Electronic Devices and Circuits Lab LAB 5
Lab Session 5
Name: ____________________ Participant ID: __________________
Implementation of Clamping Circuits
5.1 Objectives
The objective of this lab is to calculate, measure and draw the DC output voltages diode clamping circuit.
5.2 Equipment Required
Instruments
Oscilloscope, DMM, Function generator, DC supply
Components
100Ω, 1kΩ, 100k Ω, diode 1N4007
5.3 Theory
Clampers are designed to "clamp" an alternating input signal to a specific level without altering the peak-
to-peak characteristics of the waveform. Clampers are easily distinguished from clippers in that they include
capacitive element. A typical clamper will include a capacitor, diode, and resistor, with some also having a DC
battery. The best approach to the analysis of clampers is to use a step-by-step approach. The first step should be
an examination of the network for that part of the input signal that forward biases the diode. Choosing this part of
the input signal will save time and probably avoid some unnecessary confusion. With the diode forward biased
the voltage across the capacitor and across the output terminals ca be determined. For the rest of the analysis, it is
then assumed that the capacitor will hold on to the charge and voltage level established during this interval of the
input signal. The next part of the input signal can then be analyzed to determine the effect of the stored voltage
across the capacitor and the open-circuit state of the diode on the output voltage.
5.4 Procedure
Part 1: Threshold voltage
Choose one of the four silicon diodes and determine the threshold voltage, V T , using the diode-checking
capability of the DMM or a curve tracer.
V T =¿ ¿
Part 2: Clamper circuit (without battery)
Construct the network of Fig. 5.1 and record the measured value of R. Using the value of V T from Part 1,
calculate V C and output voltage for the interval of that causes the diode to be in the "on" state. While
input is set to 8 Vp-p, f = 1000 Hz, sinusoidal signal.
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Electronic Devices and Circuits Lab LAB 5
Fig. 5. 1 Diode Clamper circuit
V C ( cal)= ¿¿
¿
V out ( cal)= ¿¿
¿
Attach the waveform obtained by diode clamper circuit.
Reverse the diode and by using the value of V T from Part 1, calculate V C and output voltage for the
interval of that causes the diode to be in the "on" state. While input is set to 8 Vp-p, f = 1000 Hz,
sinusoidal signal.
V C ( cal)= ¿¿
¿
V out ( cal)= ¿¿
¿
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Electronic Devices and Circuits Lab LAB 5
Attach the waveform obtained by above clamper circuit.
What do you conclude after changing the position of diode?
Part 3: Clamper Circuit (with battery)
Construct the network of Fig. 5.2 and record the measured value of R. Using the value of V T from Part 1,
calculate V C and output voltage for the interval of that causes the diode to be in the "on" state. While
input is set to 8 Vp-p, f = 1000 Hz sinusoidal.
Fig. 5. 2 Biased Clamper circuit
V C ( cal)= ¿¿
¿
V out ( cal)= ¿¿
¿
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Electronic Devices and Circuits Lab LAB 5
Attach the waveform obtained by above biased clamper circuit.
Now reverse the position of diode shown in Fig. 5.2 and by using the value of V T from Part 1, calculate
V C and output voltage for the interval of that causes the diode to be in the "on" state.
V C ( cal)= ¿¿
¿
V out ( cal)= ¿¿
¿
Attach the waveform obtained by above reversed clamper circuit.
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Electronic Devices and Circuits Lab LAB 5
Part 4: Clamper circuit (effect of R)
Determine the time constant (τ = RC) for the network of Fig. 5.1 for the interval of the input signal that
causes the diode to assume the "off” state and be approximated by an open circuit.
τ (calculated) = _____________
Calculate the period of the applied signal. Determine half the period to correspond with the time interval
that the diode is in the "off” state during the first cycle of the applied signal.
T(calculated) = ________________
T/2 (calculated) =_________________
Change R to 100Ω and 2kΩ and calculate the time constant for each resistance value.
τR 100 Ω
= _____________
τ R = _____________
2 kΩ
Explanation and Results
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Electronic Devices and Circuits Lab LAB 5
Questions
Q1: What are the applications of clamper circuit?
Q2: What is the difference between clipper and clamper?
Q3: What are the factors on which the time constant of R L circuit depends on?
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