Rectifier
LESSON ON HALF WAVE RECTIFIER / FULL WAVE RECTIFIER / BRIDGE RECTIFIER
​A Rectifier converts AC (Alternating Current) in to DC (Direct Current ). Generally Diode is used as rectifier. Rectifier uses the property of Diode( semi-conductor device) to allow flow of current in only one direction.
Full Wave Rectifier : Full wave rectifier circuit rectifies the AC in both directions providing a DC signal for each AC cycle by using two or four Diodes. For two diode rectifier circuit it is necessary to have center tap transformer. Four Diode rectifier also called Bridge Rectifier is widely used. Output efficiency of full-wave rectifier is double of that of a half-wave rectifier. Ripple voltage is low and of higher frequency.
Project on Half Wave Rectifier
Half Wave Rectifier : This is simplest form of rectifier. It uses single diode. Output is half cycle of the waveform so efficiency is half. Ripple voltage is high. It is cheap, simple and easy to construct. Half wave rectifier is widely used in SMPS, connected to secondary of a transformer. For eg in a Mobile Charger, Laptop Charger etc.
Fig. Project on Full Wave Rectifier
Common diodes used in this application are the 1N4007 Diode.
In order to produce steady DC from a rectified AC supply, a smoothing circuit or you can say a filteration is required. We have used electrolytic capacitor of value 1000 Mfd/25V as filter capacitor in our project.
There are two types of Full-wave Rectifiers.
a) Center-tapped full-wave rectifier
b) Bridge Rectifier
How does a Diode work ? In this video learn working of a Diode.