1 Objective

Apply theoretical knowledge concerning diodes, in real circuits to

substantiate correspondence between theory and practice.

2 Equipment

1
1
1
1
1

Breadboard
DC power supply
Function Generator
Oscilloscope
Electrical tape

3 Components
1 center-tapped transformer (110V/12V, at least 1000 mA)

Diode-bridges
Silicon diodes
Electrolytic capacitors
Ceramic capacitors
Terminal strips
Twin cable AWG16, at least 1 meter
Resistors
Zener diodes

4 General recomendations

In the following paragraphs, design and implement means the student

must perform all the necessary calculations and/or plots to solve and
analize the circuit before starting the implementation of the experiment.
After each experiment, indicate an evident proof that this has been done
(through oscilloscope screenshots, or by photographs).
Additionally in case of mismatch between calculated and measured data,
the reason why this happens must be explained.
The values in all the practices are not fixed and depend on the discretion
of the student.

5 Exercises
5.1 Center-tapped transformer
Plug the transformer to the power supply considering all precautions.
Through the
scope, perform the following measurements, based on Figure 1:

Voltages
Voltages
Voltages
Voltages

Vp and
Vp and
Vp and
Va and

Va at a time.
Vb at a time.
Vtotal at a time.
Vb at a time.

5.2 Half-wave rectifier

Design and implement a half-wave rectifier using any pair of terminals of
the transformer secondary circuit (either between the center tap and a
line or between two lines). Implement a low pass filter (resistorcapacitor) between the rectifier output and ground.

5.3 Full-wave rectifier

Design and implement the two full-wave rectifiers studied in class (by a
bridge network and by a center tapped transformer). Implement a low
pass filter (resistorcapacitor) between the rectifier output and ground.

5.4 Positive-negative voltage source

Design and implement a voltage source consisting of stages of
rectification, filtering and regulation. Additionally, it has positive and
negative voltage at a time (both are regulated linearly and no matter
their value).

5.5 Clipper
Construct the circuit shown in figure 2 on a breadboard. Measure the
input and output voltage waveforms simultaneously on the oscilloscope by using
different channels on the oscilloscope. How do the input and output
waveforms differ? Why do they differ?
Assuming that the diodes are silicon ones, use circuit analysis to predict
the theoretical output voltage waveform for the given input waveform.
How does the
theoretical output waveform compare to the measured output
waveform?

5.6 Clamper
Construct the circuit shown in figure 3 on a breadboard. Measure the
input and
output voltage waveforms simultaneously on the oscilloscope. Sketch
the input and

output waveforms, taking care to note the 0V levels on each waveform.

How do the
input and output waveforms differ?
The key to understanding how this circuit works is to apply Kirchhoff's
Voltage (KVL). The output voltage is the sum of the source voltage and
the capacitor voltage. When the function generator starts, the diode
allows current to flow in the counterclockwise direction, but not
clockwise. Over several cycles of the input square wave, the capacitor
voltage builds up to equal the negative peak value of the signal source.

5.7 Zener circuit

The Zener diode has the unique property of maintaining a desired
reverse biased voltage. This makes it useful in voltage regulation. In this
exercise, you are to tabulate the regulating properties of the Zener
diode.
Connect the circuit as in figure 4. Measure the diode properties, by the
varying the input voltage and measuring the voltage across the diode
and the current. From your observations obtain the Vo which is Vz (zener
voltage).