LBYEC76 Experiment 2

De La Salle University
College of Engineering
Electronics and Communications Engineering
Experiment Number : 2
Experiment Title : Clipping and Clamping Circuits
Date Performed : 16 March 2018
Date Submitted : 13 April 2018
Instructor : Engr. Blanca Bucao

Subject/Section : LBYEC76
Name : Sonny Boy P. Aniceto Jr.
Presentation :_____________
Data and Results :_____________
Analysis and Conclusion :_____________
Answers to Questions :_____________
Total :_____________
Remarks
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Instructor’s Signature:
_____________________
Objectives
● To observe the output waveform of a series and parallel clipper with a
sinusoidal wave as the input.
● To observe the output waveform of a series and parallel clamper with a
sinusoidal wave as the input.
● To observe the effect of the orientation of the diode on the clipping
circuits.
● To observe the effect of the orientation of the diode on the clamping
circuits.
Theory
CLIPPING CIRCUITS
In some applications, it is necessary to change the shape of a waveform before

processing can take place. A clipping circuit is used to remove the unwanted
portion of the signal. This type of a circuit is often used to eliminate high
amplitude noise pulse from capacitive or inductive elements in the circuit. It
is also used to maintain a certain voltage.
A. Series Clipper
Figure 2.1 shows a basic diode clipper.

Current will pass through the resistor R1
only when the Silicon diode is forward
biased, that is, when anode is 0.7V more
positive than the cathode. During this
state, the diode acts like a closed
switch. Otherwise, it will act like an
open switch allowing no voltage to be
developed across the output. As a result,
part of the positive half-cycle defined by the voltage between 0.7V to the
peak positive voltage is reproduced at the output. Signals lower than 0.7V
are removed.
Figure 2.2 shows how the circuit will look

like if the Silicon diode is turned
around. In this case, the diode conducts
whenever the input signal supplies a
voltage between the negative peak voltage
and negative 0.7V. Otherwise, the diode
acts like an open switch above -0.7V are
removed.
Notice that Figures 3.1 and 3.2 are

called series clippers because in both
cases, the diode is in series with the
output.
B. Biased Series Clipper
The Clipping level can be changed by

biasing one side of the diode above or
below 0V. this is achieved by adding a
bias voltage in series with the resistor R1.
Figure 2.3 shows that the cathode is held at 5V. Thus, the anode needs at
least 5.7V in order for the Silicon diode to conduct. As a result, the
input signal between 5.7V to the positive peak is reproduced at the
output. Signals below 5.7V are removed.
Reversing the orientation of the diode in

Figure 2.3 will result in the circuit
shown in Figure 2.4. This time, the anode
is held at +5V and the cathode needs to be
less than +5.7V in order for the Silicon
diode to conduct. As a result, the input
signal between the negative peak to -4.3V
is reproduced. Signals above -4.3V are
removed.
C. Shunt (Parallel) Clipper
The shunt clipper performs the same task.

However, in this configuration, the output
is taken across the diode. When the diode
is reverse biased, the output will be take
from the input signal. On the other hand,
if the diode is forward biased, the output
voltage is 0.7V (the voltage drop across
the diode).
Figure 2.5 shows a positive shunt clipper.
The diode conducts when the input supplies
the anode with a signal greater than 0.7V.
During this state, the output is forced to
0.7V. When the diode is not conducting, it
is like an opened switch. The output is
now forced to reproduce the input signal.
If we wish to clip the negative half-
cycle, we simply turn the diode around as
shown in Figure 2.6.
D. Biased Shunt (Parallel) Clipper
Like in its series counterpart, the

clipping level can be adjusted, but this
time, this is done by introducing a bias
voltage in series with the diode.
Figure 2.7 shows that the cathode of the

Silicon diode is held to 5V. Thus, the
anode requires at least 5.7V to allow
current to pass through. As a result, the
output will read 5.7V whenever the diode
is conducting. Otherwise, the diode will
be open and the output is equal to the
input source.
Figure 2.7 shows how the circuit can be
modified to remove negative peaks below
-5.7V.
If we wish to remove the positive peaks

above 5.7V, we simply reverse the
orientation of the diode and the bias
voltage as shown in Figure 2.8.
E. Double Level Slicer (Double Diode

Clipper)
This type of a circuit is used to limit

both extremes of the input waveform. A
double level slicer circuit, which uses
two biased diodes, is shown in Figure
2.9. The cathode of D1 is held at 5V,
thus clipping off any part of the input
signal that would drive its anode
greater than 5.7V. Meanwhile, the
cathode of D2 is held at -5V, thus,
clipping off any part of the input
signal that would drive its anode below
-5.7V.
Therefore, the signal level between -5.7V and 5.7V is reproduced at the
output. Signals not within this range are removed.
Clamping Circuits
Clamping circuit is a diode element that changes the DC level of the input
signal. The typical components of a clamping circuit are diode, capacitor,
resistor, and reference DC voltage source.
A. Simple Clamper
Based from Figure 2.10, the Silicon diode

is forward biased during the negative
half-cycle of the input signal Vin. With
the diode replaced by its equivalent
model, the output voltage Vo becomes -
0.7V. During this period, the capacitor
will charge up to maximum voltage, Vc
equal to Vm - 0.7V. Vm is the peak
voltage of the input signal. During the
positive half-cycle of the input
waveform, the diode is reverse biased and
the capacitor hold its established
voltage. REplacing the diode with an
open circuit, the output voltage Vo
becomes 2Vm - 0.7V.
B. Biased Clamper
Based from Figure 2.11, the Silicon

Diode is forward biased during the
positive half-cycle of the input signal Vin. With the diode replaced by its
equivalent model, the output voltage Vo becomes + 5.7. During this period, the
capacitor will charge up to maximum voltage, Vc equal to Vm - 5.7. Vm is the
peak voltage of the input signal. During the negative half-cycle of the input
waveform, the diode is reverse biased and the capacitor hold its established
voltage. Replacing the diode with an open circuit, the output voltage Vo becomes
-2Vm + 5.7V.
Materials
● 2 - DC Regulated Power Supply (GW Instek GPC-3030)
● 1 - 220:3-4.5-6-9-12 Vac Transformer
● 1- Signal Generator (GW Instek GAG-809)
● 1 - Dual-Trace Oscilloscope (GW Instek GOS-635G)
● 1 - ANalog VOM (Sanwa YX-360TRF)
● 2 - IN4001 Diode; D1, D2
● 1 - 1.2kΩ Resistor; R1
● 1 - 120kΩ Resistor; R2
● 1 - 47μF Electrolytic Capacitor; C1
● 1 - Breadboard (Project Board GL-23)
● Connecting Wires
Procedures
Clipping Circuits
A. Series Clipper
1. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 2.1 and set the transformer to supply
an input voltage of 4.5 Vrms.
2. Set the vertical resolution of both channels of the oscilloscope to 5
volts/div. Be sure to center the trace of both channels with the coupling
switch set to GND position.
3. Connect CH1 (the input channel) across the input source and CH2 (the
output channel) across the 120kΩ resistor. Set VERT MODE to DUAL. Set AC-
GND-DC switch of CH1 to AC and AC-GND-DC switch of CH2 to DC. Adjust the
horizontal resolution to display 2 complete cycles on the screen.
4. Plot the input and output waveforms in Graph 2.1. Specify the peak voltage
and clipping line level of the output waveform.
Vertical Control Horizontal

Setting Control Setting
CH1:
No. of Div: 1.3 No. of Div: 3.2
Volts/Div: 5 Time/Div 5mS
CH2:
No. of Div: 1.2 Vo(pk): 6 volts
Volts/Div: 5 Clipping Line: 0
volts
Graph 2.1
5. Reverse the orientation of the diode and repeat Procedures 2 and 3. Plot
the input and output waveform in Graph 2.2. Specify the peak voltage and
clipping line level of the output waveform.
CH1:
CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

No. of Div: 1.2 Clipping Line: 0
Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 2.2

and input voltage of 4.5 Vrms.
output channel) across the series combination of R1 and the battery. Set
VERT MODE to DUAL. Set AC-GND-DC switch of CH1 to AC and AC-GND-DC switch
of CH2 to DC.
9. Adjust the horizontal resolution to display 2 complete cycles on the
screen.
10. Plot the input and output waveforms in Graph 2.3. Specify the peak
voltage and clipping line level of the output waveform.

CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 2.3
11. Reverse the orientation of the diode and repeat Procedures 7 to 9.

12. Plot the input and output waveform in Graph 2.4. Specify the peak
CH1:
CH2:
volts
Graph 2.4

13. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 2.5 and set the transformer to
supply and input voltage of 4.5 Vrms.
14. Set the vertical resolution of both channels of the oscilloscope to
5 volts/div. Be sure to center the trace of both channels with the
coupling switch set to GND position.
output channel) across the diode. Set VERT MODE to DUAL. Set AC-GND-DC
switch of CH1 to AC and AC-GND-DC switch of CH2 to DC.
screen.
Vertical Horizontal
Control Setting Control Setting
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 2.5
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

No. of Div: 1.2 Clipping Line:
Volts/Div: 5 0 volts
Graph 2.6

output channel) across the series combination of D1 and the battery. Set
of CH2 to DC.
screen.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

No. of Div: 1.2 Clipping Line: -
Graph 2.7
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 2.8
E. Double Level Slicer (Double Diode Clipper)

output channel) across the diode and source combination. Set VERT MODE to
DUAL. Set AC-GND-DC switch of CH1 to AC and AC-GND-DC switch of CH2 to DC.
Then adjust the horizontal resolution to show at least 2 complete cycles
on the screen.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 ±5 volts
Graph 2.9
Clamping Circuits
A. Simple Clamper
31. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 2.10 and set the signal
generator to supply a square-wave input voltage of 10 peak-to-peak, 1kHZ.
GND-DC switch of CH1 to AC and AC-GND-DC switch of CH2 to DC.
34. Adjust the horizontal resolution to show at least 2 complete cycles
on the screen.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:
No. of Div: 1.3 No. of Div: 1

Volts/Div: 5 N/A
Graph 2.10
B. Biased Clamper
on the screen.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:
CH2: Vo(pk): 12.5

No. of Div: 1.2 volts
Volts/Div: 5 Clipping Line:
N/A
Graph 2.11
Computer Simulation
41. Turn on the computer
42. Using Electronic Workbench MULTISIM 8, simulate the clipping circuit

in Figure 2.7. WIth the input AC voltage source st to 4.5 Vrms, draw the
output waveform as seen from the oscilloscope in Graph 2.12.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 2.12
43. Compare the output waveforms in Graphs 2.7 and 2.12. Note down your
observations regarding two output waveforms.
Comparing the two waveforms, the graph obtained from the simulation has
the Input and Output voltages in perfect sync while the graph obtained using the
Oscilloscope has the Output Voltage leading the Input Voltage by a small
difference. However, in the general appearance, the two graphs are very similar.
44. Using Electronic Workbench MULTISIM 8, simulate the clamping circuit
in Figure 2.11. With the input AC voltage source set to 4.5 Vrms, draw the
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 2.13
Graphs 2.11 and 2.13 are very similar except in Graph 2.13, the charging
of the capacitor can be seen as a sudden increase and decrease in voltage.
Data and Results
Clipping Circuits
A. Series Clipper
an input voltage of 4.5 Vrms.
GND-DC switch of CH1 to AC and AC-GND-DC switch of CH2 to DC. Adjust the
horizontal resolution to display 2 complete cycles on the screen.
4. Plot the input and output waveforms in Graph 3.1. Specify the peak voltage
and clipping line level of the output waveform.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:
CH2:
volts
Graph 3.1
5. Reverse the orientation of the diode and repeat Procedures 2 and 3. Plot
the input and output waveform in Graph 3.2. Specify the peak voltage and
clipping line level of the output waveform.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 3.2

and input voltage of 4.5 Vrms.
output channel) across the series combination of R1 and the battery. Set
of CH2 to DC.
screen.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 3.3

Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 3.4

output channel) across the diode. Set VERT MODE to DUAL. Set AC-GND-DC
switch of CH1 to AC and AC-GND-DC switch of CH2 to DC.
screen.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 3.5
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 3.6

output channel) across the series combination of D1 and the battery. Set
of CH2 to DC.
screen.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

No. of Div: 1.2 Clipping Line: -
Graph 3.7
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 3.8
E. Double Level Slicer (Double Diode Clipper)

output channel) across the diode and source combination. Set VERT MODE to
DUAL. Set AC-GND-DC switch of CH1 to AC and AC-GND-DC switch of CH2 to DC.
Then adjust the horizontal resolution to show at least 2 complete cycles
on the screen.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 ±5 volts
Graph 3.9
Clamping Circuits
C. Simple Clamper
on the screen.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:
No. of Div: 1.3 No. of Div: 1

Volts/Div: 5 N/A
Graph 3.10
D. Biased Clamper
on the screen.
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 N/A
Graph 3.11
Computer Simulation
41. Turn on the computer

42. Using Electronic Workbench MULTISIM 8, simulate the clipping circuit
in Figure 2.7. WIth the input AC voltage source st to 4.5 Vrms, draw the
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 3.12
Comparing the two waveforms, the graph obtained from the simulation has
the Input and Output voltages in perfect sync while the graph obtained using the
Oscilloscope has the Output Voltage leading the Input Voltage by a small
difference. However, in the general appearance, the two graphs are very similar.
44. Using Electronic Workbench MULTISIM 8, simulate the clamping circuit
in Figure 2.11. With the input AC voltage source set to 4.5 Vrms, draw the
Vertical Horizontal
CH1:

Volts/Div: 5 volts
Graph 3.13
Graphs 2.11 and 2.13 are very similar except in Graph 2.13, the charging
of the capacitor can be seen as a sudden increase and decrease in voltage.
Analysis and Conclusion:
Questions:
1. Is the amplitude of the output exactly half of the input signal in:
a. The graphs of the series clipper circuits? If no, state why.
No, the amplitude of the output graph is not half the input signal.
The output is not half the input because the clipper circuit does
not alter the value of the input voltage, it only removes the
negative or positive half of the wave. It however halves the peak-
to-peak amplitude of the wave.
b. The graphs of the parallel clipper circuits? If no, state why.

c.
No, the amplitude of the output graph is not half the input signal.
The output is not half the input because the clipper circuit does
not alter the value of the input voltage, it only removes the
negative or positive half of the wave. It however halves the peak-
to-peak amplitude of the wave.
2. If the graphs of the series and parallel clipper circuits reveal equal
amplitudes for their respective input and output waveforms, what can be
done to increase the accuracy of the reading?
If the peak to peak amplitudes of the input and output are same for both
series and parallel clippers, then the circuit should be checked to make sure it
is connected properly or replace the diode with a newer or working one.
3. For the series clippers in Figures 2.1 and 23.2, what part of the input
signal is retained if the “arrowhead” of the diode schematic is pointing
to the right? To the left?
For figure 3.1, if the arrowhead is pointed to the right, the circuit is
forward biased therefore the positive signals more than the 0.7V of the silicon
is retained in the oscilloscope, if the arrowhead is pointing to the left,
negative signals (less than 0.7V) are retained in the reading.
4. For the parallel clippers in Figure 2.5 and 2.6, what part of the input
signal is retained if the “arrowhead” of the diode schematic is pointing
upwards? Downwards?
For figure 3.5 and 3.6, if the arrowhead is pointing downwards, the
negative signal below the 0.7V is retained while if the arrowhead is pointing
upwards, the positive signal above 0.7V is retained.
5. For the biased series clipper, what can you say about the bias voltage’s
relation with the clipping level?
The clipping level depends on the biased voltage that is added to the
circuit. For biased series clipper, the clipping level is equal to the knee
voltage of the diode plus the biased voltage in the circuit.
6. What will happen if the orientation of both diodes in the double level
slicer of Figure 2.9 is reversed? Will the circuit still work?
When the orientation of both diodes is reversed, the output will have a
rectangular waveform and there will be polarities that is opposite of the input.
The circuit will still work.
7. What are the application and uses of clipper circuits?

Clipper circuits can be used to protect transistors from transient
effects. It can be also be applied in television receivers to separate
synchronizing signals from composite picture signals. They are also used in FM
transmitters to remove excess noise above a certain level.
8. What are the application and uses of clamper circuits?
Clamping circuits can be used to remove the distortions in a circuit and

to identify its polarity. It can be also used as voltage doublers and for
modeling the existing waveforms toa required shape and range. Clamping circuits
are also applied and used in testing equipment and sonar systems.
9. Answer Exercise 2: Type of Diodes and Exercise 3: Design of Clipping and

Clamping circuits.
Exercise 2
TYPES OF DIODES
Complete the table.
Type of Schemat Actual Basic Construction Characteristic Applicatio

Diode ic Component Curve ns and
Symbol Uses
Rectifie Used to
r Diode allow
electric
current to
flow in
only one
direction
Zener Used to
Diode maintain
fixed
voltage
across
terminals
Useful in
Schottky voltage
Diode clamping
and
prevention
of
transistor
saturation
Tunnel Used for
Diode microwave
systems
Varactor Tuning /
Diode varactor
diodes are
often used
in Radio
Frequency
design.
Photodio Converts
de light into
current
Shockley Used in
Diode switched-
mode power
supplies
Light- Used to
Emitting emit light
Diode when a
current is
passed
through
the device
Thyrecto Used to
r Diode suppress
voltage
surges and
transients

LBYEC76 Experiment 2

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

LBYEC76 Experiment 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

De La Salle University

Instructor : Engr. Blanca Bucao

In some applications, it is necessary to change the shape of a waveform before

Figure 2.1 shows a basic diode clipper.

Figure 2.2 shows how the circuit will look

Notice that Figures 3.1 and 3.2 are

B. Biased Series Clipper

The Clipping level can be changed by

Reversing the orientation of the diode in

C. Shunt (Parallel) Clipper

The shunt clipper performs the same task.

D. Biased Shunt (Parallel) Clipper

Like in its series counterpart, the

Figure 2.7 shows that the cathode of the

If we wish to remove the positive peaks

E. Double Level Slicer (Double Diode

This type of a circuit is used to limit

Based from Figure 2.10, the Silicon diode

Based from Figure 2.11, the Silicon

Vertical Control Horizontal

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

B. Biased Series Clipper

Vertical Control Horizontal

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

11. Reverse the orientation of the diode and repeat Procedures 7 to 9.

C. Shunt (Parallel) Clipper

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

D. Biased Shunt (Parallel) Clipper

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

E. Double Level Slicer (Double Diode Clipper)

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

CH2: Vo(pk): 20 volts

CH2: Vo(pk): 12.5

41. Turn on the computer

42. Using Electronic Workbench MULTISIM 8, simulate the clipping circuit

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

Data and Results

CH2: Vo(pk): 0 volts

B. Biased Series Clipper

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

11. Reverse the orientation of the diode and repeat Procedures 7 to 9.

CH2: Vo(pk): 5 volts

C. Shunt (Parallel) Clipper

CH2: Vo(pk): 0 volts

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

D. Biased Shunt (Parallel) Clipper

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

CH2: Vo(pk): 5 volts

E. Double Level Slicer (Double Diode Clipper)

CH2: Vo(pk): 5 volts

CH2: Vo(pk): 20 volts

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

41. Turn on the computer

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

CH2: Vo(pk): 6 volts

Analysis and Conclusion:

b. The graphs of the parallel clipper circuits? If no, state why.

7. What are the application and uses of clipper circuits?

8. What are the application and uses of clamper circuits?

Clamping circuits can be used to remove the distortions in a circuit and