Question

Ideally, for non linear operation, a transistor should be biased so that the Q-point is ________

(a) near saturation

(b) near cut off

(c) where Ic  is maximum

(d) halfway between cut off and saturation

This question was posed to me in a job interview.

Origin of the question is Input Bias and Offset Currents of the Bipolar Differential Amplifier in chapter Differential and Multistage Amplifiers of Electronic Devices & Circuits

Answer 1

Correct option is (d) halfway between cut off and saturation

The best I can explain: If Q-point is near to saturation then positive clipping of input signal, and to cutoff then negative clipping of input signal, if IC is maximum then Q-point is in saturation region. Linear operation means output varies according to input without any distortion.