Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 201 of 494
Which statement correctly distinguishes a diode clipper circuit from a diode clamper circuit?
A
A clipper shifts the DC baseline; a clamper amplifies the signal voltage
B
A clipper smooths ripple; a clamper rectifies AC into DC
C
A clipper adds a DC offset; a clamper removes high-frequency noise
D
A clipper cuts off portions of a waveform above or below a threshold; a clamper shifts the entire waveform to a different DC reference level
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option D: A clipper cuts off portions of a waveform above or below a threshold; a clamper shifts the entire waveform to a different DC reference level
Concept:

Clippers (limiters) clip or truncate portions of an input signal waveform without altering the remaining wave shape. Clampers (DC restorers) introduce a DC offset to shift the entire waveform vertically without clipping its peaks.

Formula:

$$\text{Clipper: } V_{\text{out}} = \min(V_{\text{in}}, V_{\text{ref}}) \quad | \quad \text{Clamper: } V_{\text{out}}(t) = V_{\text{in}}(t) \pm V_{\text{dc}}$$

Solution:

  • Clipper: Uses diodes and reference voltages to eliminate selected parts of a waveform (e.g., peak limiting).


  • Clamper: Uses a diode, capacitor, and resistor to clamp either the positive or negative peak of a waveform to a reference DC level while preserving peak-to-peak amplitude.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: Clampers shift the DC baseline, and neither circuit provides amplification.
  • Option B: Smoothing filters remove ripple; clippers and clampers do not act as power supply filters.
  • Option C: Clampers add DC offsets, while low-pass filters remove high-frequency noise.

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