Explain how diode is used as clippers.

Diode as a Clipper

A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only. This property can be used to clip a signal, which means to remove a portion of the signal that is above or below a certain threshold.

Basic Diode Clipper Circuit

The most basic diode clipper circuit consists of a diode and a resistor connected in series. The diode is placed in the forward direction, so that current can flow through it. The resistor is connected in series with the diode to limit the current flow.

When the input signal is positive, the diode conducts and the output signal is equal to the input signal minus the voltage drop across the diode. When the input signal is negative, the diode does not conduct and the output signal is zero.

The threshold voltage of the clipper is determined by the forward voltage drop of the diode. The higher the forward voltage drop, the higher the threshold voltage.

Applications of Diode Clippers

Diode clippers are used in a variety of applications, including:

• Peak clipping: Diode clippers can be used to clip the peaks of a signal. This can be useful for preventing distortion in an audio system or for protecting a circuit from damage.
• Valley clipping: Diode clippers can be used to clip the valleys of a signal. This can be useful for removing noise from a signal or for creating a square wave.
• Limiting: Diode clippers can be used to limit the amplitude of a signal. This can be useful for preventing damage to a circuit or for creating a signal that is within a specified range.

Types of Diode Clippers

There are two main types of diode clippers:

• Positive clippers: Positive clippers clip the positive peaks of a signal.
• Negative clippers: Negative clippers clip the negative peaks of a signal.

The type of clipper that is used depends on the application.

Design Considerations

When designing a diode clipper circuit, the following factors should be considered:

• The threshold voltage: The threshold voltage is the voltage at which the diode starts to conduct.
• The forward voltage drop: The forward voltage drop is the voltage that is dropped across the diode when it is conducting.
• The current limit: The current limit is the maximum current that can flow through the diode.
• The type of diode: The type of diode that is used depends on the application.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Diode Clippers

Diode clippers are relatively simple and inexpensive to build. They are also very effective at clipping signals. However, diode clippers can introduce distortion into the signal. This distortion can be minimized by using a low-forward-voltage-drop diode.