What is the given circuit known as? 

Explanation:

Positive Clipper Circuit

Definition: A positive clipper is an electronic circuit designed to clip (or remove) the positive portions of an alternating waveform, ensuring that the output signal does not exceed a certain positive voltage level. This clipping action is achieved by using diodes and other components to control the voltage level at which clipping occurs.

Working Principle: The positive clipper circuit typically consists of a diode and a resistor. When an AC signal is applied to the input, the diode conducts only during the positive half-cycles of the input signal, thereby clipping the positive portion of the waveform to a predefined level. The output voltage thus remains at or below the clipping level during the positive half-cycles.

Circuit Configuration:

• Diode: The diode is connected in series with the input signal. During the positive half-cycle of the input signal, the diode becomes forward-biased and conducts, allowing the current to pass through. This action clips the positive half of the waveform.
• Resistor: The resistor is usually connected in series with the diode to limit the current and protect the diode from excessive current flow.
• Clipping Level: The clipping level can be adjusted by changing the orientation of the diode and by introducing a DC bias voltage in series with the diode.

Advantages:

• Simple design and easy to implement.
• Protects circuits from excessive positive voltage levels.
• Can be used to shape and modify waveforms in signal processing applications.

Disadvantages:

• Only clips the positive portion of the signal, leaving the negative portion unaffected.
• May introduce distortion in the signal if not designed properly.

Applications:

• Waveform shaping and modification in signal processing.
• Protecting sensitive electronic components from voltage spikes.
• In communication systems to maintain signal integrity.

Correct Option Analysis:

The correct option is:

Option 1: Positive clipper

This option correctly identifies the circuit as a positive clipper. The positive clipper removes or limits the positive portion of the input waveform, ensuring that the output signal does not exceed a certain positive voltage level. The key components, such as the diode and resistor, work together to clip the positive peaks of the input signal, making this the correct choice.

Additional Information

To further understand the analysis, let’s evaluate the other options:

Option 2: Biased clipper

A biased clipper is a type of clipper circuit that uses a DC bias voltage to adjust the clipping level. This circuit can clip either the positive or negative portions of the input signal at a specified bias voltage. While the biased clipper can be configured to clip the positive portion of the waveform, the circuit in question does not include a bias voltage, making this option incorrect.

Option 3: Clamper

A clamper is a different type of circuit that shifts the entire waveform up or down by adding a DC level to the input signal. Unlike clippers, clampers do not remove portions of the waveform but rather change its DC level. Since the circuit in question is designed to clip the positive portion of the waveform, the clamper option is incorrect.

Option 4: Negative clipper

A negative clipper is the opposite of a positive clipper. It clips the negative portion of the input signal, ensuring that the output signal does not exceed a certain negative voltage level. Since the circuit in question is designed to clip the positive portion of the waveform, the negative clipper option is incorrect.

Conclusion:

Understanding the differences between positive clippers, biased clippers, clampers, and negative clippers is essential for correctly identifying their operational characteristics. A positive clipper, as explained, involves clipping the positive portion of the input waveform, ensuring that the output signal does not exceed a certain positive voltage level. This simplicity in operation and design makes it suitable for specific applications, despite its limitations in only clipping the positive portion of the signal.