# what would the drain voltage be if NMOS source voltage is not ground?

Hi I'm a beginner trying to learn CMOS cuicuit.

Let's say we have two NMOS connected as shown. Given: A, B, C are connected to Vdd = 5V; VtM1 = 0.6V is the threshold voltage of M1; VtM2 = 0.5V is the threshold voltage of M2.

Could someone please explain why the voltage of node "y" is Vy = Vdd - VtM1 - VtM2 ? (which means if the input of M2, Vx = 5V - 0.6V = 4.4V, the output of M2 is Vy = 4.4V - 0.5V = 3.9V ?)

The voltage at node Y is not what you say it is:

$$V_Y\ne V_{DD}-V_{THM1}-V_{THM2}$$

Rather,

$$V_Y=V_{DD}-max\left(V_{THM1},V_{THM2}\right)$$

So, for $V_{DD}=5\rm{V}$, $V_{THM1}=0.6\rm{V}$, and $V_{THM2}=0.5\rm{V}$, then $V_Y=4.4\rm{V}$. M1 is in saturation with $V_{DSM1}=0.6\rm{V}$, while M2 is in triode with $V_{DSM2}=0\rm{V}$.

If you flipped them around, so that $V_{THM1}=0.5\rm{V}$ and $V_{THM2}=0.6\rm{V}$, then they would both be in saturation. M1 would have $V_{DSM1}=0.5\rm{V}$, and M2 would have $V_{DSM2}=0.1\rm{V}$. $V_Y$ would still be $4.4\rm{V}$.

I should note that, since the body is disconnected from the S/D terminals, these MOSFETs will experience body effect. Therefore their threshold voltages will be substantially higher than we have considered in this analysis.

• Hi Zeke, I've elaborated my original question a little bit. Do you know the answer? – Liz Apr 18 '15 at 3:27