Don't understand clipper circuit

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In summary, the conversation discusses how the battery acts to limit the voltage at the output in a circuit with a diode and resistor. It is explained that when the diode is conducting, the output voltage will be equal to the battery voltage. However, when the diode is not conducting, the output voltage will be equal to the input voltage. The role of the resistor is also discussed, with the understanding that it is not necessary for the circuit to function but can be used to measure the voltage drop across the diode. Additionally, it is mentioned that the battery counteracts the input voltage, with the difference being reflected across the resistor.
  • #1
iScience
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i've only drawn the necessary stuff to show half a cycle.

fhTC4SV.png


i don't understand how the battery acts to limit the voltage at V_out. how does battery counteract the part of the cycle where V_in > V_battery? for this part of the cycle shouldn't it be V_in - V_b?
 
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  • #2
Write Kirchoff's Voltage Law around the loop Vout-diode-battery...
 
  • #3
As Jim said. When the diode is conducting, what is the sum of the voltages : Vbattery + Vdiode?
 
  • #4
what about the outer loop? what is happening to V_source?and is the resistor absolutely necessary?
 
  • #5
iScience said:
and is the resistor absolutely necessary?
What do you think, what's going on with current when diode conducts and the resistor value is R=0 Ω ?
 
  • #6
Your output voltage should be the rightmost one. In the diagram, the one V(out) you have written in black.

When V(in) < V(b) then the diode won't be forward biased and won't conduct. So the output voltage is V(in). There is no voltage drop across the resistor, since no current is flowing across it.

When V(in)>V(b) then the diode will be forward biased and will conduct. So the output voltage will be V(b). When forward biased the drop across diode is around 0.4 or 0.7V.

The battery does counteract the input voltage, which is reflected across the resistance. Think of it as cold water flowing from V(input). There is a thermometer at Resistance and hot source of water from V(b). The difference of temperature is reflected at the thermometer but the temperature of either source of water won't change. So if you place another thermometer across the cold source of water, you will get the cold water's termperature.
 

FAQ: Don't understand clipper circuit

What is a clipper circuit?

A clipper circuit is an electronic circuit that clips off or limits the amplitude of a signal above or below a certain threshold. It is commonly used in electronic devices to protect them from high voltages or to shape the output signal.

How does a clipper circuit work?

A clipper circuit works by using diodes to prevent the voltage of a signal from going above or below a certain level. When the signal reaches the threshold, the diode becomes forward biased and allows current to flow, limiting the amplitude of the signal.

What are the different types of clipper circuits?

There are two main types of clipper circuits: series and shunt. Series clipper circuits use diodes in series with the signal to limit the voltage, while shunt clipper circuits use diodes in parallel with the signal to divert the excess voltage away.

What are the applications of clipper circuits?

Clipper circuits have various applications in electronics, such as protecting devices from overvoltage, shaping the output waveform of a signal, and reducing noise in a signal. They are also commonly used in power supplies, audio equipment, and telecommunications.

How do I design a clipper circuit?

To design a clipper circuit, you need to determine the desired clipping threshold, select the appropriate diode(s) and resistor(s) based on the signal characteristics, and calculate the values for the components using the desired clipping level. It is recommended to use circuit simulation software to test and refine the design before implementation.

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