CLIPPERS

Series Clippers

• The diode in a series

clipper “clips” any voltage
that does not forward bias
it:

• A reverse-biasing polarity

• A forward-biasing polarity
less than 0.7 V (for a
silicon diode)
Biased Clippers

• Adding a DC source in series with the clipping diode changes the effective
forward bias of the diode.
Parallel Clippers

• The diode in a parallel

clipper circuit “clips” any
voltage that forward bias
it.

• DC biasing can be added in

series with the diode to
change the clipping level.
Sample Problem 1

Sketch the VO for the given

network.
Sample Problem 2

Sketch the VO for the given

network.
Sample Problem 3

Sketch the VO for the given

network.
Summary of Clipper Circuits
Summary of Clipper Circuits
CLAMPERS
Clampers

• A diode and capacitor can

be combined to “clamp”
an AC signal to a specific
DC level.
Clampers
• 1. Start the analysis of clamping networks by considering that part of the
input signal that will forward bias the diode.

• 2. During the period that the diode is in the “on” state, assume that the
capacitor will charge up instantaneously to a voltage level determined by
the network.

• 3. Assume that during the period when the diode is in the “off” state the
capacitor will hold on to its established voltage level.

• 4. Throughout the analysis maintain a continual awareness of the location

and reference polarity for vo to ensure that the proper levels for vo are
obtained.

• 5. Keep in mind the general rule that the total swing of the total output
must match the swing of the input signal.
Sample Problem 4

Sketch the VO for the given

network.
Sample Problem 5

Sketch the VO for the given

network.
Biased Clampers Circuits

• The input signal can be

any type of waveform such
as sine, square, and
triangle waves.

• The DC source lets you

adjust the DC clamping
level.
Sample Problem 6

Sketch the VO for the given

network.
Summary of Clamper Circuits