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JEE Main2026Apr 2, Shift 1Physics
Q.

For the given circuit (shown in part (A)) the time dependent input voltage and corresponding output are shown in part (B) and part (C), respectively. Identify the components that are used in the circuit between points and .

  1. A

    1

  2. B

    2

  3. C

    3

  4. D

    4

Solution

The middle branch (ideal diode in series with a Zener of V) acts as a clamp.

Positive half cycle: the ideal diode is forward biased and the Zener is reverse biased. Once the input exceeds V, the Zener breaks down and pins the output at V. For this to work the -to- branch must allow no current, i.e. behave as an open circuit.

Negative half cycle: the ideal diode is reverse biased, so the middle branch is open. Now the -to- branch must conduct and clamp the output at V (this is achieved by a second Zener-like element so output saturates at V).

The pair of opposing diodes between and provides exactly this asymmetric behaviour, giving the clipped output shown. Hence option (2) is correct.

Note: A series resistance is implied at the input; without it would equal in every case.

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