Ways to Layout Cascode Transistors

A transistor is a common electronic component. It has three elements: the emitter, the collector or cathode and the base. Electric flow is controlled from the emitter to the collector by how much controlling voltage is applied to the base. A type of transistor configuration is called "cascoding." Cascoding is a combination of two words: "cascading" and "cathode." The collectors of transistors are wired into different patterns, as are the other two elements. Depending on the wiring configuration, different voltage outputs are possible.
  1. Series Cascoding

    • Series cascoding is a very simple configuration. Obtain two transistors and call them "A" and "B." Tie the collector of "A" to the emitter of "B." Ground the emitter of "A." Take your controlled voltage output from the collector of "B." Feed two controlling voltages to each base. Stay within the voltage levels set by the specifications of the transistors. In digital logic, what you have made is called an "AND" gate. Both bases of "A" and "B" have to be energized by a controlling voltage in order to have an output at the collector of "B."

    Parallel Cascoding

    • Parallel cascoding is another simple yet effective method of controlling voltage. Obtain two transistors, calling them "A" and "B." Tie both emitters to ground. Take the output voltage from the collectors. Tie the two bases together and apply a controlling voltage to the common base wire. You are now controlling two outputs from one input. Another configuration is to tie the emitters and the collectors together. Feed two controlling voltages to each base. You can now control one voltage by either of two inputs. Many variations of a parallel configuration exist; experiment to obtain the voltage outputs you want.

    Combination Cascoding

    • You can combine series and parallel cascoding for an almost infinite number of inputs and outputs. For example, take the output of a series cascoded pair and use it to control the base of one of the parallel cascoded pairs. Conversely, you can parallel two sets of series cascoded pairs, using four transistors. By doing this, you can control two outputs with one to four inputs, depending on how you tie the bases together.

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