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Clipping

What is clipping?

Clipping is a form of signal distortion that occurs when an amplifier or circuit is driven beyond its maximum output capability, causing the peaks of the waveform to be cut off or "clipped" at a flat level. This results in a squared-off waveform that introduces harmonic distortion and can damage speakers or other components. Clipping commonly happens when an amplifier is overdriven or when the input signal exceeds the circuit's dynamic range, and it's typically considered undesirable except in specific applications like guitar distortion effects.

Related Terms

Clamping

Clamping is a circuit protection technique that limits voltage or current to safe levels by restricting signals to stay within predetermined upper and/or lower bounds. It typically uses diodes, Zener diodes, or specialized clamping circuits to prevent voltage spikes or excursions that could damage sensitive components. Common applications include input protection for microcontrollers, overvoltage protection in power supplies, and signal conditioning in analog circuits. Unlike filtering which removes unwanted frequencies, clamping directly clips or constrains signal amplitudes.