In
electronic circuits, we often need to control the voltage to prevent signals
from being too high or too low. At this time, the clipper circuit is used. Its
function is to "clip" the unnecessary parts of a signal and keep the
waveform within an appropriate range. For example, a positive clipper will remove
the positive half of the signal, while a negative clipper will remove the
negative half. Understanding these principles helps us design more stable
circuits.
This
article will tell you what a clipper circuit is and, combined with clear
clipper circuit diagrams, introduce various types of clipper circuits and their
practical uses.
What
is a Clipper Circuit?
A
clipper circuit is a kind of circuit used to "clip" the parts with
excessively high or low voltages, without changing the other parts of the
signal. This kind of circuit usually uses diodes to control the output waveform
and is often used in signal processing and voltage regulation. Unlike a
limiter, a clipper circuit will completely remove the signal that directly
exceeds the set range. So, what is a clipper? Simply put, it's actually a
simple way to control voltage that can protect electronic components or make
signals more standard.
How
Clipper Circuits Work
The
clipper circuit is a kind of circuit used to "clip off" parts with
excessively high or low voltage. It mainly uses diodes, and sometimes bias
voltages, to control the signal from exceeding a set voltage level, preventing
the voltage from being too high and affecting the following circuits.
When
a signal enters the circuit, the diode in the clipper circuit responds
depending on the direction of the voltage:
• If the voltage direction makes the
diode conduct (forward-biased), current flows through the diode to ground or
the bias voltage, and that part of the signal gets “clipped.”
• If the voltage direction makes the
diode not conduct (reverse-biased), the signal passes through normally and is
not clipped.
By
adjusting the direction of the diode and setting different bias voltages, the
circuit can be made to clip just the positive half, the negative half, or both
sides of the signal. Finally, the clipper circuit will remove the signals that
exceed the range, making the output waveform more regular, thereby achieving
the purposes of signal shaping, voltage limiting, or protecting components.
Types
of Clipper Circuits
Next,
let's have an in-depth understanding of several common types of clipper
circuits, including positive clipper, negative clipper, and combination
clipper.
1.
Positive Clipper Circuit
The
function of the positive clipper is to "clip off" the voltage of the
positive half of the input signal, that is, to limit it so that it does not go beyond
a certain voltage level. This type of circuit is generally implemented by
series or parallel connection of a diode, and there are mainly three common
forms:
• Series
Positive Clipper: A diode and a resistor are connected
in series. When the input signal is positive, the diode is reverse-biased and
doesn't conduct, which means clipping off this part of the current--so the
positive voltage is cut clipped.
• Parallel
Positive Clipper: The diode is connected in parallel with
the resistor. When the signal is positive and exceeds a certain voltage, the
diode conducts and diverts the extra voltage.
• Biased
Positive Clipper: Adding a DC bias voltage to the
circuit can make the clipping start above or below 0V for more precise control.
Positive Clipper Circuit Diagram:
This
clipper circuit diagram shows how the diode blocks the positive voltage. It’s a
standard positive series clipper configuration.
2.
Negative Clipper Circuit
A
negative clipper is a circuit used to "clip off" the negative half of
the input voltage in a signal. Its basic idea is similar to a positive clipper
circuit. Common types include:
• Series
Negative Clipper: The diode is connected in series
with the load, but in the opposite direction to the series positive clipper. It
is used to block the negative voltage.
• Parallel
Negative Clipper: A diode is connected in parallel in
a circuit. When the voltage is negative and below a certain level, the diode
conducts and leads this part of the voltage to ground.
• Biased
Negative Clipper: With an added bias voltage, the
negative clipper can start clipping below 0V, making the output easier to
control.
Negative Clipper Circuit Diagram:
This
clipper circuit diagram illustrates how the diode clips the negative part of
the signal below a set level. It’s a common negative series clipper design.
3. Combination Clipper
This
kind of circuit can simultaneously clip both the positive and negative halves
of the signal, combining the functions of the positive and negative clipper.
• Dual
Diode Clipper: Dual Diode Clipper: Two diodes in
opposite directions are used. One is responsible for cutting off the positive
peak, and the other for cutting off the negative peak.
• Biased
Combination Clipper: By adding a bias voltage on the
basis of a dual diode, the clipper voltage range can be controlled more
accurately and is often used in signal processing and waveform adjustment.
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Applications
of Clippers
The
application of clippers has become very common in various electronic systems,
mainly including the following areas:
• Voltage
protection: Prevents electronic components from
being damaged by excessive voltage, commonly used in power supply circuits.
• Signal
conditioning: Used in communication systems to limit
and shape signals to meet processing requirements.
• Waveform
shaping: Generates specific waveforms, such as
square waves or pulses, in function generators or waveform control circuits.
• Noise
elimination: Removes high-frequency spikes in audio
or analog signal processing.
• Voltage
regulation: Controls output voltage levels by
clipping, ensuring downstream circuits operate within safe voltage ranges.
Conclusion
Whether
it's a positive clipper, a negative clipper, or a combination of positive and
negative clipper, each type of clipper circuit has its own specific use.
By
learning different clipper circuit diagrams, you can control signal voltage
more effectively and improve your circuit design. A proper diode clipper
circuit not only protects your components but also improves signal quality.
