Why Does the Output Waveform Change in Combination Clipper Circuits?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of output waveforms in combination clipper circuits, particularly focusing on why the output shape changes from sinusoidal to triangular or square waveforms. Participants explore the implications of clipping in relation to input voltage levels and circuit components.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the diode clips the input signal at a specific voltage, leading to different output shapes depending on the circuit configuration.
  • One participant suggests that as the clipped voltage decreases, the output waveform approaches a square wave, implying a relationship between clipping and waveform shape.
  • Another participant points out that the second circuit's output appears different due to missing components responsible for clipping.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of specific voltage values, with some arguing that qualitative analysis suffices without exact numbers.
  • Participants mention the importance of applying Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) to understand the circuit behavior and the resulting waveform changes.
  • One participant challenges the interpretation of the output waveform, asserting that it does not resemble a triangular wave but rather a distorted sinusoidal shape.
  • Another participant explains that without the clipper circuit, the output would maintain the sine wave shape, and the clipping alters this shape significantly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the output waveform shapes and the necessity of specific voltage values. There is no consensus on the exact nature of the output waveforms or the implications of KVL in this context.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific voltages (V1, V2, and V) in their discussions, but there is uncertainty about the implications of these values on the output waveform. The discussion also highlights the complexity of analyzing circuit behavior without complete information on component values.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in circuit analysis, waveform behavior in electronic circuits, and the application of clipping in signal processing may find this discussion relevant.

ranju
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In clipper circuits the diode clips the input signal upto a particular voltage , say if a battery of V volts is connected in series with the diode then it'll clip it at voltage V..
in the attached fig.. there are 2 cases.. in both cases , the diode clips the input sinusoidal waveform at V volts..but why the shape of the output waveform is changed in case of combination clipper..?
in one case its sinusoidal & in other it has changed to a triangular waveform...!
 

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With clipping, the less the clipped voltage is, the more the output waveform approaches square wave.
To obtain a triangular wave, one has to then integrate the output waveform.
 
but here we are'nt given any specific value of Voltage...!
 
The reason the 2nd pic looks different is because half of the components that are responsible for the actual clipping are missing.
 
ranju said:
In clipper circuits the diode clips the input signal upto a particular voltage , say if a battery of V volts is connected in series with the diode then it'll clip it at voltage V..
in the attached fig.. there are 2 cases.. in both cases , the diode clips the input sinusoidal waveform at V volts..but why the shape of the output waveform is changed in case of combination clipper..?
in one case its sinusoidal & in other it has changed to a triangular waveform...!

ranju said:
but here we are'nt given any specific value of Voltage...!

It's not triangular; it's just a badly drawn negative going half sinusoid section.
They don't need to give a specific battery voltage. It just needs the un-clipped waveform to have an excursion that takes it above and below the battery+diode volts each side. It's just qualitative.
 
ranju said:
but here we are'nt given any specific value of Voltage...!

Sure we are - V1. V2, and V.

Observe the clippers clip at that voltage.

Have you written a KVL equation around the right hand half of either circuit ?
 
jim hardy said:
Sure we are - V1. V2, and V.

Observe the clippers clip at that voltage.

Have you written a KVL equation around the right hand half of either circuit ?
but 256 bits..is saying that "the less the clipped voltage is, the more the output waveform approaches square"..but we are'nt given magnitude of the voltages..
what is the purpose opf writing those kvl equ...??
 
what is the purpose of writing those kvl equ...??

to make oneself realize that the circuit is just a linear voltage divider until a diode conducts.

Which explains "why the shape of the output waveform is changed in case of combination clipper..?"
 
I am not getting this thing..!how does it explain the change in the waveform??
 
  • #10
In each of your attachments, ask yourself "What is the maximum positive and maximum negative voltage that can appear across RL?
KVL will answer that.
 
  • #11
ranju said:
I am not getting this thing..!how does it explain the change in the waveform??

What happens as soon as the volts across those diodes causes them to conduct? Where does any extra current go?
 
  • #12
ranju said:
but 256 bits..is saying that "the less the clipped voltage is, the more the output waveform approaches square"..but we are'nt given magnitude of the voltages..
what is the purpose opf writing those kvl equ...??

With no clipper circuit, the output wave would be of the same shape as the input, ie a sine wave. The clipper components cut the top off the sine wave to give the wave from as shown.
You mentioned it looks triangular, but not so. The output resembles more a square wave as more and more of the top of a sine wave is cut off.

In the first picture, two clipper circuits are used. One which includes D1 and Va, cut off the sine wave on the positive cycle. The other clipper circuit, of D2 and V2, cut off the sine wave on the negative part of the cycle.

In the second picture, the clipper of D and V, cut off the positive cycle. The negative cycle retains the sine wave shape.

If you analyze a clipper circuit, such as in the second picture, as the input voltage increase from 0, the output voltage will follow along until the voltage reaches a value where the diode begins to conduct.

You can use KVL to determine when this will happen.
 
  • #13
Hint:

When you write KVL, the voltage from cathode to anode of an ideal diode can be either zero or any negative number.

You can write KVL as an inequality.
 

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