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This is likely a simple question that has an equally simple answer. Below is the associated schematic.

MOSFET Amplifier

The problem I'm having is identifying what state M2 is in, and what the voltage is at Va. I know that M1 is in cutoff (Vin = 0V < 1V). I also know that M2 will either be in triode or saturation, depending on the value of the drain voltage, Va. Furthermore, there's no current going into the gate of M3. So, The drain of M2 is basically left floating.

Unfortunately, my book neglects to mention how to determine the voltage on the drain/source in such situations.

My question, then, is how do I determine the voltage of Va? Also, what's the general rule of thumb when connections are left floating?

NOTE: My thought is that Va is around 10V, being that the MOSFET is on. That is, because the MOSFET can be modeled as a wire when it's on (broadly speaking), Va is really the same as node Vdd. At least that's my thought.

Any input is appreciated. And yes, this is homework.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Floating means that there is no conductive path to or from the node. Floating nodes have indeterminate voltage. But is this node floating? According to the information you have provided, it seems that M1 and M3 do not provide any conductive path to or from node VA. Does M2 provide a conductive path to VA? Note that just because there is a conductive path does not mean that there is current flowing. It just means that current can flow if there is a voltage difference (or gradient). If there is a conductive path from one node to another, but current is zero, voltages must be equal at the nodes. \$\endgroup\$
    – user57037
    Commented Apr 29, 2015 at 18:47

1 Answer 1

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Looks to me that M2 is partially open, which means it conducts some current, while M1 conducts no current. This means that the only connection to Va is a weak pullup, thus Va will have +10V. You can think of it as a voltage divider, where M1 and M2 have are approximated by R_M1 and R_M2 resistance (R_M1 is almost infinite resistance, R_M2 is not). Then you can calculate:

10 volt * R_M1 / (R_M2 + R_M1) = 10 volt if R_M1 >> R_M2

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