---
title: "Clipper and clamper circuits"
subject: "Fundamental of Electrical and Electronics Engineering"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_1/fundamental_of_electrical_and_electronics_engineering:clipper-clamper-circuits"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_1/fundamental_of_electrical_and_electronics_engineering/clipper-clamper-circuits
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Clipper and clamper circuits

Fundamental of Electrical and Electronics Engineering · Chapter 4: Diodes

- Asked in: 2081 Baishakh (new course), 2+2 marks
- Video: [Solved Problems on Clipper and Clamper Circuits](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9IP_cKn5io) — ALL ABOUT ELECTRONICS
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_1/fundamental_of_electrical_and_electronics_engineering/clipper-clamper-circuits
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_1/fundamental_of_electrical_and_electronics_engineering/chapter-4

## Question

Explain the clipper and clamper circuits with suitable examples.

## Short answer

A clipper uses a diode to remove signal parts above or below a level, e.g., shunt positive clipper limits positive peak. A clamper (DC restorer) shifts the entire waveform without changing shape, using a capacitor, diode and large RC time constant.

## Answer

#### Clipper

A **clipper** (limiter) is a diode circuit that removes (clips) the part of the input signal above or below a chosen level, without distorting the rest of the waveform. It uses a diode, a resistor and sometimes a DC battery to set the clipping level.

- **Series clipper:** diode in series with the load.
- **Shunt (parallel) clipper:** diode across the output.
- Types: positive, negative, biased and combination (two-level) clippers.

**Example: shunt positive clipper (Si diode, 0.7 V drop)**

```text
 vin o--[ R ]--+------o vo
               |
              \ /  D (anode up,
              ---  cathode to ground)
               |
 o-------------+------o
```

For vin = 10 sin ωt: in the positive half the diode conducts once vin > 0.7 V, so vo is held at 0.7 V; in the negative half the diode is off and vo = vin. Output swings from +0.7 V to −10 V. Adding a battery in series with the diode moves the clipping level (e.g. 3 V battery → clip at 3.7 V).

Uses: wave shaping, protecting circuits from over-voltage, noise limiting.

#### Clamper

A **clamper** (DC restorer) shifts the whole waveform up or down by adding a DC level, **without changing its shape or peak-to-peak value**. It needs a capacitor, a diode and a resistor; the time constant RC must be much larger than the signal period so the capacitor does not discharge noticeably.

**Example: positive clamper**

```text
 vin o--| C |--+------o vo
               |
              _|_  D (cathode up)
              /_\  anode to ground
               |    R across output
 o-------------+------o
```

For vin = ±10 V square wave: during the negative half the diode conducts and C charges to 10 V; then vo = vin + 10 V, so the output swings from 0 to +20 V (ideal diode). Peak-to-peak stays 20 V. Reversing the diode gives a negative clamper (0 to −20 V).

Uses: TV receivers (DC restoration), voltage multipliers.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What does a clipper do to a signal?
   A. Shifts the entire waveform by a DC level
   B. Doubles the amplitude
   C. Removes the part above or below a chosen level without distorting the rest
   D. Converts AC to smooth DC
   Answer: C. A clipper limits the waveform at a chosen level while the rest stays unchanged. (Key point: Clipper purpose)

2. For a shunt positive clipper (Si diode) with vin = 10 sin wt, the output swings between:
   A. +10 V and -0.7 V
   B. +10 V and -10 V
   C. 0 V and +20 V
   D. +0.7 V and -10 V
   Answer: D. The diode conducts at vin > 0.7 V, holding vo at 0.7 V; the negative half passes unchanged. (Key point: Shunt positive clipper output)

3. A clamper differs from a clipper because it:
   A. Shifts the waveform by a DC level without changing shape or peak-to-peak
   B. Cuts off peaks
   C. Needs no capacitor
   D. Reduces the peak-to-peak value
   Answer: A. A clamper adds a DC level; shape and peak-to-peak are unchanged. (Key point: Clamper definition)

4. For a positive clamper with +-10 V square wave input, the output swings:
   A. -10 to +10 V
   B. 0 to +20 V
   C. 0 to +10 V
   D. -20 V to 0 V
   Answer: B. C charges to 10 V in the negative half, then vo = vin + 10 V; RC must be much greater than the period. (Key point: Clamper operation)

## Related in other subjects

- [What are clipper and clamper circuits](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fbasic_electronics_engineering%3Aclipper-clamper-define) — Basic Electronics Engineering, chapter 2