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11.11:

Clipper Circuit

JoVE Core
Electrical Engineering
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JoVE Core Electrical Engineering
Clipper Circuit

Lingue

Condividere

A clipper circuit is a wave-shaping tool that uses diodes to modify waveforms.

These circuits are common in TVs, radar transmitters, and receivers.

Consider a dual-clipper circuit consisting of two ideal diodes, each connected to a biasing battery, and a resistor.

During the positive half-cycle of the input AC signal, diode D1 is forward-biased by the input signal and reverse-biased by the biasing battery. In contrast, diode D2 is reverse-biased by both.

If the input voltage is less than the biasing voltage, diode D1 acts as an open switch, resulting in the output reflecting the same applied voltage.

However, when the input voltage exceeds the biasing voltage, diode D1 becomes forward-biased, blocking the input voltage and leaving no signal at the output.

For the negative half-cycle, a similar process occurs with diode D2 clipping the signal and the output voltage being limited by D2's biasing voltage.

The resistance value is meticulously selected to balance adequate forward diode current and minimal voltage drop from the reverse diode current.

11.11:

Clipper Circuit

A clipper circuit is a fundamental wave-shaping device that harnesses the unique properties of diodes to alter and control waveform characteristics. This technology is widely used in electronic devices, especially in television and radar communication systems, where it enhances waveform modulation in both transmitters and receivers.

The operation of a clipper circuit can be exemplified by analyzing a dual-clipper configuration setup that integrates two ideal diodes, each paired with a biasing battery and arranged in parallel to a resistor. The operation of the circuit depends on the phase of the input AC signal. During the positive half-cycle, when the input voltage is less than the battery voltage connected with diode A, it behaves like an open switch, allowing the applied voltage to pass unaltered.

The clipping action becomes apparent when the input voltage exceeds the biasing battery's voltage. Under such circumstances, diode A transitions to a forward-biased condition, effectively acting as a barrier to the input voltage. The output voltage gets clipped to a constant value equal to the biasing battery voltage and the diode B remains reverse-biased.

In the negative, diode B performs the clipping role. The resultant output voltage is constrained by the biasing voltage of diode B. The selection of the resistor value is critical, aiming to strike a balance that ensures sufficient forward current for the diode while minimizing the impact of voltage drop due to reverse current flow. Through such mechanisms, clipper circuits provide a robust tool for waveform manipulation, enhancing the performance and efficiency of electronic systems.