but less than valley current
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The UJT is a popular triggering device whose emitter characteristic features a negative-resistance region. Understanding where this region lies relative to the peak and valley points is important for designing relaxation oscillators and trigger circuits for thyristors.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Standard UJT E–I characteristic with clearly defined peak and valley points.
- Terminology: I_P (peak current), I_V (valley current).
Concept / Approach:
As the emitter voltage rises to the peak point, the UJT fires and enters a region where emitter voltage drops while emitter current increases—this is the negative-resistance region. The characteristic continues until the valley point is reached; below the valley current the device reverts to the high-resistance (off) state.
Step-by-Step Solution:
At I = I_P: device turns on (peak point).For I between I_P and I_V: V_E decreases as I_E increases → negative resistance region.At I = I_V: device reaches valley; decreasing current further turns it off.Verification / Alternative check:
Reference UJT curves show the slope dV/dI negative between the peak and valley points (I_P < I < I_V).
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- “Less than valley current” or “less than peak current” do not correspond to the negative-resistance segment; these are in off-region or pre-trigger region.
- “None”: incorrect because the negative-resistance range is well defined between I_P and I_V.
Common Pitfalls:
Assuming valley current is smaller than peak current conceptually; numerically I_V is typically greater than I_P on the I–V plot of a UJT.
Final Answer:
Current is more than peak current but less than valley current