1

ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS FOR BIOLOGICAL

ENGINEERING LABORATORY
BE154L/A43/4Q1920

ACTIVITY NO. 5

DIODE WAVE SHAPING CIRCUITS

JUL 15, 2020 / AUG 4, 2020

Date created / Date Submitted

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This activity covers the components, topologies, design constraints and transfer characteristics
of the different diode wave shaping circuits, such as: limiting circuits or clippers in Part 1, level
shifters or clampers in Part 2, and voltage multipliers in Part 3.

Let us use the LTSPICE to run simulations and determine the characteristics of diode wave
shaping circuits. Here is a link about ‘Getting Started with LTSPICE’:
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/getting-started-with-ltspice/all

Part 1: Diode Clipper

1.1 Connect the circuit of Positive Clipper in LTSPICE tool, as shown in Figure 1.1. The student or group
may use another kind of rectifier diode for diode D1; another value of resistance for resistor R1 and
resistor R2; and another dc offset, amplitude, and frequency for sine wave voltage source V1. Take
the photo of your own circuit diagram drawn in LTSPICE tool, and place it in Figure 1.2. (One way to
capture the screen in LTSPICE is: View > Paste Bitmap.)

Fig. 1.1. Positive Clipper Circuit (sample). Fig. 1.2. Connection of Positive Clipper.

1.2 Include a SPICE directive in your schematic diagram. In Figure 1.1, the directive is .tran 1m 30m. This
directive describes the transient simulation with a time step of 1 ms and a time stop of 30 ms. The
resulting waveform in transient simulation is similar with the display of oscilloscope instrument,
wherein the x-axis is also time. In Figure 1.1, the input V1 is a sine-wave voltage source with 0 V dc
level, 5 V amplitude, and 100 Hertz frequency. With a time stop of 30 ms and with 100 Hz sine wave
input (10 ms period), the simulation results displayed 3 cycles as shown in Figure 1.3. For your
simulation, set the transient simulation to display 5 complete cycles. Run your simulation, and show
the waveforms of input voltage V1 and output voltage across R2. Take a photo of your waveforms,
and place it in Figure 1.4.

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Fig. 1.3. Positive Clipper Voltages (sample). Fig. 1.4. Input and Output Voltages of Positive Clipper.

1.3 Write the transfer equation of your positive clipper circuit. Express the output voltage in terms of
the input voltage.

Voltage input ¿ 0.7 V therefore diode is in forward bias;

V output =V diode

V output =0.7 V

Diode is in reverse bias as soon as the voltage input is < 0.7V; therefore, the current will flow
from R2 to R1:

V output =V input ( R 1+R 1R 2 )

1k Ω
V output =−5 V × ( 1 k Ω+1 kΩ)
V output =−2.5 V

1.4 Describe the operation of diode positive clipper.

Given by the name, a diode positive clipper clips out positive voltage output by controlling the
voltage input to a certain extent. At positive half-wave input, the diode is in forward bias (anode is
more positive than cathode), the diode and the R2 (voltage output/load) are parallel to each other –
when a components are connected in parallel, their voltages are equal – therefore, the voltage
across the diode which is 0.7V is equal to the output voltage. Thus, at positive half-wave input, the
output voltage is clipped to 0.7V. On the other hand, the diode is in reverse bias when in negative
half-wave input - in this case, the current will flow from R1 to R2 therefore half of voltage input is
generated.

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1.5 Connect the circuit of Negative Clipper in LTSPICE tool, as shown in Figure 1.5. The student or group
may use another kind of rectifier diode for diode D1; another value of resistance for resistor R1 and
resistor R2; and another dc offset, amplitude, and frequency for sine wave voltage source V1. Take
the photo of your own circuit diagram drawn in LTSPICE tool, and place it in Figure 1.6.

Fig. 1.5. Negative Clipper Circuit (sample). Fig. 1.6. Connection of Negative Clipper.

1.6 The sample waveforms of negative clipper circuit in Figure 1.5 is shown in Figure 1.7. For your
simulation, set the transient simulation to display 5 complete cycles of input voltage V1 and output
voltage across R2. Take a photo of your waveforms, and place it in Figure 1.8.

Fig. 1.7. Negative Clipper Voltages (sample). Fig. 1.8. Input and Output Voltages of Negative Clipper.

1.7 Write the transfer equation of your negative clipper circuit. Express the output voltage in terms of
the input voltage.

Voltage input ←0.7 V therefore diode is in forward bias;

V output =V diode

V output =−0.7 V

As soon as the voltage input is above -0.7V, the diode is in reverse bias; therefore, the current
will flow from R2 to R1:

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V output =V input ( R 1+R 1R 2 )

1k Ω
V output =5 V × ( 1 k Ω+1 kΩ)
V output =2.5 V

1.8 Describe the operation of diode negative clipper.

Opposite of the positive clipper, a diode negative clipper clips out negative voltage output by
controlling the voltage input to a certain extent. At negative half-wave input, the diode is in forward
bias (anode is more positive than cathode), the diode and the R2 (voltage output/load) are parallel
to each other – when a components are connected in parallel, their voltages are equal – therefore,
the voltage across the diode which is 0.7V is equal to the output voltage. Thus, at negative half-wave
input, the output voltage is clipped to 0.7V. On the other hand, the diode is in reverse bias when in
positive half-wave input - in this case, the current will flow from R1 to R2 therefore half of voltage
input is generated.

1.9 Connect the circuit of Biased Clipper in LTSPICE tool, as shown in Figure 1.9. The student or group
may use another kind of rectifier diode for diode D1; another value of resistance for resistor R1 and
resistor R2; another dc offset, amplitude, and frequency for sine wave voltage source V1; and
another voltage level for dc voltage source V2. Take the photo of your own circuit diagram drawn in
LTSPICE tool, and place it in Figure 1.10.

Fig. 1.9. Biased Clipper Circuit 1 (sample). Fig. 1.10. Connection of Biased Clipper Circuit 1.

1.10 Set the transient simulation to display 5 complete cycles of input voltage V1 and output voltage
across R2. Take a photo of your waveforms, and place it in Figure 1.11.

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Fig. 1.11. Input and Output Voltages of Biased Clipper Circuit 1.

1.11 Write the transfer equation of your biased clipper circuit 1. Express the output voltage in terms of
the input voltage.

The diode will be in forward bias if the voltage input > ( 0.7 V +V BIAS ¿ ,

Assuming that the voltage input is ¿( 0.7 V + V BIAS ),

V output =V diode + V BIAS

V output =0.7 V +1V

V output =1.7 V

The diode will be in reverse bias as soon as the voltage input ¿( 0.7 V + V BIAS ),

Assuming that the voltage input is ¿( 0.7 V + V BIAS ),

RL
V output =V input ( R2 + R L )
V output =V input ( R 1+R 1R 2 )
1k Ω
V output =−5 V × ( 1 k Ω+1 kΩ)
V output =−2.5 V

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1.12 Describe the operation of biased clipper circuit 1.

Biased clipper circuit will the voltage input to a more specific and controlled value. Adding a
battery as V BIAS will alter the voltage output generated based on the voltage value of the battery.
Compared to non-biased clipper circuit, the voltage input must exceed to 0.7V + V BIAS in order for
the diode to become forward bias. Since the diode and the V BIAS is connected in series and are
parallel to the load, the voltage output is now 0.7V + V BIAS instead of 0.7V alone. The diode is in
forward bias in positive half wave input and remain the value until in reverse as soon as the
voltage input is below 2.5V

1.13 Connect another circuit of biased clipper, as shown in Figure 1.12. Use the same components from
Figure 1.10. Take the photo of your own circuit diagram, and place it in Figure 1.13.

Fig. 1.12. Biased Clipper Circuit 2 (sample). Fig. 1.13. Connection of Biased Clipper Circuit 2.

1.14 Set the transient simulation to display 5 complete cycles of input voltage V1 and output voltage
across R2. Take a photo of your waveforms, and place it in Figure 1.14.

Fig. 1.14. Input and Output Voltages of Biased Clipper 2.

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1.15 Write the transfer equation of your biased clipper circuit 2. Express the output voltage in terms of
the input voltage.

The diode will be in forward bias if the voltage input > ( 0.7 V +(−V BIAS ),

Assuming that the voltage input is ¿( 0.7 V −V BIAS ),

V output =V diode −V BIAS

V output =0.7−1V

V output =−0.3 V

The diode will be in reverse bias as soon as the voltage input ¿( 0.7 V −V BIAS ),

Assuming that the voltage input is ¿( 0.7 V −V BIAS ),

RL
V output =V input ( R2 + R L )
V output =V input ( R 1+R 1R 2 )
1k Ω
V output =5 V × ( 1 k Ω+1 kΩ)
V output =−2.5 V

1.16 Describe the operation of diode biased clipper 2.

Comparing to the first biased clipper, the battery is connected in opposite polarity. The diode
will still be in forward bias when the voltage input exceeds the value of the sum of voltages across the
diode and the battery. However, the battery is in different polarity, therefore when the current pass
through the diode and the battery, the battery will generate a negative value. The diode will turn on at >
0.7V voltage input but when in forward bias, the voltage output is equal to 0.7 V −V BIAS and the biased
clipper will be in reverse bias as soon as the voltage input is below 0.7 V −V BIAS .Thus, at forward bias,
the voltage output is equal to 0.7 V −V BIAS.

1.17 Connect another circuit of biased clipper, as shown in Figure 1.15. Use the same components from

Figure 1.10 and Figure 1.12. Take the photo of your own circuit diagram, and place it in Figure
1.16.

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Fig. 1.15. Biased Clipper Circuit 3 (sample). Fig. 1.16. Connection of Biased Clipper Circuit 3.

1.18 Set the transient simulation to display 5 complete cycles of input voltage V1 and output voltage
across R2. Take a photo of your waveforms, and place it in Figure 1.17.

Fig. 1.17. Input and Output Voltages of Biased Clipper 3.

1.19 Write the transfer equation of your biased clipper circuit 3. Express the output voltage in terms of
the input voltage.

The diode D1 will be in forward bias if the voltage input > 0.7 V +V BIAS,

Assuming that the voltage input is ¿( 0.7 V + V BIAS ),

V output =V D 1+V BIAS

V output =0.7+1 V

V output =1.7 V

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The diode D1 will be in reverse bias as soon as the voltage input ¿( 0.7 V + V BIAS ),

However, diode D2 will be in forward bias if the voltage input < ( −0.7 V −V BIAS ¿,

V output =V D 2+V BIAS

V output =−0.7−1V

V output =−1.7 V

1.20 Describe the operation of diode biased clipper 3.

when the voltage input is greater than +1.7V, the diode D1 will be in forward bias and
will retain the value of +1.7V until the voltage input is less than +1.7V. When the voltage input
is now less than +1.7V, the diode D1 will be in reverse bias and the current will flow from R1 to
R2 however, when the decrease of voltage input exceeds to -1.7V, diode D2 will open and in
forward bias until the voltage output is greater than -1.7V again. During the reverse bias of
diode D2, the current will again flow outside the diode in R1 to R2

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Part 2: Diode Clamper

2.1 Connect the circuit diagram of Diode Clamper using the LTSPICE tool, as shown in Figure 2.1. The
student or group may use another kind of rectifier diode for diode D1; another value of capacitance
for capacitor C1; another value of resistance for resistor R2; and another dc offset, amplitude, and
frequency for sine wave voltage source V1. Take the photo of your own circuit diagram, and place it
in Figure 2.2. (One way to capture the screen in LTSPICE is: View > Paste Bitmap.)

Fig. 2.1. Diode Clamper Circuit (sample). Fig. 2.2. Connection of Diode Clamper Circuit.

2.2 The sample waveforms of clamper circuit in Figure 2.1 is presented in Figure 2.3. The waveforms of
input voltage V1, V(in); output voltage across resistor R2, V(out); and voltage across capacitor C1,
V(in)-V(out) are exhibited in Figure 2.3. For your simulation, set the transient simulation to also
display 5 complete cycles of input voltage V1, output voltage across R2, and voltage across capacitor
C2. Take a photo of your waveforms, and place it in Figure 2.4.

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Fig. 2.3. Waveforms of Diode Clamper Circuit (sample).

Fig. 2.4. Waveforms of Diode Clamper Circuit.

2.3 From the waveforms of your diode clamper circuit in Figure 2.4, answer the following: What is the
peak-to-peak voltage of the input voltage V1? What is the peak-to-peak voltage of the output
voltage across R2? What is the peak voltage of voltage across capacitor C1? What is the dc level of
the input voltage V1? What is the dc level of the output voltage across R2?

Vin(pk-pk) = 9.9921712V
Vout(pk-pk) = Approx. 8.49V
VC1(pk) = 4.4383138V
Vin(dc) = 0V
Vout(dc) = Approx. -5V

2.4 Briefly discuss the operation of a diode clamper circuit.

Looking at the voltage output of the clamper circuit, the clamper generally clamps the DC level
of the signal without changing the waveform of the voltage output. Easily, the clamper moves the
waveform up or down on peak to peak waveform – either being a positive clamper or negative
clamper. The output signal is depending on the position of the diode: when downward, the signal
would be pushed downward and vice versa.

2.5 To understand the design constraint involving the diode clamper circuit, let us change the value of
your capacitance C1 to vary the time constant of your clamper circuit in Figure 22. Run again
transient simulations with different time constants. Take a photo of the waveforms of input voltage
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V1, output voltage across R2, and voltage across capacitor C1, and place them in Table 2.1. (See
Table 2.2 for an example on how to fill up Table 2.1, using Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.3.)

Table 2.1. Clamper Circuit with Different Time Constants (clamper)

Frequency of Input Voltage V1, fin 100.21581Hz

Period of Input Voltage V1, Tin 9.979

Condition C1 R2 clamper Photo of Voltage Waveforms of Clamper Circuit

clamper
= 0.1uF 1k 0.1ms
0.01Tin

clamper
= 1uF 1k 1ms
0.1Tin

clamper = Tin 10uF 1K 10ms

clamper
= 100uF 1k 100ms
10Tin

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clamper 1000u
1k 1000ms
= 100Tin F

2.6 Based on the results in Table 2.1, discuss the effect of time constant of clamper circuit to the voltage
across capacitor C1 and to the output voltage across R2.

Since the time constant is equal to the product of resistance and capacitance, the increase in
resistance would increase the time constant therefore, the capacitor will charge longer. However,
the resistance in the circuit is not changed but the capacitance. Either way, the increase in
capacitance will increase the time constant for charging the capacitor – meaning the capacitor is
slow charging. The higher the capacitance, the slower the time constant for charging the capacitor.
However, we should consider that the resistance in R2 is greater than the rd’. The time constant
for discharging the capacitor is slower as the capacitance is larger. Therefore, the ratio between the
time constants between the charging and discharging the capacitor is larger. This creates an ideal
capacitor which is a fast charging but slow discharging capacitor.

2.7 Based on the results in Table 2.1, what time constant of clamper circuit provides the best output
voltage? Briefly discuss your answer.

Looking through the ideal capacitor, the ideal capacitor creates a batter clamper since the most
ideal capacitor that creates the most constant voltage output. Thus, the capacitor with 1000uF with
a time constant of 1000ms for clamping clamps the waveform of the voltage input without distorting
the waveform as the other values. Therefore, a slower the discharging time the better.

Table 2.2. Example - Clamper Circuit with Different Time Constants (clamper).
Frequency of Input Voltage V1, fin 100 Hz
Period of Input Voltage V1, Tin 1/100Hz = 10 ms

Condition C1 R2 clampe Photo of Voltage Waveforms of Clamper Circuit

r

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clamper
10 µF 1 kΩ 10 ms
= Tin

Part 3: Voltage Multiplier

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3.1 Connect in LTSPICE the circuit diagram of Diode Voltage Doubler in Figure 3.1. The student or group
may use another kind of rectifier diode for diodes D1 and D2; another value of capacitance for
capacitors C1 and C2; and another dc offset, amplitude, and frequency for ac sine-wave voltage
source V1. Notice that net names (in, a, out) are attached to the wires. These net names becomes
convenient when adding traces of voltage waveforms. For example, if we want to plot the voltage
across capacitor C1, we can add the trace for the expression V(in)-V(a). Now, take the photo of your
own circuit diagram drawn, and place it in Figure 3.2.

Fig. 3.1. Voltage Doubler (sample).

Fig. 3.2. Connection of Voltage Doubler.

3.2 Set the transient simulation to display 10 complete cycles of input voltage V1. Run your simulation,
and show the waveforms of input voltage V1, voltage across the capacitor C1, and output voltage
across C2. Figure 3.3 shows the example of simulation waveforms for the voltage doubler circuit in
Figure 3.1. Now, take a photo of your own waveforms, and place it in Figure 3.4.

Fig. 3.3. Waveforms of Voltage Doubler (sample).

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Fig. 3.4. Waveforms of Voltages in Voltage Doubler.

3.3 From the simulation results in Figure 3.4, measure the peak voltage of input voltage V1 and output
voltage across capacitor C1.

Vin(pk) = 4.9930429V. Vout(pk) = 8.2720041V.

Briefly explain the discrepancy between the input voltage and output voltage.

For 10 complete cycles, the voltage output almost doubles the value of the input voltage. The
peak to peak value of the voltage input is approx. 5V at positive half cycle. During the time, the
output voltage gradually increases the value up to approximately 10V which is twice of the voltage
input.

3.4 Briefly explain the operation of Diode Voltage Doubler.

As the name suggests, diode voltage doubler doubles the amount of the input voltage as the
output voltage of the circuit. A voltage multiplier in which multiplies the input voltage by two. The
peak to peak value of the input voltage of AC signal will be converted into DC signal of twice the
value.

3.5 Connect in LTSPICE the circuit diagram of Diode Voltage Tripler in Figure 3.5. The student or group
may use another kind of rectifier diode for diodes D1, D2 and D3; another value of capacitance for
capacitors C1, C2 and C3; and another dc offset, amplitude, and frequency for ac sine-wave voltage
source V1. Attach net names to wires, such as in, a, b, and c. These net names are helpful when
adding traces of voltage waveforms. Now, take the photo of your own circuit diagram drawn, and
place it in Figure 3.6.

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Fig. 3.5. Voltage Tripler (sample).

Fig. 3.6. Connection of Voltage Tripler.

3.6 Set the transient simulation to display 20 complete cycles of input voltage V1. Run your simulation,
and show the waveforms of: input voltage V1, voltage across the capacitor C1, voltage across
capacitor C2, voltage across capacitor C3, and output voltage across node in and node c. Take a
photo of your waveforms, and place it in Figure 3.7.

Fig. 3.7. Waveforms of Voltages in Voltage Tripler Circuit.

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3.7 Based on the simulation results in Figure 3.7, determine the peak voltages of input voltage V1 and of
output voltage across node in and node c.

Vin(pk) = 4.9982433V. Vout(pk) = 12.523168V.

Briefly explain the discrepancy between the input voltage and output voltage.

The peak value of the input voltage is equal to 5V while the output voltage is almost twice of the
input voltage at point c. generally, the output voltage at point c is triple of the input voltage or the
Vmax.

3.8 Briefly explain the operation of Diode Voltage Tripler.

As the name suggests, diode voltage tripler triples the amount of the input voltage as the output
voltage of the circuit. A voltage multiplier in which multiplies the input voltage by two. The peak
value of the input voltage of AC signal will be twice the value.

***

Interpretation of Results:

Part 1: Diode Clipper

A diode clipper is a component found in a clipping circuit. A clipping circuit or “clipper” is a

circuit used for clipping the output voltage to attain a certain value instead of its peak value. Observing
through a graph, we can identify a clipper by a flat peak of the output voltage as seen in Fig. 4. Instead
of allowing the output voltage to attain its peak value, a clipper cuts off the input voltage in order to
attain a desired output voltage.

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Figure 4 Output Waveforms of a clipper circuit (right)

A clipper usually includes ideal diode and a resistor. In order to fix the clipping level to the
desired amount, a dc battery must also be included.  When the diode is forward biased, it acts as a
closed switch, and when it is reverse biased, it acts as an open switch. Different levels of clipping can be
obtained by varying the amount of voltage of the battery and also interchanging the positions of the
diode and resistor. To visualize, a simple half wave rectifier could be a series clipper in which diodes only
responds to one direction of input only (positive/negative input voltage). The position of the diode
dictates either which region should be clipped – it can be a positive or negative clipper.

The activity showed how positive and negative clippers work. Positive clippers work by clipping
the voltage input in positive half-wave input therefore the positive output voltage is reduced to same
voltage across the diode. On the other hand, negative clippers obviously clip off the negative half-wave
input voltage therefore as a result, the negative voltage output is reduced. The positive clipper in the
activity is showed in the Fig. 1.2.

Fig. 1.2. Connection of Positive Clipper.

In positive clipper, the positive half-wave input is being reduced. Generally, for the diode to
become forward biased, it must have the input voltage greater than +0.7 volts (assuming that the diode
is silicon and 0.3 volts for a germanium diode). Thus, thee diode is forward biased during the positive
half wave of the input voltage. To better understand, Figure 4.1 shows the current flow at positive half-
wave input (Orange line).

+V

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0.7V

Fig. 4.1 Current flow when the diode is in forward biased of Positive clipper

Basically, when positive half-wave input, the anode (positive terminal) of the diode is greater
than the voltage across the diode (0.7V) therefore the diode will only turn on. Moreover, the anode is
more positive than the cathode making the diode in forward bias. The diode will remain forward biased
when the voltage is greater than 0.7V and will hold 0.7V until the voltage input drops from this value –
this creates the flat line (constant value) in the graph – thus, output voltage taken across the diode can
never exceed from 0.7V. As soon as the voltage input decreases 0.7V, the diode will be in reverse bias
and the current will flow differently. When the diode is now in forward bias, it will allow current to flow
from the voltage input however, it should be noted that the diode and the R1 (voltage output load) is
connected in parallel.

In a series clipper, just like a HW rectifier, the voltage output is equal to the voltage input
subtracted to toe voltage of the load and the potential barrier of the diode (0.7V). However, in the given
parallel series clipper – all the components in a parallel circuit should have the same voltage – the
voltage output is equal to the voltage across the diode therefore, the voltage output at positive half-
wave input is 0.7V.

When voltage input exceeds 0.7V, the diode is in forward bias

V diode =0.7 V

V output =V diode

V output =0.7 V

On the other hand, at negative half-wave input or as soon as the voltage input is below 0.7V, the
diode will be in reverse bias. Remember that in order for a diode to turn on, the input voltage should
exceed the voltage across the diode (0.7V). In negative half-wave input, obviously the voltage input is
less than 0.7V therefore the diode will not turn on. When the diode is close, the current flows from R2
to R1 as seen in Fig. 4.2. Blocking current flow through itself and as a result has no effect on the negative
half-wave voltage input which passes to the load unaltered (R1). Therefore, the diode limits the positive
half of the input waveform and is known as a positive clipper circuit.

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Fig 4.2 Current flow when the diode is in reversed biased of Positive clipper

As soon as the voltage input decreases 0.7V, the diode is in reverse bias

RL
V output =V input ( R2 + R L )
V output =V input ( R 1+R 1R 2 )
1k Ω
V output =−5 V × ( 1 k Ω+1 kΩ)
V output =−2.5 V

If R2 is small compared to R L , then V output ≅ V input

Fig. 1.4 is the evidence to the said computations. When the diode exceeds 0.7V, the output
voltage or the voltage across the load is equal to the voltage cross the diode due to parallel connections.
As soon as the voltage input decreases 0.7V, the voltage output is -2.5 since the current flows differently
and blocked in the diode. It can be said that the circuit is a positive clipper since the positive output
voltage is decreased to 0.7V since the input voltage is cut to 0.7V.

Fig. 1.4. Input and Output Voltages of Positive Clipper.

On the other hand, Negative clipper is the opposite of positive clipper. Negative clippers clip off
the voltage input in negative half-wave input. The diode is forward biased during the negative half-wave
input and limits or clips it to –0.7 volts while allowing the positive half cycle to pass unaltered when

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reverse biased. As the diode limits the negative half cycle of the input voltage it is therefore called a
negative clipper circuit. Fig. 1.6 is the connection of Negative clipper wherein the diode is in opposite
position compared to positive clipper. Fig. 5.1 will show the current flow at negative half-wave input and
Fig. 5.2 will show the current flow at positive half-wave input.

Fig. 1.6. Connection of Negative Clipper

At negative half-wave input, the anode (positive terminal) of the diode is less than the voltage
across the diode (-0.7V) therefore the diode will only turn on at this half cycle. Moreover, the anode is
more negative than the cathode making the diode in forward bias. When the diode is now in forward
bias, it will allow current to flow from the voltage input however, it should be noted that the diode and
the R1 (voltage output load) is connected in parallel. Thus, when in forward bias at negative half-wave
input, the output voltage in load is -0.7V. Same with the positive clipper at positive half-wav input, the
diode will hold -0.7V until the voltage input exceeds the value – meaning the diode start to be in reverse
bias.

Fig 5.1 Current flow when the diode is in forward biased of Negative clipper

As soon as the voltage input decreases -0.7V, the diode is in forward bias

V diode =−0.7 V

V output =V diode

V output =−0.7 V

In positive half wave input or as soon as the voltage is greater than -0.7V, the diode is now in
reverse bias making the current flow differently compared to positive half-wave input. Fig. 5.2 will show
the current flow in positive half wave input. Since the diode is in reverse bias – meaning the voltage
input increases to -0.7V – the diode will be in reverse bias and the current will now flow from R1 to R2.

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The current flow will now be blocked in the diode thus, the input voltage is not affected and the output
voltage is not clipped. Therefore, negative clippers – as opposite to positive clippers – generally cut off
the negative half-wave input resulting to limited output voltage.

Fig 5.2 Current flow when the diode is in reverse biased of Negative clipper

As soon as the voltage input exceeds or greater than -0.7V, the diode is in reverse bias

RL
V output =V input ( R2 + R L )
V output =V input ( R 1+R 1R 2 )
1k Ω
V output =5 V × ( 1 k Ω+1 kΩ)
V output =2.5 V

If R2 is small compared to R L , then V output ≅ V input

Fig. 1.8 is the evidence to the said computations. At negative half-wave input, the output
voltage or the voltage across the load is equal to the voltage cross the diode due to parallel connections.
As soon as the voltage input decreases -0.7V, the voltage output is 2.5 since the current flows differently
and blocked in the diode. It can be said that the circuit is a negative clipper since the negative output
voltage is limited to -0.7V.

Fig. 1.8. Input and Output Voltages of Negative Clipper.

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To adjust the limit of the clipper, a voltage bias ( V BIAS ) can be added in the circuit – this is called
the Biased Clipper. A biased clipper is adding a voltage bias in series connection with the diode to
increase or decrease the clipping value of the circuit. In Fig 1.10, a battery is connected in series with the
diode. Comparing to un-biased clipper circuit, the biased clipper circuit needed a threshold voltage
higher since a ( V BIAS ) is connected.

Fig. 6.1 Current flow when the diode is in forward biased in Biased Clipper

Usually, the diode will be in forward bias in positive half-wave input when the voltage input is
greater than 0.7V however, since a battery is added, the voltage input should now increase by
0.7 V +V BIAS to become forward biased. Once the diode is in forward bias and allow the current
to flow, the voltage output is at constant value until the voltage input is below 0.7 V +V BIAS. As
seen in Fig 1.11 wherein a straight line is observed at +1.7V during positive half-wave cycle.
Same with the un-biased clipper, the output voltage or the voltage across the load is the same
equal with the diode however, it is equal to 0.7 V +V BIAS in biased clipper. Due to parallel
connection

When the diode is in forwad bias, Voltage input > (0.7 V +V BIAS ¿
V output =V diode + V BIAS

V output =0.7 V +1V

V output =1.7 V

When the voltage input is below the threshold value, the diode will now be in reverse
bias. As a result, the current will now flow from R2 to R1 and the voltage input is not affected or
clipped. Same with the un-biased circuit, the current in reverse bias is computed by the ff:

When the diode is in reverse bias, voltage input ¿( 0.7 V + V BIAS ),

RL
V output =V input ( R2 + R L )
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V output =V input ( R 1+R 1R 2 )

1k Ω
V output =−5 V × ( 1 k Ω+1 kΩ)
V output =−2.5 V

Fig 1.11 is the graph showing the effect of biased clipper wherein the voltage input is clipped
into 1.7V as the sum of voltage cross the diode and the battery. The voltage output is at constant 1.7V
until a lesser voltage input is observed and the diode is now in reverse bias.

Fig. 1.11. Input and Output Voltages of Biased Clipper Circuit 1.

Different conditions could change the voltage output in biased clipper. The condition of
the diode will reflect the effect the biased clipper, when the diode is responsive in negative
half-wave input, the diode will be in forward bias at the region of negative half-wave input.
There are also conditions wherein the polarity of the battery or the V BIAS is changed where in a
difference in the threshold level is observed. Fig 1.13 showed a biased clipper circuit with
opposite polarity of the battery unlike Fig. 1.10.

Fig. 6.1 Current flow when the diode is in forward biased in Biased Clipper 2

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Same with the first biased clipper, the diode will response to positive half-wave input. The diode
will be in forward bias when greater than 0.7V input is observed. However, since the battery is in
opposite polarity when the current flows across the battery, a negative voltage is generated. Thus, in
order for the current to flow, the voltage input should be greater than 0.7 V −V BIAS. Even though the
diode will open in more than +0.7V, the battery will cause the circuit to allow current at
0.7 V −V BIAS=−0.3V .

When the diode is in forward bias, Voltage input > (0.7 V −V BIAS ¿
V output =V diode −V BIAS

V output =0.7 V −1 V

V output =−0.3 V

Since the diode will conduct at voltage input > (0.7 V −V BIAS ¿, the diode will be in reverse bias
as soon as the voltage input is less than 0.7 V −V BIAS . When the diode is in reverse bias, the voltage
input is unaffected same with the un-biased clipper circuit. The current will flow the same from
the first biased circuit – from R2 to R1.

When the diode is in reverse bias, Voltage input < (0.7 V −V BIAS ¿

RL
V output =V input ( R2 + R L )
V output =V input ( R 1+R 1R 2 )
1k Ω
V output =−5 V × ( 1 k Ω+1 kΩ)
V output =−2.5 V

Fig 1.14 shows how the biased clipper circuit works. The voltage input is clipped into -0.3V as
the sum of voltage cross the diode and the battery. The voltage output is at constant -0.3V until a lesser
voltage input is observed and the diode is now in reverse bias.

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Fig. 1.14. Input and Output Voltages of Biased Clipper 2.

Clipping the positive and negative cycle is also possible, Fig 1.16 is a clipper circuit designed to
clip positive and negative voltage input. This biased clipper includes two diodes and two V BIAS that is
connected with the same polarity with the diode in series with it

Fig 7.1 Current flow when the diode D1 is in forward biased in Biased Clipper 2

Fig 7.2 Current flow when the diode D2 is in forward biased in Biased Clipper 2
Since the clipper works to clip both half-wave cycles, the two diodes are in different conditions
together with two V BIAS to accommodate both cycles. Diode D1 will be in forward bias when the
voltage input is greater than 0.7 V +V BIAS = +1.7V. As soon as the voltage is below this value, the
diode will be in reverse bias. When the diode D1 is in reverse bias, the current will flow from R1
to R1. However, we should take note that diode D2 will be in forward bias when the voltage

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input is less than −0.7 V −V BIAS=−1.7 V . Basically, when the voltage input is greater than
+1.7V, the diode D1 will be in forward bias and will retain the value of +1.7V until the voltage
input is less than +1.7V. When the voltage input is now less than +1.7V, the diode D1 will be in
reverse bias and the current will flow from R1 to R2 however, when the decrease of voltage
input exceeds to -1.7V, diode D2 will open and in forward bias until the voltage output is
greater than -1.7V again. During the reverse bias of diode D2, the current will again flow
outside the diode in R1 to R2.

Fig. 1.17. Input and Output Voltages of Biased Clipper 3.

Fig 1.17 shows the graph of the biased circuit 3 wherein both positive and negative half-cycle
are clipped. Generally, we can relate this type of biased circuit into a full-wave rectifier since they
both accommodate positive and negative input.

Part 2: Diode Clamper

Clamper circuits are used to clamp the DC level of the output signal without distorting the
waveform. The difference between a clipper and a clamper is that the clipper circuit changes the shape
of the waveform – by clipping either the positive of negative half cycle – but clamper just manipulates
the DC level of output signal – meaning the clamper will either move up or down the waveform to
change the peak to peak value of voltage. While choosing the resistor and capacitor you must be aware
about the discharging time of the capacitor as it maintains the time period of the waveform. It must be
quite larger than the half of the time period so that the capacitor discharges slowly. The electrolytic
capacitor should not be used in clamper circuits because they charge and discharge slowly.

Generally, there positive and negative clampers. Positive clampers push the signal up from
original DC level making the output waveform more positive. By this, the output waveform will have a
greater peak to peak value in terms of positive output (Fig. 8.1.a). Alternatively, negative clampers are
used to push the output waveform to downwards in more negative side. Negative clampers as opposite
to positive ones, will have a lesser peak to peak values in terms of positive output (Fig 8.1.b).

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Fig 8.1 Output waveforms of Positive and Negative clampers

An ideal diode clamping circuit should clamp the waveform to different DC level without altering
or distorting the waveform of the output. Moreover, the peak to peak values or rms value of the
waveform should be the same even at different DC level. Hence, the peak value of V max is the one that is
changed. To obtain a clamping with the same waveform, resistance and capacitance in the circuit should
be consider. Time constant to charging and discharging of the capacitor greatly affect the waveform
from clamping. Generally, the time constant is defined as the product of capacitance and the resistance.

T =RC
The time constant for charging a capacitor is defined as the product of the resistance of the diode
(r d ' ¿ ¿ D)¿ when in forward bias and the capacitance of the capacitor. Ideally, the time constant for
charging the capacitor should be fast.

T =(r d' D )×C

Discharging of the diode is defined as the product of the resistance of the load and the capacitance.
Ideally, the discharging time should be slow in order to attain a more constant value of DC signal.

T =R L ×C

By the definition, the time constant is largely affected by the resistance and the capacitance in
the circuit. Ideally, the capacitor should be fast charging but slow discharging. A better diode clamper
circuit should have an ideal capacitor. The said activity worked on finding the best capacitor values to
attain clamping without alteration in the waveform. A constant value of resistance is assured to measure
the time constant. Increasing capacitance is tested in the circuit with a constant resistance of the diode
and the load as summarized in Table 2.1. As seen in the table, the diode clamping circuit is a negative
clamper since it pushes the output waveform in more negative portion of the graph.

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Generally, the higher the capacitance, the better capacitor. Analyzing table 2.1, it can be said
that the higher the capacitance the better the capacitor, the better the output waveform from clamping.
The time constant for discharging largely affect the time constant for clamping; generally, the higher the
time constant for discharging, the better. The highest capacitance used is 1000uF with a slowest
clamping time constant of 1000ms. A slower discharging time and slower clamping time did less alter
the waveform of the output voltage.

Fig 8.2 output waveform of diode clamping circuit at 1000uF capacitance

Part 3: Voltage Multiplier:

Voltage multipliers are similar in many ways to rectifiers in that they convert AC-to-DC voltages
many times greater than of the applied input voltage. The activity includes voltage doubler and tripler
wherein as the name suggests, set the multiplier for the input voltage to increase the output voltage
while converting AC signals to DC signals.

As its name suggests, a Voltage Doubler is a voltage multiplier circuit which has a voltage
multiplication factor of two. The circuit consists of only two diodes, two capacitors and an oscillating AC
input voltage (a PWM waveform could also be used). This simple diode-capacitor pump circuit gives a DC
output voltage equal to the peak-to-peak value of the sinusoidal input. In other words, double the peak
voltage value because the diodes and the capacitors work together to effectively double the voltage.

The activity uses voltage doubler wherein the peak value of 5V is doubled to a DC signal of 10V.

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During the negative half-wave input, diode D2 is forward biased and conducts charging up the
pump capacitor, C1 to the peak value of the input voltage. Because there is no return path for
capacitor C1 to discharge into, it remains fully charged acting as a storage device in series with the
voltage supply. At the same time, diode D1 conducts via D2 charging up capacitor, C2.
During the positive half cycle, diode D2 is reverse biased blocking the discharging of C1 while
diode D1 is forward biased charging up capacitor C2. But because there is a voltage across
capacitor C1 already equal to the peak input voltage, capacitor C2 charges to twice the peak voltage
value of the input signal.
In other words, positive voltage peak + negative voltage peak, so on the negative half
cycle, D1 charges  C1 and on the positive half-cycle D1 adds the AC peak voltage on C1 and transfers it all
to C2. The voltage across capacitor, C2 discharges through the load ready for the next half cycle.
As capacitor C2 only charges up during one half cycle of the input waveform, the resulting
output voltage discharged into the load has a ripple frequency equal to the supply frequency, hence the
name half wave voltage doubler. The disadvantage of this is that it can be difficult to smooth out this
large ripple frequency in much the same way as for a half wave rectifier circuit. Also, capacitor  C2 must
have a DC voltage rating at least twice the value of the peak input voltage.
Moving on to voltage tripler, a “voltage tripler circuit” consists of one and a half voltage doubler
stages. This voltage multiplier circuit gives a DC output equal to three times the peak voltage value ( 3Vp)
of the voltage input. As with the previous voltage doubler, the diodes within the voltage tripler circuit
charge and block the discharge of the capacitors depending upon the direction of the input half-cycle.

The given activity made the input voltage of 5V into almost a 15V output voltage.

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Conclusion:

There are different ways to alter and manipulate the output voltage of a certain AC signal to the
desirable value. A clipper as the name stand, clips out the voltage input for the constant value of output
voltage at a certain condition. Limitations can also further specify by adding a Vbias in the circuit to
control the response of the diode. As well as being used as rectifiers, diodes can also be used to clip the
top, or bottom, or both of a waveform at a particular dc level and pass it to the output without
distortion. In or examples above we have assumed that the waveform is sinusoidal but in theory any
shaped input waveform can be used. Clippers are used to eliminate amplitude noise or voltage spikes,
voltage regulation or to produce new waveforms from an existing signal such as squaring off the peaks
of a sinusoidal waveform to obtain a rectangular waveform as seen above. These are helpful into
devices wherein converting AC signal to DC signal can exceed a certain value that could damage the
device. By clipping the voltage input, the output voltage will be at the desired value despite of the AC
input voltage. The most common application of a “diode clipping” is as a flywheel or free-wheeling diode
connected in parallel across an inductive load to protect the switching transistor form reverse voltage
transients.
On the other hand, clampers.  Clamping circuit is used to place either the positive or negative
peak of a signal at a desired level. The dc component is simply added or subtracted to/from the input
signal. An ideal clamping circuit should not alter or distort the output waveform and this could be obtain
by increasing the capacitance or the resistance of the load in the circuit. The higher the capacitance the
slower the discharging time constant of the capacitor thus, the clamping is much better. The clamper is
also referred to as an IC restorer and ac signal level shifter. In some cases, like a TV receiver, when the
signal passes through the capacitive coupling network, it loses its dc component after being passed
through capacitive coupled amplifiers. Thus the signal loses its black and white reference levels and the
blanking level. Before passing these signals to the picture tube, these reference levels have to be
restored. This is done by using clamper circuits. They also find applications in storage counters, analog
frequency meter, capacitance meter, divider and stair-case waveform generator.
Clipper and clamper could easily be interchange however difference are still prominent. The
major difference between clipper and clamper is that clipper is a limiting circuit which limits the output
voltage while clamper is a circuit which shifts the DC level of output voltage without changing anything
from the waveform. The clipper and clamper circuits are exactly opposite to each other regarding
their working principle. The difference can be seen in the shape of the output waveform. The voltage
which is clipped by clipper can assume various shapes, but the voltage obtained by clamper circuit does
not alter in shape. Clipper is crucial when we want to modify the amplitude of the voltage. Clipping of
signal amplitude is required in some application in which components cannot withstand the high
magnitude of the voltage. While clamper is used when we need multiples of the input voltage at the
output terminal.
Lastly the activity discussed about the voltage multipliers. Voltage Multipliers are simple circuits
made from diodes and capacitors that can increase the input voltage by two, three, or four times and by
cascading together individual half or full stage multipliers in series to apply the desired DC voltage to a
given load without the need for a step-up transformer.
Voltage multiplier circuits are classified as voltage doubler’s, tripler’s, or quadrupler’s, etc, depending on
the ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage. In theory any desired amount of voltage
multiplication can be obtained and a cascade of “N” doublers, would produce an output voltage.
References:

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Anwar, S., Sneha, Sumner, R., Auwal, A., Salve, A., Priyanka, . . . Shankar, R. (2018, August 09). Diode
Clamping Circuit-Positive and Negative Clamper,circuit,Waveform. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from
https://www.circuitstoday.com/diode-clamping-circuits

Diode Clipping Circuits and Diode Clipper. (2018, April 06). Retrieved July 29, 2020, from
https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/diode/diode-clipping-circuits.html

Says, T., Mebrat, T., Says, K., P, K., Says, W., & Amin, W. (2018, September 14). Difference Between
Clipper and Clamper (With Comparison Chart). Retrieved July 29, 2020, from
https://electronicscoach.com/difference-between-clipper-and-clamper.html

Voltage Multiplier and Voltage Doubler Circuit. (2018, February 16). Retrieved July 29, 2020, from
https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/blog/voltage-multiplier-circuit.html

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