Why Does Clipping Start With a 2.85 Volt Ouput Ehen Vceg = 5.4 Volts?

A user with a single-stage common-emitter voltage amplifier using a 2N3904 transistor and partial emitter resistor bypass observed clipping starting at a 2.85 V RMS output despite a Vceg of 5.4 V. The circuit parameters included R1 = 3.9 kΩ, R2 = 1.5 kΩ, RC = 3.3 kΩ, RE1 = 1.5 kΩ, RE2 = 120 Ω, RL = 2.2 kΩ, and supply Vcc = 20 V. The user expected symmetrical clipping at ±5.4 V but found clipping onset at a lower output voltage. Responses clarified that clipping occurs due to transistor saturation or cutoff, and Vceg does not directly set clipping limits. The gain calculated from the resistor values was closer to 2 rather than the intended 10, indicating a mismatch in design. Suggestions included recalculating bias resistors to reduce loading, increasing load resistance, lowering emitter resistance, and removing the emitter bypass capacitor to adjust gain and biasing. Peak-to-peak voltage measurements were recommended over RMS for clipping analysis. References to educational materials on BJT clipping and biasing were provided to aid understanding. The discussion emphasized the importance of correct biasing, load impedance, and gain setting to achieve symmetrical clipping and proper amplifier operation.
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