We derive a novel explicit wave-domain model for “diode clipper" circuits with an arbitrary number of diodes in each orientation, applicable, e.g., to wave digital filter emulation of guitar distortion pedals. Improving upon and generalizing the model of Paiva et al. (2012), which approximates reverse-biased diodes as open circuits, we derive a model with an approximated correction term using two Lambert W functions. We study the energetic properties of each model and clarify aspects of the original derivation. We demonstrate the model's validity by comparing a modded Tube Screamer clipping stage emulation to SPICE simulation.

Authors: Werner, Kurt James; Nangia, Vaibhav; Bernardini, Alberto; Smith, III, Julius O.; Sarti, Augusto
Affiliations: Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy(See document for exact affiliation information.)
AES Convention: 139 (October 2015) Paper Number: 9360
Publication Date: October 23, 2015 Import into BibTeX
Subject: Signal Processing
Permalink: https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=17918

Click to purchase paper as a non-member or login as an AES member. If your company or school subscribes to the E-Library then switch to the institutional version. If you are not an AES member and would like to subscribe to the E-Library then Join the AES!

This paper costs $33 for non-members and is free for AES members and E-Library subscribers.

Learn more about the AES E-Library

E-Library Location: (CD 139Papers)   /conv/139/9360.pdf

Start a discussion about this paper!