Clipping in Amplifiers

When an amplifier is subjected to a large AC input signal, it may reach a point where it can no longer accurately reproduce the entire waveform. This phenomenon is known as clipping. Clipping occurs when the input signal exceeds the maximum voltage that the amplifier can output, causing the output signal to be distorted.

Clipping on Both Peaks

In the given scenario, the clipping occurs on both peaks of the AC input signal. This means that the positive and negative peaks of the signal are being clipped. When the input signal exceeds the maximum voltage level, the amplifier cannot produce an output that matches the input waveform. As a result, the output waveform will be distorted and will no longer resemble the original signal.

Output Waveform

In this case, the output waveform will resemble a square wave. A square wave consists of alternating high and low levels, with sudden transitions between them. When both positive and negative peaks of the input signal are clipped, the output waveform will have a flat top and bottom, resembling the shape of a square wave.

Explanation

When the input signal exceeds the maximum voltage level, the amplifier reaches its saturation point. At this point, the amplifier can no longer provide any further amplification, and the output voltage remains constant. As a result, the output waveform is "clipped" at the maximum output voltage.

Since the clipping occurs on both peaks of the input signal, the output waveform will have a flat top and bottom, similar to a square wave. The transitions between the high and low levels will be sharp and sudden, resulting in a distorted output waveform.

Conclusion

When an amplifier experiences clipping on both peaks of a large AC input signal, the output waveform will resemble a square wave. This is because the amplifier reaches its saturation point and can no longer accurately reproduce the entire input waveform. It is important to note that clipping is an undesirable effect in amplifier operation, as it introduces distortion and affects the fidelity of the signal being amplified.