GATE EE 2023 Set 1 — Question 37
Go beyond PYQs with Success TrackerAI-powered personalised practice and doubt support. Unlimited practice on eligible plans; AI usage limits apply.MCQ+2 / -0.67MediumClipping & ClampingDiode CircuitsAnalog & Digital ElectronicsIdeal & Non-Ideal Op-AmpOperational Amplifiers
Analog & Digital Electronics → Diode Circuits → Clipping & Clamping
Last updated
Question
Consider the OP AMP based circuit shown in the figure. Ignore the conduction drops of diodes and . All the components are ideal and the breakdown voltage of the Zener is 5 V. Which of the following statements is true?
Correct answer
(D) The maximum and minimum values of the output voltage V_O are +5 V and -10 V, respectively.
Solution
1.The circuit is an inverting amplifier with input resistance and feedback resistance . The ideal gain is .
2.The input signal is V. Without clipping, the output would be V, which ranges from V to V.
3.In the feedback path, the branch containing and will conduct when is positive. Since the inverting terminal is at virtual ground ( V), this branch will clamp when it reaches the Zener breakdown voltage V (ignoring the forward drop of ). Thus, the maximum output voltage is limited to V.
4.When is negative, diode is reverse-biased, so the Zener branch does not conduct. Diode is also oriented such that it does not conduct for negative (based on standard clipper configurations for this problem). Therefore, the output follows the amplifier gain until it reaches the negative peak of the input signal, which is V.
5.Since the supply rails are V, the output can reach V without hitting the rail.
6.Consequently, the output voltage ranges from V to V. The maximum value is V and the minimum value is V.
Continue learning with Success Tracker
A step still unclear? Work through it with support
Use Success Tracker to ask about the reasoning, then try another GATE EE question to check your understanding.
AI-powered practice· Unlimited practice on eligible plans
- PYQs with solutions
- Attempt available previous-year questions, then compare your reasoning with the worked solution. Coverage varies by stream.
- Practice that adapts
- Choose a topic, work on weaker areas and bookmark questions to revisit. Your attempts feed your progress tracking.
- AI doubt support
- Ask follow-up questions about a step or concept while practising, instead of stopping at the final answer.
Unlimited practice is available on eligible plans. Free practice and AI usage have limits; check the current plan allowances before choosing.
This page stays readable without an account. AI responses can be wrong; check them against the solution and source material.
More questions on Diode Circuits
2026 Set 1 Q33In the linear regulator circuit shown, the base to emitter voltage of the BJT is…2026 Set 1 Q37In the circuit shown, the open loop gain of the operational amplifier is . What is the…2026 Set 1 Q45The digital circuit shown has 3 inputs (, , and ). The simplified logical expression for…2026 Set 1 Q46The MOSFET switches shown in the circuit are ideal. [figure] Which of the following is the correct…2026 Set 1 Q61Consider the circuit shown. Assume that the diode () is ideal. Given …