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Diode clamper (DC restorer)

Electronic Devices Lab · free online experiment, runs in your browser with no install or sign-up.

Open this experiment in the circuit simulator

Objective

Shift a 5 V sine upward so that its negative peaks sit at about −0.7 V.

Procedure

Run and compare the waveforms.
Reverse the diode: the clamp goes to the positive side.

Theory

The capacitor charges through the diode to Vm − Vd on the first negative peak and then adds that DC level to the input: the output swings from −0.7 V to 2Vm − 0.7 V = 9.3 V.

Questions to answer

Why is a large RC needed compared with the period?

Components used

Diode 1N4007, Electrolytic Capacitor 100uF 25V, Function generator (sine), Oscilloscope (2-channel), Resistor 220 ohm 1/4W

About the model

Ideal wires; component models as listed in the catalogue (no parasitics, no temperature drift). Built without a breadboard so the schematic stays readable.