Explain clipper and clamper.


Q.) Explain clipper and clamper.

Subject: Electronic Devices and Circuits

Clipper:

A clipper circuit is a nonlinear electronic circuit that limits the amplitude of an input signal to a predetermined range. Clipping can be used to remove unwanted portions of a signal, such as noise or distortion, or to shape a signal to a desired waveform.

There are two main types of clippers:

  • Positive clipper: A positive clipper limits the positive amplitude of an input signal to a predetermined value, while allowing the negative amplitude to pass through unchanged.
  • Negative clipper: A negative clipper limits the negative amplitude of an input signal to a predetermined value, while allowing the positive amplitude to pass through unchanged.

Clippers can be implemented using a variety of electronic components, such as diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers. The simplest clipper circuit is a diode clipper, which consists of a diode connected in series with the input signal. When the input signal exceeds the forward bias voltage of the diode, the diode conducts and clamps the signal to the forward bias voltage.

Clamper:

A clamper circuit is a nonlinear electronic circuit that shifts the DC level of an input signal to a predetermined value. Clamping can be used to remove unwanted DC offsets from a signal, or to set the DC level of a signal to a desired value.

There are two main types of clampers:

  • Positive clamper: A positive clamper shifts the DC level of an input signal to a predetermined positive value, while allowing the AC component of the signal to pass through unchanged.
  • Negative clamper: A negative clamper shifts the DC level of an input signal to a predetermined negative value, while allowing the AC component of the signal to pass through unchanged.

Clampers can be implemented using a variety of electronic components, such as diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers. The simplest clamper circuit is a diode clamper, which consists of a diode connected in parallel with a capacitor. The capacitor is charged to the peak value of the input signal, and the diode clamps the signal to the voltage across the capacitor.

Comparison of Clippers and Clampers:

  • Clippers limit the amplitude of an input signal, while clampers shift the DC level of an input signal.
  • Clippers can be used to remove unwanted portions of a signal, such as noise or distortion, or to shape a signal to a desired waveform. Clampers can be used to remove unwanted DC offsets from a signal, or to set the DC level of a signal to a desired value.
  • Clippers are typically implemented using diodes, transistors, or operational amplifiers. Clampers are typically implemented using diodes and capacitors.

Applications of Clippers and Clampers:

Clippers and clampers are used in a wide variety of electronic applications, including:

  • Audio signal processing: Clippers and clampers can be used to reduce noise and distortion in audio signals.
  • Video signal processing: Clippers and clampers can be used to adjust the brightness and contrast of video signals.
  • Data transmission: Clippers and clampers can be used to limit the amplitude of data signals to prevent distortion.
  • Power supplies: Clippers and clampers can be used to regulate the output voltage of power supplies.