LINEAR INTEGRATED

SIGNAL PROCESSING CIRCUITS USING OP AMP

CIRCUITS

Precision Rectifiers
19ECE46

 Half Wave Rectifier(HWR)

• Saturation precision HWR
• Non Saturation Precision HWR
 Full wave rectifier (FWR)
Limiting Circuits
 Peak Clipper
 Dead Zone Circuit
 Precision Clipper
Sample and Hold Circuit
RAJESH G
Sr. Asst. Prof/ECE
Half-wave rectifier

Consider a diode rectifier:

Vo

Vo
Vi D
R
slope=1

V
i
VD
Half-wave rectifier

Consider a diode rectifier:

Vo

Vo
Vi D
R
slope=1

V
i
VD

If Vi » VD , the diode drop can be ignored.

However, if Vi is small, e.g., Vi = 0.2 sin ωt V , then the circuit does not rectify, and
Vo (t ) = 0 V .
Half-wave rectifier

Consider a diode rectifier:

Vo

Vo
Vi D
R
slope=1

V
i
VD

If Vi » VD , the diode drop can be ignored.

However, if Vi is small, e.g., Vi = 0.2 sin ωt V , then the circuit does not rectify, and
Vo (t ) = 0 V .
Precision rectifier circuits overcome this drawback.
Half-wave precision rectifier

Vo
Vi D
R
Half-wave precision rectifier

iD
Vo i− Vo
Vo1
Vi D Vi VD
R iR
R

Consider two cases:

(i) D is conducting: The feedback loop is closed, and the circuit looks like (except
for the diode drop) the buffer we have seen earlier.
Half-wave precision rectifier

iD
Vo i− Vo
Vo1
Vi D Vi VD
R iR
R

Consider two cases:

(i) D is conducting: The feedback loop is closed, and the circuit looks like (except
for the diode drop) the buffer we have seen earlier.
Since the input current i− ≈ 0, iR = iD .
Vo 1 Vo + 0.7 V
Further, V+ − V− = = ≈ 0 V → Vo = Vi .
AV AV
Half-wave precision rectifier

iD
Vo i− Vo
Vo1
Vi D Vi VD
R iR
R

Consider two cases:

(i) D is conducting: The feedback loop is closed, and the circuit looks like (except
for the diode drop) the buffer we have seen earlier.
Since the input current i− ≈ 0, iR = iD .
Vo 1 Vo + 0.7 V
Further, V+ − V− = = ≈ 0 V → Vo = Vi .
AV AV
This situation arises only if iD > 0 (since the diode can only conduct in the
forward direction), i.e., Vo > 0 → Vi = Vo > 0 V .
Half-wave precision rectifier

Vo

iD
Vo i− Vo
Vo1
Vi D Vi VD slope=1
R iR
R
Vi

Consider two cases:

(i) D is conducting: The feedback loop is closed, and the circuit looks like (except
for the diode drop) the buffer we have seen earlier.
Since the input current i− ≈ 0, iR = iD .
Vo 1 Vo + 0.7 V
Further, V+ − V− = = ≈ 0 V → Vo = Vi .
AV AV
This situation arises only if iD > 0 (since the diode can only conduct in the
forward direction), i.e., Vo > 0 → Vi = Vo > 0 V .
Half-wave precision rectifier

Vo
Vi D
R
Half-wave precision rectifier

Vo Vo
Vo1
Vi D Vi
R
R

(ii) D is not conducting → Vo = 0 V .

Half-wave precision rectifier

Vo Vo
Vo1
Vi D Vi
R
R

(ii) D is not conducting → Vo = 0 V .

What about Vo 1 ?
Since the Op Amp is now in the open-loop configuration, a very small Vi is
enough to drive it to saturation.
Half-wave precision rectifier

Vo Vo
Vo1
Vi D Vi
R
R

(ii) D is not conducting → Vo = 0 V .

What about Vo 1 ?
Since the Op Amp is now in the open-loop configuration, a very small Vi is
enough to drive it to saturation.
Note that Case (ii) occurs when Vi < 0 V . Since V+ − V− = Vi − 0 = Vi is
negative, Vo 1 is driven to −V sat.
Half-wave precision rectifier

Vo

Vo Vo
Vo1
Vi D Vi
R Vo = 0
R
Vi

(ii) D is not conducting → Vo = 0 V .

What about Vo 1 ?
Since the Op Amp is now in the open-loop configuration, a very small Vi is
enough to drive it to saturation.
Note that Case (ii) occurs when Vi < 0 V . Since V+ − V− = Vi − 0 = Vi is
negative, Vo 1 is driven to −V sat.
Half-wave precision rectifier

Vo
0 Vo

D on −2 Vi
D off
D
−4
Vo1 Vo Vo = V i
−6
Vi R Vo = 0
−8
superdiode −10
Vi
−12
0 1 2
t
(ms)

* The circuit is called a “superdiode” (i.e., a diode with zero Von ).

Half-wave precision rectifier

Vo
0 Vo

D on −2 Vi
D off
D
−4
Vo1 Vo Vo = V i
−6
Vi R Vo = 0
−8
Vo1
superdiode −10
Vi −Vsat
−12
0 1 2
t
(ms)

* The circuit is called a “superdiode” (i.e., a diode with zero Von ).

Half-wave precision rectifier

Vo
0 Vo

D on −2 Vi
D off
D
−4
Vo1 Vo Vo = V i
−6
Vi R Vo = 0
−8
Vo1
superdiode −10
Vi −Vsat
−12
0 1 2
t
(ms)

* The circuit is called a “superdiode” (i.e., a diode with zero Von ).

* Note that the Op Amp needs to come out of saturation when Vi changes from
negative to positive values. This is a relatively slow process, and it limits the
speed of this circuit.
Half-wave precision rectifier

Vo
0 Vo

D on −2 Vi
D off
D
−4
Vo1 Vo Vo = V i
−6
Vi R Vo = 0
−8
Vo1
superdiode −10
Vi −Vsat
−12
0 1 2
t
(ms)

* The circuit is called a “superdiode” (i.e., a diode with zero Von ).

* Note that the Op Amp needs to come out of saturation when Vi changes from
negative to positive values. This is a relatively slow process, and it limits the
speed of this circuit.
Half-wave precision rectifier
Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

iR2

iD1 R2

iR1 D1
iD2
Vi R1 Vo
Vo1
D2
iR
R
Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

iR2

iD1 R2

iR1 D1
iD2
Vi R1 Vo
Vo1
D2
iR
R

(i) D1 conducts: V− = V+ = 0 V , Vo 1 = −VD 1 ≈ −0.7 V .

Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

iR2

iD1 R2

iR1 D1
iD2
Vi R1 Vo
Vo1
D2
iR
R

(i) D1 conducts: V− = V+ = 0 V , Vo 1 = −VD 1 ≈ −0.7 V .

D2 cannot conduct (show that, if it did, KCL is not satisfied at Vo ).

→ iR 2 = 0, Vo = V− = 0 V .
Improved half-wave precision rectifier

iR2 R2
iD1 R2

iR1 D1
D1
iD2
Vi R1 Vi R1
Vo Vo
Vo1 Vo1
D2 D2
iR
R R
Vi > 0

(i) D1 conducts: V− = V+ = 0 V , Vo 1 = −VD 1 ≈ −0.7 V .

D2 cannot conduct (show that, if it did, KCL is not satisfied at Vo ).

→ iR 2 = 0, Vo = V− = 0 V .
Improved half-wave precision rectifier

iR2 R2
iD1 R2

iR1 D1
D1
iD2
Vi R1 Vi R1
Vo Vo
Vo1 Vo1
D2 D2
iR
R R
Vi > 0

(i) D1 conducts: V− = V+ = 0 V , Vo 1 = −VD 1 ≈ −0.7 V .

D2 cannot conduct (show that, if it did, KCL is not

satisfied at Vo ).
→ iR 2 = 0, Vo = V− = 0 V .
iR 1 = iD 1 which can only be positive ⇒ Vi > 0 V .
Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

iR2 R2
iD1 R2

iR1 D1
D1
iD2
Vi R1 Vi R1
Vo Vo
Vo1 Vo1
D2 D2
iR
R R
Vi > 0

(i) D1 conducts: V− = V+ = 0 V , Vo 1 = −VD 1 ≈ −0.7 V .

D2 cannot conduct (show that, if it did, KCL is not satisfied at Vo ).

→ iR 2 = 0, Vo = V− = 0 V .
iR 1 = iD 1 which can only be positive ⇒ Vi > 0 V .
(ii) D1 is off; this will happen when Vi < 0 V .
Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

iR2 R2 R2
iD1 R2

iR1 D1
D1 D1
iD2
Vi R1 Vi R1 Vi R1
Vo Vo Vo
Vo1 Vo1 Vo1
D2 D2 D2
iR
R R R
Vi > 0 Vi < 0

(i) D1 conducts: V− = V+ = 0 V , Vo 1 = −VD 1 ≈ −0.7 V .

D2 cannot conduct (show that, if it did, KCL is not satisfied at Vo ).

→ iR 2 = 0, Vo = V− = 0 V .
iR 1 = iD 1 which can only be positive ⇒ Vi > 0 V .
(ii) D1 is off; this will happen when Vi < 0 V .
In this case, D2 conducts and closes the feedback loop through R2 .
Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

iR2 R2 R2
iD1 R2

iR1 D1
D1 D1
iD2
Vi R1 Vi R1 Vi R1
Vo Vo Vo
Vo1 Vo1 Vo1
D2 D2 D2
iR
R R R
Vi > 0 Vi < 0

(i) D1 conducts: V− = V+ = 0 V , Vo 1 = −VD 1 ≈ −0.7 V .

D2 cannot conduct (show that, if it did, KCL is not satisfied at Vo ).

→ iR 2 = 0, Vo = V− = 0 V .
iR 1 = iD 1 which can only be positive ⇒ Vi > 0 V .
(ii) D1 is off; this will happen when Vi < 0 V .
In this case, D2 conducts and closes the feedback loop through R2 .
„ «
0 − Vi R2
Vo = V− + iR 2 R2 = 0 + R2 = − Vi .
R1 R 1
 Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

R2
Vo
1k R2
V
− i
1k D1 R1

Vi R1
Vo1
Vo
D2 Vo = 0
R
Vi
 Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

2
R2
Vo
1k R2
V 1
− i
1k D1 R1
Vi Vo
Vi R1
Vo1
Vo
D2 Vo = 0 0

R
Vi

−1
0 1 2
t
(ms)
 Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

2
R2 Vo1
Vo
1k R2
V 1
− i
1k D1 R1
Vi Vo
Vi R1
Vo1
Vo
D2 Vo = 0 0

R
Vi

−1
0 1 2
t
(ms)
 Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

2
R2 Vo1
Vo
1k R2
V 1
− i
1k D1 R1
Vi Vo
Vi R1
Vo1
Vo
D2 Vo = 0 0

R
Vi

−1
0 1 2
t
(ms)

* Note that the Op Amp does not enter saturation since a feedback path is
available for Vi > 0 V and Vi < 0 V .
 Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

2
R2 Vo1
Vo
1k R2
V 1
− i
1k D1 R1
Vi Vo
Vi R1
Vo1
Vo
D2 Vo = 0 0

R
Vi

−1
0 1 2
t
(ms)

* Note that the Op Amp does not enter saturation since a feedback path is
available for Vi > 0 V and Vi < 0 V .
SEQUEL file: precision half wave.sqproj
Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

R2
Vo

Vo = 0
D1

Vi R1 Vi
Vo
Vo1
D2 R V
2
−
R R1 i

The diodes are now reversed.

Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

R2
Vo

Vo = 0
D1

Vi R1 Vi
Vo
Vo1
D2 R V
2
−
R R1 i

The diodes are now reversed.

By considering two cases: (i) D1 on, (ii) D1 off, the Vo versus Vi relationship shown in
the figure is obtained (show this).
Improved/Non saturated half-wave precision rectifier

R2
Vo

Vo = 0
D1

Vi R1 Vi
Vo
Vo1
D2 R V
2
−
R R1 i

The diodes are now reversed.

By considering two cases: (i) D1 on, (ii) D1 off, the Vo versus Vi relationship shown in
the figure is obtained (show this).
Two Output half-wave precision rectifier

The diodes D2 is connected in series with the opamp o/p terminal and R 2 exactly is
connected as in improved precision HWR.
Two Output half-wave precision rectifier

The diodes D2 is connected in series with the opamp o/p terminal and R 2 exactly is
connected as in improved precision HWR.

The diodes R4 is added in series D1 where D1 exactly is connected as in improved precision

HWR.
Two Output half-wave precision rectifier

When Vi > 0V , Op-amp output terminal goes ‘-ve’, resulting

D1 in Forward Bias and D2 in reverse bias [ No Current flows in R 2]
op amp together with R1 and R4 function as inverting amplifier.
So, at node ‘B’
VB = - [+Vi] (R4/R1)
Two Output half-wave precision rectifier

When Vi < 0V , Op-amp output terminal goes ‘+ve’, resulting

D2 in Forward Bias and D1 in reverse bias [ No Current flows in R 4]
op amp together with R1 and R2 function as inverting amplifier.
So, at node ‘A’
VA = - [-Vi] (R2/R1)
AM demodulation using a peak detector

0.15 Vi
Super Vo1
diode
AM Vo1 filter
signal Vo2

−0.15
0 1 2
t
(ms)

* charging through superdiode, discharging through resistor

* The time constant (RC ) needs to be carefully selected.
 Full-wave precision rectifier

VB

Vi

x (−1)
VB
Vo
Half−wave Vo
Vi Vo1 VA
rectifier x (−2)
(inverting)
Vo1 VA
Vi

Vi Vi
 Full-wave precision rectifier

VB

Vi

x (−1)
VB
Vo
Half−wave Vo
Vi Vo1 VA
rectifier x (−2)
(inverting)
Vo1 VA
Vi

Vi Vi

R
R
R1

D1
R1 R/2 Vo
Vi
D2 Vo1

inverting half−wave rectifier inverting summer

(SEQUEL file: precision_full_wave.sqproj)

 Full-wave precision rectifier

VB
2
Vi

1
x (−1)
VB
Vo
Half−wave Vo 0
Vi Vo1 VA
rectifier x (−2)
(inverting)
Vo1 VA
Vi −1
i
Vi Vi Vo
−2
0 1 2
t
(ms)

R
R
R1

D1
R1 R/2 Vo
Vi
D2 Vo1

inverting half−wave rectifier inverting summer

(SEQUEL file: precision_full_wave.sqproj)

 Full-wave precision rectifier

A
2
R3
R2 = 2R1 R4
1

D1 Vo 0
Vi R5
R1
D2 B
−1
i
inverting half−wave rectifier inverting summer Vo
−2
0 1 2
t
When Vi > 0V [‘+ve’ Cycle] , When Vi < 0V [‘-ve’ Cycle] , (ms)
at ‘A’ , VA = + Vi at ‘A’ , VA = - Vi

And at ‘B’ , VB = - 2Vi And at ‘B’ , VB = 0

therefore , VB = -[R4/R3] (VA + VB ) therefore , VB = -[R4/R5] (VA + VB )

= [R4/R3] Vi = [R4/R5] Vi
 Full-wave precision rectifier

A
2
R3
R2 = 2R1 R4
1

D1 Vo 0
Vi R5
R1
D2 B
−1
i
inverting half−wave rectifier inverting summer Vo
−2
0 1 2
t
When Vi > 0V [‘+ve’ Cycle] , When Vi < 0V [‘-ve’ Cycle] , (ms)
at ‘A’ , VA = + Vi at ‘A’ , VA = - Vi

And at ‘B’ , VB = - 2Vi And at ‘B’ , VB = 0

therefore , VB = -[R4/R3] (VA + VB ) therefore , VB = -[R4/R5] (VA + VB )

= [R4/R3] Vi = [R4/R5] Vi

A precision FWR circuit is also known as an “absolute value circuit”.