In this video presentation prof, Sam Ben-Yaakov explains principles of over voltage protection diode-based circuits such as Clamping, Snubbing, Doubling, and DC Restoration.
Introduction
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of essential diode-based over-voltage protection circuits used in analog and power electronics.
These include clippers, clampers, snubbers, voltage doublers, DC restorers, and over-voltage clamps.
The goal is to clarify their operating principles, practical applications, and energy considerations, especially in switching environments such as flyback converters and half-bridge topologies.
Key Points
- Clamping circuits limit voltage excursions to protect components.
- Snubbers reduce switching losses and dampen parasitic oscillations.
- DC restorers and voltage doublers manipulate signal baselines and amplitudes.
- Energy balance and component sizing are critical for safe operation.
Clamping Circuits
Clamping circuits restrict the output voltage to a predefined threshold using diodes and reference voltages. A typical configuration includes a diode in series with a voltage source (e.g., Zener) and a resistor. When the input exceeds the clamping level, the diode conducts, diverting excess voltage and protecting downstream components.
The trade-off lies in resistor sizing: a low resistance allows high current, risking diode damage, while a high resistance forms a voltage divider, reducing clamping effectiveness.
| Parameter | Effect |
|---|---|
| Low Resistance | High clamping current, potential diode stress |
| High Resistance | Voltage division, reduced clamping precision |
Snubber Circuits
Snubbers are used to mitigate voltage spikes and reduce switching losses in power transistors. When a transistor turns off, the inductor’s current charges parasitic capacitances, causing voltage overshoot. A snubber adds capacitance and resistance to slow this rise and dissipate energy.
The energy dissipated in the resistor can be estimated as:
E = CV2 2 × fWhere C is the snubber capacitance, V is the clamped voltage, and f is the switching frequency. Lossless snubbers exist but are not covered in this overview.
Over-Voltage Clamp in Half-Bridge
In half-bridge configurations, over-voltage clamps use pre-charged capacitors to absorb parasitic oscillations. When one transistor turns off, the capacitor clamps the voltage spike, then discharges through a bleeder resistor to prepare for the next cycle.
Unlike traditional snubbers, these clamps do not discharge to zero, reducing energy loss and improving efficiency.
DC Restorer and Voltage Doubler
Originally used in analog TV systems, DC restorers shift AC signals to a ground-referenced baseline. A capacitor in series with the input and a diode allows negative cycles to charge the capacitor. On positive cycles, the stored voltage adds to the input, effectively doubling the amplitude.
Assuming symmetrical input: Vout = 2×Vin
Peak Detector
Peak detectors capture the maximum amplitude of a signal using a diode-capacitor pair. The capacitor charges to the peak voltage and slowly discharges through a resistor. Time constant selection is crucial: too long and the detector lags; too short and it fails to hold the peak.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Diode | Allows charging during peak |
| Capacitor | Stores peak voltage |
| Resistor | Controls discharge rate |
Conclusion
Diode-based circuits offer elegant solutions for voltage regulation, signal conditioning, and energy management. Understanding their behavior under dynamic conditions—especially in switching environments—is essential for robust design. Whether protecting components or manipulating signal baselines, these circuits remain foundational in analog and power electronics.