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Basic Electronics
Course Code: ECE 422
Clipper and Clamper
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Objectives

After this lesson, the students should be able to:

• Explain and analyze the operation of diode limiters and clampers
• Describe the operation of a diode limiter
• Describe the operation of a diode clamper.
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Introduction

• Clippers are networks that employ diodes to “clip” away a portion of an

input signal without distorting the remaining part of the applied waveform.
• Also known as diode limiters because they limit or clip the positive part or
the negative part of the input voltage.
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GENERAL CATEGORIES OF CLIPPERS

SERIES CLIPPERS - series configuration is defined as one where the diode is in

series with the load.

PARALLEL CLIPPERS - parallel variety has the diode in a branch parallel to the
load.
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Series Clipper
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Example 1. Unbiased Series Clipper

Determine Vo for the network shown if
the diode is a) ideal b)Silicon
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Example 2. Biased Series Clipper

Determine Vo for the network shown if
the diode is a) ideal b)Silicon
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Series Clipper
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Unbiased Parallel Clipper

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Example 3. Biased Parallel Clipper

Determine Vo for the network
shown
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Example 4. Biased Parallel Clipper

Repeat example 3 using a Silicon
diode.
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Unbiased Parallel Clipper

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Example 5. Unbiased Parallel Clipper

What would you expect to see displayed on an
oscilloscope connected across RL in the limiter
shown in the figure.
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Biased Parallel Clipper

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Biased Parallel Clipper

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Example 6. Biased Parallel Clipper

Determine the output voltage waveform as shown in the circuit combining a

positive limiter with a negative limiter.
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Parallel Clipper
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Clipper application
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Example 7. Clipper application

Describe the output voltage waveform
for the diode limiter as shown
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Clampers

A clamper is a network constructed of a diode, a resistor, and a capacitor

that shifts a waveform to a different dc level without changing the
appearance of the applied signal.
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Clampers

• Clamping networks have a

capacitor connected directly
from input to output with a
resistive element in parallel with
the output signal.
• The diode is also in parallel with
the output signal but may or may
not have a series dc supply as an
added element.
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Network Analysis

1. Start the analysis by examining the response of the portion 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 surrounding network.
3. Assume that during the period when the diode is in the “off” state the capacitor
holds on to its established voltage level.
4. Throughout the analysis, maintain a continual awareness of the location and defined
polarity for Vo to ensure that the proper levels are obtained.
5. Check that the total swing of the output matches that of the input.
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Example 8. Clamper

Determine Vo for the network shown.

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Try to solve

Repeat problem using a silicon diode with VK = 0.7 V.

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Clampers
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END of PRESENTATION
Prepare for a long Quiz next week.