Aim: To assemble a clipper circuit and observe the output waveforms.

Apparatus: Function generator, CRO, resistor, connecting wires, diode.

Formula:
Ideal diode Practical diode
Forward bias VA ≥ VK VA ≥ VK + VD

Reverse bias VA < VK VA < VK + VD

Where, VD is the knee voltage. For Si = 0.7 v & Ge = 0.3 v

Theory:
Diode working:
A diode can be in one of the following two states or condition.
1. Forward bias: A diode is said to be in forward biased condition if net potential at
anode is greater than the net potential at cathode i.e. VA ≥ VK.

2. Reverse bias: A diode is said to be in reverse biased condition if net potential at

anode is less than the net potential at cathode i.e. VA < VK.
Clippper circuits:
Certain applications in electronics require that the upper or lower extremity of a wave
be fixed at a specific value. In such applications, a CLIPING (or CLIPPER) circuit is used. A
clipping circuit clips or restrains either the upper or lower extremity of a waveform to a fixed
dc potential.
Clipper circuits are devices designed to prevent output of circuit from exceeding a
predetermined voltage level without distorting remaining part of applied waveform. Thus,
need for clipper circuits arise when certain portion of any arbitrary waveform needs to be
clipped near the positive or negative peaks.
Let us consider a positive parallel clipper with positive bias. We consider a silicon
diode.
Positive half cycle:
I. 0V to 6V :
In this mode, VA < VK. So, diode is reverse biased. Hence, output is
same as input.
II. 6V to 12V :
Here, VA > VK, diode is forward biased. Hence, output is the series
addition of 6 v (battery) & 0.7 v (VD) i.e. VO = 6.7 v. Here we have
considered a practical diode.
Negative half cycle:
 In this half cycle, VA < VK so, diode is again reverse biased. Hence, output is
same as input.

Applications
Clipper circuits are of great use for transmission purposes, in TV sets and FM
transmitters. It is also used for amplifiers and different types of op-amps through which we
can do various mathematical operations.
Clamper circuits:

Consider a negative clamping circuit, a circuit that shifts the original signal in vertical
downward direction, shown in fig. below With +ve input, diode D is forward biased and
capacitor C charges with the polarity shown, during the +ve half cycle of input, the output
voltage is equal to diode forward voltage VF and the capacitor is charged to V-VF. When the
input goes –ve, the diode is reverse biased and has no further effect on the capacitor
voltage. R being of very high value cannot discharge C by very much during the –ve (or +ve)
portion of the input waveform. With negative input, the output voltage is the sum of the input
voltage and the capacitor voltage i.e. –V-(V-VF) or –(2V-VF). Thus peak-to-peak output
being the difference of the –ve and +ve peak voltage levels is equal to VF –[-2V-VF)] or 2V.

If the diode in fig. above is reconnected with reversed polarity, the circuit becomes a
positive clamping circuit. The +ve clamping circuit shifts the original signal in vertical
upward direction.

Applications
One common application of clamping circuit is the DC restorer circuit in analog television
receiver, which returns the voltage of the signal during the back porch of the line blanking period to
0V. Clamper circuit’s plays important rule in electronics by producing desired voltage signals.

Procedure:
1. Connect the circuit components as shown in the circuit diagram.
2. Now connect the supply from function generator across the input.
3. Connect reference voltage of proper magnitude and polarity
4. Connect the output terminals to the CRO and note the waveforms.
5. Repeat above steps for various reference voltages
Conclusion:
The output waveforms for positive unbiased clipper, positive clipper with positive
bias and positive clipper with negative bias have been observed and noted within limits of
experimental errors.

Circuit diagram with input & output waveforms

Clippper circuits:

Clamper circuits: