EXPERIMENT 5

Operation of Clipper Circuits

OBJECTIVES

 To understand the basic application of diode like clipper

 To understand the basic circuit of clamper and implement their practical implementation

THEORY
1 Introduction

A semiconductor diode is a non-linear device, which behaves as a small resistance in its forward
direction and acts as a large resistance in its reverse direction. This is displayed in the Volt- Ampere
(V-I) characteristic which is a graph of current vs. voltage for a diode. By linearizing the V-I
characteristic, a diode circuit model is obtained known as a piecewise linear model.

2 Diode clipper circuits

A clipper is a circuit in which the output of an input sinusoidal (or any time-dependent signal)
waveform can be clipped at different levels. A clipping circuit requires at least two fundamental
components, a diode and a resistor. A DC battery, however, is also frequently used. The output
waveform can be clipped at different levels simply by interchanging the position of the various
elements and changing the magnitude of the DC battery. Generally, ideal diodes are considered
and the complete analysis can be based on non-ideal diodes with specific V-I characteristic.
For networks of this type, it is often helpful to consider particular instants of the time-varying input
signal to determine the state of the diode (ON or OFF). Keep in mind that even the though input
varies, at a specific time instant this time varying signal can be replaced by a DC source of the
same value. Figure 1 shows examples of various clipping circuits. Please note that the inputto all
circuits is a sinusoidal waveform.

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 V V
out out
+ + + +
R R
V V V t V V
in out in out
V V V
- - - -

V
V out
out
+ +
R
V V V
in out in out
V V
- -

Figure 1: Clipping circuits

For two circuits on the left, the maximum output voltage is clipped at Vout = V. (Ideal
diode) For two circuits on the right the minimum output voltage is clipped at Vout= V. (Ideal
diode) For a non-ideal diode, maximum or minimum output voltage is Vout = V + Vd, or –V
- Vd where Vd is the voltage drop across the diode.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
a) Construct the clipping network. Record the measured resistance value and
voltage of the D cell. Note that the input is an 8 Vp p Square wave at a frequency of
1000 Hz.

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b) Using the measured values of R, E and VT calculate the voltage VO when the applied square wave is +4V,
that is, for the interval when the input is +4V. what is the level of V O ? Show all the steps of yours
calculations to determine VO

c) Using the sensitivities set the input square wave and record VO using oscilloscope. Be sure to
preset the VO = 0 V line using ground position of the coupling switch and the DC position to view
the waveform.

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 Lab Exercise and Summary
Summary should cover Introduction, Procedure, Data Analysis and Evaluation.

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50
Student’s Signature: Date: _

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 LABORATORY SKILLS ASSESSMENT (Psychomotor)

Total Marks: 100

Criteria Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Score
(Max Marks) 0% ≤ S < 50% 50% ≤ S< 70% 70% ≤ S< 90% 90%≤ S ≤100% (S)
Selects Selects and applies Selects and applies Selects and applies
inappropriate skills appropriate skills the appropriate appropriate
Procedural and/or strategies and/or strategies strategies and/or strategies and/or
Awareness required by the task. required by the task skills specific to the skills specific to the
(20) with major errors. task without task without any
significant errors. error.

Makes major critical Makes numerous Makes some non- Applies the
errors in applying critical errors in critical errors in procedural
Practical procedural applying procedural applying procedural knowledge in
Implementation knowledge related to knowledge related to knowledge related to optimized ways
(30) operation of clipper operation of clipper operation of clipper related to
circuit circuit circuit operation of clipper
circuit
Shows little Demonstrates Demonstrates Actively helps to
Participation commitment to commitment to commitment to identify, achieve
to Achieve Group achieve group goals achieve group goals, achieve group goals group goals and
Goals and fails to perform but has difficulty in and carries out works effectively to
(10) assigned roles. performing assigned assigned roles meet them in all
roles. effectively. roles assumed.

Rarely interacts Interacts with other Interacts with all Interacts positively
Interpersonal positively within a group members if group members with all group
Skills in group, even with prompted. spontaneously. members and
Group Work prompting. encourages such
(10) interaction in others.

Uses tools, Uses tools, Uses tools, Uses tools,

equipment and equipment and equipment and equipment and
Use of
Tool/Equipment materials with materials with some materials with materials with a
(20) limited competence. competence. considerable high degree of
competence. competence.

Requires constant Requires some Follows safety Routinely follows

reminders to follow reminders to follow procedures with safety procedures.
Safety safety procedures. safety procedures. only minimal
(10) reminders.

Marks Obtained

Instructor Name: _______________________ Sign: _______________________

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 LABORATORY SKILLS ASSESSMENT (Affective)
Total Marks: 40

Criteria Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

Score
(Max. Marks) 0% ≤ S < 50% 50% ≤ S < 70% 70% ≤ S < 90% 90% ≤ S ≤ 100%
Introduction Very little Introduction is brief Introduction is Introduction
(5) background with some minor nearly complete, complete and well-
information mistakes missing some minor written; provides all
provided or points necessary
information is background
incorrect principles for the
experiment
Procedure Many stages of the Many stages of the The procedure could The procedure is well
(5) procedure are not procedure are be more efficiently designed and all
entered on the lab entered on the lab designed but most stages of the
report. report. stages of the procedure are entered
procedure are on the lab report.
entered on the lab
report.
Data Record Data is brief and Data provides some Data is almost Data is complete and
(10) missing significant significant complete relevant. Tables with
pieces of information but has some minor units are provided.
information. and has few critical mistakes. Graphs are labeled.
mistakes. All questions are
answered correctly.
Data Analysis Data is presented Data is presented in Data is presented in Data is presented in
(10) in very unclear ways that are not ways that can be ways that best
manner. clear enough. understood and facilitate
interpreted. understanding and
interpretation.

Report Quality Report contains Report is somewhat Report is well Report is well
(10) many errors. organized with some organized and organized and
spelling or cohesive but cohesive and contains
grammatical errors. contains some no grammatical
grammatical errors. errors. Presentation
seems polished.

Marks Obtained
LABORATORY SKILLS ASSESSMENT (Cognitive) Total Marks: 10

(If any)

Marks Obtained

Instructor’s Signature: ________________ Date: ________________

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