Classification of Clippers

Classification[edit source | editbeta]

Clippers may be classified into two types based on the positioning of the diode. ^[1]

• Series Clippers, where the diode is in series with the load resistance, and
• Shunt Clippers, where the diode in shunted across the load resistance.

The diode capacitance affects the operation of the clipper at high frequency and influences the choice between the above two types. High frequency signals are attenuated in the shunt clipper as the diode capacitance provides an alternative path to output current. In the series clipper, clipping effectiveness is reduced for the same reason as the high frequency current passes through without being sufficiently blocked.

Clippers may be classified based on the orientation(s) of the diode. The orientation decides which half cycle is affected by the clipping action.

The clipping action can be made to happen at an arbitrary level by using a biasing elements (potential sources) in series with the diode.

• Positively Biased Diode Clipper
• Negatively Biased Diode Clipper

The signal can be clipped to between two levels by using both types of diode clippers in combination. ^[2] This clipper is referred to as

• Combinational Diode Clipper or Two-Level Clippers

The clamping network is the one that will "clamp" a signal to a different dc level. The network must have capacitor, a diode, and a resistive element, but it also employs an independent dc supply to introduce an additional shift.