Experiment No: 04
Name of the Experiment: Clipper and Clamper circuits
Objectives:
This experiment aims to explore and understand the behaviour of clipper and clamper
circuits. Clippers are designed to remove portions of the input signal that exceed specific
voltage levels, either on one or both sides of the waveform, utilizing diodes and biasing
techniques. Clamper circuits, on the other hand, add a DC voltage component to the input
signal, effectively shifting the waveform either upward or downward along the voltage
axis. The experiment aims to analyze the input-output relationships for various
configurations of clipper and clamper circuits, study their theoretical basis, and compare
these findings with practical observations using an oscilloscope.
Apparatus List:
1. p-n Junction Diode: 1N4007 (1 piece)
2. Resistor: 100KΩ (1 piece)
3. Capacitor: 0.1µF (1 piece)
4. Signal Generator: 1 unit
5. Trainer Board: 1 unit
6. DC Power Supply: 1 unit
7. Oscilloscope: 1 unit
8. Digital Multimeter: 1 unit
9. Chords and Wires: As required
Result Analysis
The experiment successfully demonstrated the functioning of clipper and clamper
circuits, fulfilling the objectives outlined. The expected behaviour was observed for the
clipper circuits (series and parallel configurations): portions of the input waveform were
either removed or limited based on the diode orientation and applied bias voltage
(VbV_b). A noticeable DC offset was added to the input signal in the clamper circuit,
shifting the waveform vertically.
In Procedure-4, as VbV_b decreased from 2.5V to 0V, the clipping threshold in the
clipper circuits moved closer to zero, resulting in a reduced clipping effect. Similarly, the
clamper circuit showed a diminishing DC shift. These results aligned well with
theoretical predictions, reflecting the impact of bias voltage on diode operation.
In Procedure-5, increasing VbV_b from 2.5V to 5V caused the clipping threshold to rise
in the clipper circuits, cutting off more waveform peaks. The clamper circuit exhibited a
more significant DC shift, amplifying the waveform's upward displacement. These
changes were consistent with the expected behaviour of diodes under varying bias
voltage conditions.
Overall, the results validated the theoretical models for both circuit types and showcased
how diodes influence signal shaping through clipping and clamping actions.
Question and Answers:
1. Using values from your data table for all the circuit diagrams, plot the
input-output waveforms observed on the oscilloscope for =2.5V.
Ans: Plot the input-output waveforms observed on the oscilloscope for Vb = 2.5 V.
For Vb = 2.5 V, the output waveforms for each circuit are as follows:
Figure 4.6(a) - Series Clipper (a):
The output Vo is clipped at − 2.32 V −2.32V for the negative half-cycle.
The positive half-cycle remains unchanged.
Waveform: Negative half-cycle clipped below − 2.32 V −2.32V, positive half-cycle
intact.
Figure 4.6(b) - Series Clipper (b): The output voltage Vois clipped at 2.32 V
for the positive half-cycle. The negative half-cycle remains unchanged.
Waveform: Positive half-cycle clipped above 2.32 V 2.32V, negative half-cycle intact.
Figure 4.7(a) - Parallel Clipper (a): The output voltage V o V o shows clipping at
3.20 V 3.20V (positive) and − 4.80 V −4.80V (negative).
Waveform: Both half-cycles are clipped symmetrically around these levels.
Figure 4.7(b) - Parallel Clipper (b): The output voltage Vo has
Vmax =−2V and
Vmin =−13V.
Waveform: Asymmetrical clipping, likely due to diode biasing or circuit configuration.
Figure 4.8(a) - Clamper (a): The output is a shifted input version, adding a DC offset.
Waveform: The signal shifts upwards or downwards depending on the clamper type.
Figure 4.8(b) - Clamper (b): Similar to (a), but with different DC offset values.
Waveform: Adjusted DC level, preserving AC characteristics.
2. For Fig 4.6(a &b), Fig 4.7 (a & b) and Fig 4.8 (a & b), what change did you
observe in the output voltage In procedure 4? Explain the reason behind such a
change.
Ans: Changes observed in output voltage in Procedure-4 (decreasing Vbfrom 2.5V to
0V) and explanation.
Figure 4.6(a) & (b) - Series Clippers: As Vb decreases, the clipping threshold reduces.
For (a), the negative clipping level moves closer to 0V;
for (b), the positive clipping level decreases.
Reason: The bias voltage V b V b sets the clipping threshold. Lower Vbreduces the
voltage required to turn on the diode, causing clipping at lower amplitudes.
Figure 4.7(a) & (b) - Parallel Clippers: For (a), clipping levels for both half-cycles may
converge toward the diode forward voltage ( ∼ 0.7 V ∼0.7V).
For (b), the asymmetry changes as V b V b alters the biasing.
Reason: Parallel clippers rely on Vb to set reference levels. Reducing Vbbrings clipping
closer to the natural diode threshold.
Figure 4.8(a) & (b) - Clampers: The DC offset decreases as V b V b reduces, shifting
the waveform closer to the original AC signal.
Reason: Vb directly affects the DC level added by the clamper. Lower Vb results in less
offset.
3. For Fig 4.6(a &b), Fig 4.7 (a & b) and Fig 4.8 (a & b), what change did you
observe in the output voltage In procedure-5? Explain the reason behind such a
change.
Ans: Changes observed in output voltage in Procedure-5 (increasing V b V b from 2.5V
to 5V) and explanation.
Figure 4.6(a) & (b) - Series Clippers: For (a), the negative clipping level becomes more
negative;
for (b), the positive clipping level increases.
Reason: Higher Vb raises the voltage needed to turn on the diode, extending the clipping
range.
Figure 4.7(a) & (b) - Parallel Clippers: For (a), clipping levels widen symmetrically.
For (b), the asymmetry may increase with one half-cycle clipped more severely.
Reason: Increased Vb pushes the clipping thresholds further from the centre, amplifying
the effect.
Figure 4.8(a) & (b) - Clampers: The DC offset increases, shifting the waveform further
up (positive clamper) or down (negative clamper).
Reason: Vbdirectly scales the DC component added by the clamper circuit.
Discussion
Through this experiment, We gained practical insights into the behaviour and
functionality of clipper and clamper circuits. Clippers demonstrated their ability to
modify sinusoidal waveforms by removing portions of the signal above or below a
specific voltage level, depending on the diode orientation and biasing. Clamper circuits
effectively added a DC voltage component to shift the input signal vertically along the
voltage axis. The experiment reinforced the theoretical principles of diode-based circuits
and clarified how diodes interact with voltage sources to shape signals.
The data and graphs obtained were broadly consistent with theoretical expectations. For
the clipper circuits, the observed clipping thresholds aligned well with the calculated
values, confirming the role of the bias voltage ( 𝑉 𝑏 ) in determining the clipping level.
Similarly, the output waveform exhibited the anticipated DC shift in the clamper circuit.
However, slight deviations were noted, possibly due to imperfections in the diodes or
variations in component tolerances. During the experiment, challenges included
achieving precise bias voltages and observing stable oscilloscope readings. Fluctuations
may have been caused by noise in the input signal or limitations in the equipment, such
as ageing diodes or resistors with non-ideal properties. Additionally, the accuracy of
manual measurements posed limitations.
Ensuring high-quality components, properly calibrating the oscilloscope, and minimizing
noise in the input signal are recommended to improve results. Overall, this experiment
successfully met its objectives, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application
and enhancing our understanding of signal-shaping circuits.
