When the load resistance is small compared to the collector resistance,
the voltage gain of a CE stage becomes small and the amplifier may
become overloaded. One way to prevent overloading is to use a
common-collector (CC) amplifier or emitter follower. This type of
amplifier has a large input impedance and can drive small load
resistances. In addition to emitter followers, this chapter discusses
Darlington amplifiers, improved voltage regulation, and common-base
(CB) amplifiers.
