Unit 1

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Clamper circuits
Clamper definition
A clamper is an electronic circuit that changes the DC level of a signal to the desiredlevel without
changing the shape of the applied signal. In other words, the clamper circuit moves the whole signal
up or down to set either the positive peak or negativepeak of the signal at the desired level.
The dc component is simply added to the input signal or subtracted from the input signal. A clamper
circuit adds the positive dc component to the input signal to push it to the positive side. Similarly, a
clamper circuit adds the negative dc component to
the input signal to push it to the negative side.
If the circuit pushes the signal upwards then the circuit is said to be a positive clamper. When the
signal is pushed upwards, the negative peak of the signal meets
the zero level.
On the other hand, if the circuit pushes the signal downwards then the circuit is saidto be a negative
clamper. When the signal is pushed downwards, the positive peak of the signal meets the zero level.
The construction of the clamper circuit is almost similar to the clipper circuit. The only difference is
the clamper circuit contains an extra element called capacitor. Acapacitor is used to provide a dc offset
(dc level) from the stored charge.
A typical clamper is made up of a capacitor, diode, and resistor. Some clampers contain an extra
element called DC battery. The resistors and capacitors are used inthe clamper circuit to maintain an
altered DC level at the clamper output. The clamper is also referred to as a DC restorer, clamped
capacitors, or AC signal level shifter.
Types of clampers
Clamper circuits are of three types:
 Positive clampers
 Negative clampers
 Biased clampers
 Positive clamper
The positive clamper is made up of a voltage source V i, capacitor C, diode D, and load resistor RL.
In the below circuit diagram, the diode is connected in parallel withthe output load. So the positive
clamper passes the input signal to the output load when the diode is reverse biased and blocks the
input signal when the diode
is forward biased.
During negative half cycle:
During the negative half cycle of the input AC signal, the diode is forward biased and hence no signal
appears at the output. In forward biased condition, the diode
allows electric current through it. This current will flows to the capacitor and charges it to the peak
value of input voltage Vm. The capacitor charged in inverse polarity (positive) with the input voltage.
As input current or voltage decreases after attainingits maximum value -Vm, the capacitor holds the
charge until the diode remains forward biased.
During positive half cycle:
During the positive half cycle of the input AC signal, the diode is reverse biased andhence the signal
appears at the output. In reverse biased condition, the diode does not allow electric current through
it. So the input current directly flows towards the output.
When the positive half cycle begins, the diode is in the non-conducting state and thecharge stored in
the capacitor is discharged (released). Therefore, the voltage appeared at the output is equal to the
sum of the voltage stored in the capacitor (Vm)and the input voltage (Vm) { I.e. Vo = Vm+ Vm =
2Vm} which have the same polarity with each other. As a result, the signal shifted upwards.
The peak to peak amplitude of the input signal is 2V m, similarly the peak to peak amplitude of the
output signal is also 2Vm. Therefore, the total swing of the output issame as the total swing of the
input.
The basic difference between the clipper and clamper is that the clipper removes the unwanted portion
of the input signal whereas the clamper moves the input signalupwards or downwards.
 Negative clamper
During the positive half cycle of the input AC signal, the diode is forward biased and hence no signal
appears at the output. In forward biased condition, the diode allowselectric current through it. This
current will flows to the capacitor and charges it to the peak value of input voltage in inverse polarity
-Vm. As input current or voltage decreases after attaining its maximum value Vm, the capacitor holds
the charge untilthe diode remains forward biased.
During the negative half cycle of the input AC signal, the diode is reverse biased and hence the signal
appears at the output. In reverse biased condition, the diode does not allow electric current through it.
So the input current directly flows towardsthe output.
When the negative half cycle begins, the diode is in the non-conducting state andthe charge stored in
the capacitor is discharged (released). Therefore, the voltageappeared at the output is equal to the sum
of the voltage stored in the capacitor (-Vm) and the input voltage (-Vm) {I.e. Vo = -Vm- Vm = -
2Vm} which have the same polarity with each other. As a result, the signal shifted downwards.
 Biased clampers
Sometimes an additional shift of DC level is needed. In such cases, biased clampers are used. The
working principle of the biased clampers is almost similar to the unbiased clampers. The only
difference is an extra element called DC battery is introduced in biased clampers.
Positive clamper with positive bias
If positive biasing is applied to the clamper then it is said to be a positive clamperwith positive bias.
The positive clamper with positive bias is made up of an AC voltage source, capacitor, diode, resistor,
and dc battery.
During the positive half cycle, the battery voltage forward biases the diode when theinput supply
voltage is less than the battery voltage. This current or voltage will flows to the capacitor and charges
it.
When the input supply voltage becomes greater than the battery voltage then the diode stops allowing
electric current through it because the diode becomes reversebiased.

During the negative half cycle, the diode is forward biased by both input supply voltage and battery
voltage. So the diode allows electric current. This current will flows to the capacitor and charges it.
Positive clamper with negative biasDuring negative half cycle:
During the negative half cycle, the battery voltage reverse biases the diode whenthe input supply
voltage is less than the battery voltage. As a result, the signal appears at the output.
When the input supply voltage becomes greater than the battery voltage, the diodeis forward biased
by the input supply voltage and hence allows electric current through it. This current will flows to the
capacitor and charges it.
During the positive half cycle, the diode is reverse biased by both input supply voltage and the battery
voltage. As a result, the signal appears at the output. The signal appeared at the output is equal to the
sum of the input voltage and capacitorvoltage.
Negative clamper with positive biasDuring positive half cycle:

During the positive half cycle, the battery voltage reverse biases the diode when theinput supply
voltage is less than the battery voltage. When the input supply voltage becomes greater than the
battery voltage, the diode is forward biased by the input supply voltage and hence allows electric
current through it. This current will flows tothe capacitor and charges it.
During the positive half cycle, the diode is reverse biased by both input supply voltage and the battery
voltage. As a result, the signal appears at the output. The signal appeared at the output is equal to the
sum of the input voltage and capacitorvoltage.
Negative clamper with positive biasDuring positive half cycle:

During the positive half cycle, the battery voltage reverse biases the diode when theinput supply
battery voltage, the diode is forward biased by the input supply voltage and hence allows electric
current through it. This current will flows tothe capacitor and charges it.
During the negative half cycle, the diode is reverse biased by both input supplyvoltage and battery
voltage. As a result, the signal appears at the output.
Negative clamper with negative biasDuring positive half cycle:

During the positive half cycle, the diode is forward biased by both input supply voltage and battery
voltage. As a result, current flows through the capacitor andcharges it.
During the negative half cycle, the battery voltage forward biases the diode when the input supply
battery voltage, the diode is reverse biased by theinput supply voltage and hence signal appears at the
output.
Clipper Circuits
A clipper is a device that limits, removes, or prevents some portion of the waveform
(input signal voltage) above or below a certain level In other words the circuit which
limits positive or negative amplitude, or both is called a clipping circuit. The clipper
circuits are of the following types.
1. Series positive clipper
2. Series negative clipper
3. Shunt or parallel clipper
4. Shunt or parallel positive negative
5. Clipper Dual (combination)Diode clipper
SERIES POSITIVE CLIPPER

In a series positive clipper, a diode is connected in series with the output, as shown in
Fig 1(a).During the positive half of the input voltage, terminal A is positive with respect
to B. These reverse biases the diode and it acts as an open switch Therefore all the
applied voltage drops across the diode and none across the resistor as a result of this
there is no output voltage duringthe positive half cycle of the input voltage.
Figure 1: Series Positive Clipper
During the negative half cycle of the input voltage, terminal B is positive with respect
to A. Therefore, it forward biases the diode and it acts as a closed switch. Thus there is
no voltage drop across the diode during the negative half cycle of the input voltage. All
the input voltage is dropped across the resistor as shown in the output waveform.
Clippers prevent either or bothpolarities of a wave from exceeding a specific amplitude
level. However, a positive Clipper is that which removes or clips the positive half
completely. Hence the circuit of the Fig 2.1 is called a positive Clipper Here it may be
noted the diode acts as a series switch between the source and load. Due to this reason,
the circuit is called a series positive clipper.
Merits:
 Clips the positive peaks of the input signal to a preset clipping level
 Produces a clipped output waveform symmetrical around 0 volts
 A simple circuit using just a diode, resistor, and voltage source
 The clipping level is easily adjusted via the DC bias voltage
 Can modify waveform shape and reduce the peak-to-average ratio
 Often used for AM modulation to limit modulation index
Demerits:
 Distorts the signal by flattening/clipping positive peaks
 May introduce high-frequency harmonics due to clipping
 Clipper output still contains negative peaks of the input signal
 Clipping level very sensitive to diode forward voltage drop
 Power dissipation across the diode if clipping large signals
 Input and output impedance mismatch can distort waveshapes
In summary, series positive clippers provide a simple means to limit positive voltage
swings but at the expense of distorting the waveform shape. The merits make them useful
for AM radiotransmitters. But the non-linear clipping can produce unwanted harmonics
and power loss in some applications.
Applications Of Series Positive Clipper Circuits
AM Radio Transmitters
 Used to limit audio modulation index to 100%
 Clips positive audio peaks to prevent over-modulation
 Keeps transmitted signal within the bandwidth
Waveform Clamping
 Clips signals to precise voltage levels
 Shifts waveform vertically by controlling clip level
 Creates precise trigger levels for digital circuits
Peak Reduction
 Reduces peak-to-average power ratio
 Allows transmitting higher average power in radio systems
 Prevents signal peaks from causing distortions
Wave Shaping
 Modifies waveform by flattening tops of peaks
 Changes waveshape to approach square or trapezoid
 Alters harmonics and frequency content
Noise Reduction
 Clipping can reduce noise and hum amplitude
 Lower noise peaks result in a higher signal-to-noise ratio
In summary, series positive clippers are commonly used to limit peak amplitudes in
transmitters, shape waveforms, set clamping levels, reduce noise, and prevent over-
modulation in AM radio broadcasting. The simple diode-based circuit clips positive
peaks to achieve theseeffects.
SERIES-POSITIVE CLIPPER WITH BIAS

Sometimes it is desired to remove a small portion of the positive or apposite halt cycle
of the signal voltage (input signal). For this purpose a biased clipper is used Fig 2 shows
the circuit of a biased series positive clipper.
Figure 2: Series Positive Clipper with Bias
It may be observed that the clipping takes place during the positive cycle only when the
input voltage is greater than the battery voltage (i.e. Vi > VB). The chipping level can
be shifted up or down by varying the bias voltage (VB)
SERIES NEGATIVE CLIPPER

In a series negative clipper a diode is connected in a direction appositive to that of a
positive clipper Fig 3 shows the circuit of a negative clipper.
Figure 3: Series Negative Clipper
During the positive half cycle of the voltage, terminal A is positive with respect to
terminal BThere for the diode is forward biased and it acts it as a closed switch As a
result, all the input voltage appears across the resistor as shown in Fig 3(b). During the
negative half cycle of the input voltage, terminal B is positive with respect to the
terminal A. Therefore, the diode is reverse biased and it acts as an open switch, Thus
there is no voltage drop across the resistor during the negative half cycle as shown in
the output waveform. It may be observed that if it is desired to remove or clip the
negative half-cycle of the input, the only thing to be done is to reverse the polarities of
the diode in the circuit shown in Fig 1 such a clipper is then called a series negative
clipper
Merits:
 Clips the negative peaks of the input signal to a set clipping level
 Produces a clipped waveform symmetrical around 0 volts
 A simple circuit using a diode, resistor, and DC bias voltage
 The clipping level is easily adjusted via the bias voltage
 Can modify waveform shape and reduce the peak-to-average ratio
 Often used in AM transmitters to limit modulation index
Demerits:
 Distorts signal by flattening/clipping negative peaks
 May introduce high-frequency harmonics due to clipping
 The output signal retains positive peaks of the input waveform
 Clipping level very sensitive to diode forward voltage drop
 Power dissipation in diode for large input signals
 Impedance mismatch can further distort the clipped shape
In summary, series negative clippers provide a simple method to limit negative voltage
swings but distort the waveform. The merits make them useful for AM radio. But the
nonlinear clipping can produce unwanted harmonics and power loss in some
applications.
SERIES-NEGATIVE CLIPPER WITH BIAS
Fig 4 shows the circuit of a biased series negative diver. In this circuit, clipping takes
place during the negative half cycle only when the input voltage V i > VB the clipping
level can be shifted up or down by varying the bias voltage ( -VB)
Figure 4: Series Negative Clipper with Bias SHUNT OR

PARALLEL POSITIVE CLIPPER
A parallel clipper circuit uses the same diode theory and circuit operation a resistor and
diode are connected in series with the input signal and the output signal is developed
across the diode. The output is in parallel with the diode hence the circuit name is
parallel clipper the parallel clipper can limit either the positive or negative alternation
of the input signal Fig 5 shows the circuit of a shunt positive clipper In this circuit. The
diode acts as a closed switch when the input voltage is positive (i.e. V i > 0 and as an
open switch when the input voltage is negative (i.e. Vi< 0) the output waveform is the
same as that of a series positive clipper in the parallel clippers the alp will develop when
the diode is cut off.
Figure 5: Shunt Parallel Positive Clipper SHUNT OR PARALLEL POSITIVE

CLIPPER WITH BIAS
As is in Fig 6 (a), the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the cathode of the
diode. This causes the diode to be reversed-biased at all times except when the input signal is more positive than
the bias voltage(i e Vi > VB). it will be interesting to know that if the polarity of the bias voltage is reversed,
the resulting circuits will be as shown in Fig 6(b) Here the input signal lying above the voltage —VB has clipped
the waveforms of the output voltage is also shown with figures
Figure 6: Bias Shunt Parallel Positive Clipper SHUNT OR PARALLEL NEGATIVE

CLIPPER
The negative clipper has allowed to pass the positive half cycle of the input voltage and
clippedthe negative half cycle completely Fig 7 shows the shunt (parallel) negative clipper.
Figure 7: Shunt Parallel Negative Clipper

In such a circuit the diode acts as a closed switch for a negative input voltage
(i.e. Vi < O) andas an open switch for a positive input voltage (i.e. V i O) the output
waveform of the Circuit is the same as that of the series negative clipper.
SHUNT OR PARALLEL NEGATIVE CLIPPER WITH BIAS

In such a circuit clipping take place during the negative half cycle only when the input
voltage(Vi < VB) the clipping level can be shifted up or down by varying the bias voltage (—VB). It will be
interesting to know that if the polarity of the bias voltage is reversed, then the resultingcircuits will be as shown
in Fig 8 (b) Here the entire signal below the voltage level VII has been clipped off.
Figure 8: Biased Shunt/Parallel Negative Clipper DUAL (COMBINATION) DIODE

CLIPPER
The type of clipper combines a parallel negative clipper with a negative bias (D1 and
B2) and aparallel positive bias (D1 and B1). Hence the combination of a biased positive clipper and a biased
negative clipper is called a combination or dual diode clipper. Such a clipper circuit can clip at both two
dependent levels depending upon the bias voltages. Fig 9(a) shows the circuit of a dual (combination) clipper.
Figure 9: Dual Diode Clipper

Let us suppose a sinusoidal ac voltage is applied at the input terminals of the circuit.
Then during the positive half cycle, the diode D1 is forward biased, while diode D2 is reverse. biased. Therefore
the diode D1 will conduct and will act as a short circuit. On the other hand, diode D2 will act as an open circuit.
However, the value of output voltage cannot exceed the voltage level of VB1 as Shown in Fig 9. Similarly,
during the negative input half-cycle, diode D2 acts as a short circuit while the diode D1 as an open circuit
However the value of output voltage cannot exceed the voltage level of VB2 It may be noted that the clipping
levels of the circuit be varied by changing the values of VB1 and VB2 If the values of VB1 and VB2 are equal,
the circuit will clip both the positive and negative half cycles at the same voltage level. Such a circuit is known
as a symmetrical clipper

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lOM oARcPSD|30344290

Clamper circuits are of three types:

During negative half cycle:

During positive half cycle:

During positive half cycle:

During negative half cycle:

Positive clamper with positive bias

During positive half cycle:

During negative half cycle:

During positive half cycle:

Negative clamper with positive biasDuring positive half cycle:

During positive half cycle:

Negative clamper with positive biasDuring positive half cycle:

During negative half cycle:

Negative clamper with negative biasDuring positive half cycle:

During negative half cycle:

SERIES POSITIVE CLIPPER

Figure 1: Series Positive Clipper

SERIES-POSITIVE CLIPPER WITH BIAS

Figure 2: Series Positive Clipper with Bias

SERIES NEGATIVE CLIPPER

Figure 3: Series Negative Clipper

 Often used in AM transmitters to limit modulation index

SERIES-NEGATIVE CLIPPER WITH BIAS

Figure 4: Series Negative Clipper with Bias SHUNT OR

Figure 5: Shunt Parallel Positive Clipper SHUNT OR PARALLEL POSITIVE

the waveforms of the output voltage is also shown with figures

Figure 6: Bias Shunt Parallel Positive Clipper SHUNT OR PARALLEL NEGATIVE

Figure 7: Shunt Parallel Negative Clipper

SHUNT OR PARALLEL NEGATIVE CLIPPER WITH BIAS

Figure 8: Biased Shunt/Parallel Negative Clipper DUAL (COMBINATION) DIODE

Figure 9: Dual Diode Clipper

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