Inverted bipolar transistor doubles as a signal clamp

A number of circuits, such as level detectors and AM demodulators, benefit from a rectifier with a low offset voltage. Silicon diodes have an offset of approximately 0.6V and do not work well in low-level circuitry. The bipolar-inverted-clamp circuit and a typical transfer function are described.

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:EDN 2000-11, Vol.45 (23), p.172-172
Main Author: Hogrefe, Art
Format: Magazinearticle
Language:English
Subjects:
Circuit components
Circuits
Design engineering
Diodes
Electric current rectifiers
Electronics
Rectifier instruments
Silicon diodes
Transistors
Online Access:Get full text
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Description
Summary:A number of circuits, such as level detectors and AM demodulators, benefit from a rectifier with a low offset voltage. Silicon diodes have an offset of approximately 0.6V and do not work well in low-level circuitry. The bipolar-inverted-clamp circuit and a typical transfer function are described.
ISSN:0012-7515
2163-4084