Clipper and clamper circuits are two types of electronic circuits used in signal processing and waveform shaping. They are commonly used in electronics for various applications such as amplitude limiting, waveform rectification, and DC restoration.

1. Clipper Circuit:

   • Function: A clipper circuit is used to limit or clip the amplitude of an input waveform to a certain level by removing or clipping off the portions of the waveform that exceed the specified threshold.

   • Types:

     • Positive Clipper: This type of clipper circuit clips off the positive portion of the input waveform above a certain threshold voltage, resulting in an output waveform with the positive peaks limited.
     • Negative Clipper: In a negative clipper circuit, the negative portion of the input waveform below a certain threshold voltage is clipped off, producing an output waveform with the negative peaks limited.
     • Biased Clipper: A biased clipper circuit includes a DC bias voltage along with the input waveform, allowing the clipping threshold to be shifted up or down. This enables clipping to occur at different voltage levels.

   • Applications:

     • Amplitude limiting in communication systems.
     • Signal waveform shaping in audio processing.
     • Overvoltage protection in electronic circuits.
     • DC restoration in video and television signals.

2. Clamper Circuit:

   • Function: A clamper circuit is used to shift the DC level (or restore the DC component) of an input waveform without affecting its shape. It essentially adds or clamps a DC voltage to the input waveform.

   • Types:

     • Positive Clamper: In a positive clamper circuit, the positive peaks of the input waveform are clamped to a certain DC level, resulting in a waveform that is shifted upward.
     • Negative Clamper: In a negative clamper circuit, the negative peaks of the input waveform are clamped to a certain DC level, shifting the waveform downward.
     • Biased Clamper: Similar to the biased clipper, a biased clamper includes a DC bias voltage along with the input waveform, allowing the clamping level to be shifted.

   • Applications:

     • DC restoration in video and television signals.
     • Biasing circuits in transistor amplifiers.
     • Level shifting in digital circuits.
     • Waveform generation and synchronization.

Both clipper and clamper circuits are essential building blocks in electronic circuits for signal conditioning, waveform shaping, and voltage level adjustment. They find applications in various fields, including communications, audio processing, video processing, and instrumentation.