GATE 2021 EC – Question 53
An asymmetrical periodic pulse train $v_{in}$ of 10 V amplitude with on-time $T_{ON}=1$ ms and off-time $T_{OFF}=1\ \mu$s is applied to the circuit shown in the figure. The diode $D_1$ is ideal.
The difference between the maximum voltage and minimum voltage of the output waveform $v_o$ (in integer) is ________ V.
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Correct answer: 10
Explanation
This is a clamping circuit. The diode clamps the positive peak of $v_o$ at 0 V, and the capacitor charges to about 10 V. The time constant $RC=500\ \text{k}\Omega\times20\ \text{nF}=10$ ms is much longer than the $1\ \mu$s off-time, so the capacitor barely discharges and the output is the input shifted down by about 10 V. The output therefore swings between about $-10$ V and $0$ V, a difference of 10 V.