The clipper is a device that is used for limiting and preventing some part of the waveform over or below level. It is a circuit that limits the positive or negative parts of a wave or both according to the application of called clipping circuit. There are different types of clipper circuits used for different projects.
SERIES POSITIVE CLIPPER
- For series positive clipper diode is configured in series with output as seen below image. When the positive half of the input voltage, is at point A concerning B. Revere biases diode it is and works like an open switch. So all connected voltage losses diode and not about resistor in result, not output voltage at the time of the positive half cycle of input voltage
- For the negative half cycle of input voltage, Terminal B is positive according to A. So it is a forward-biased diode and works as a closed switch. There is no voltage losses about the diode at the time of the negative half cycle of input voltage. The input voltage is losses about the resistor.
- Clipper prevents one or both polarities of the signal from crossing a certain amplitude level. But the positive clipper is removed or clip positive half completely. This circuit is called a positive clipper and the noted diode works as a series switch for source and load.
SERIES NEGATIVE CLIPPER
For series negative clipper diode is connected with direction positive with the positive clipper. The circuit of the negative clipper can seen here

- For the positive half cycle of voltage terminal A is positive according to terminal B. The diode is forward biased and it works like a closed switch. As a result, all input voltage shows about the resistor. At the time of the negative half cycle of input voltage, terminal B is positive according to A.So diode is reverse-biased and works as an open switch and no voltage losses for the resistor at the time of negative half-cycle
- It can check that if required to remove or clip the negative half cycle of input just reverse the polarity of the diode.
SHUNT OR PARALLEL POSITIVE CLIPPER
The parallel clipper circuit follows diode theory and the circuit working is a resistor and diode connected in series combination with input signals and the output signal is about the diode.
The output is parallel with the diode so is called a parallel clipper that can limit the positive or negative of the input signal. Here you can see the positive clipper in the circuit. The diode works as a closed switch for input voltage is positive and an open switch when input is negative. The output signal is like a series of positive clippers in parallel clippers and provides the development of a diode in the cut-off.
How do you use a series diode?
- There are two types of configuration for diode series, A point-to-point is configured in a series having cathodes connected and anodes towards each other. For these conditions, one zener diode is forward biased and the other is reversely biased
What is diode as clipping circuit for pulse shaping application?
- Wave shaping circuits clip off part of signal voltage over or below a certain point or add or restore DC level with the electrical signal. It converts one signal with another type of wave.
How is diode used as clipper?
- If the diode is forward biased that helps the current to flow and clamp the voltage. If the diode is reverse biased no current passes through it and the voltage about terminals is not affected this working of the diode is clipping the circuit.
How does a series negative clipper circuit work?
- At the time of the positive cycle, the input diode works as forward biased and the input signal is shown at output. At the time of the negative cycle, the diode works as reverse-biased and does not work. The negative reference voltage is applied shown at output.
What is the voltage of diode clipping?
- Diode features of forward voltage or Vf is the voltage that helps to clip signal of high voltage. If the Vf of the diode is 0.5 V then a wave of less than 0.5V flows. Signals more than 0.5 will clipped to 0.5V.
How does diode clamping work?
- The diode clamp comes with a diode that operates current in a single direction and avoids signal crossing reference value and capacitors that provdie DC offset from the stored charge.
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