How half wave rectifier works?

Thread Starter

gracelee

Joined Feb 6, 2017
5
can somebody help me how this half wave and full wave rectifier works?
how each component functions in the circuit? Thanks.
 

MrAl

Joined Jun 17, 2014
13,667
can somebody help me how this half wave and full wave rectifier works?
how each component functions in the circuit? Thanks.
Hi,

The main idea is that a diode rectifier only allows current flow in one direction so it is said to 'rectify' an AC input and turn it into a pulsating DC signal.

Do you know how a rectifier diode itself works? That is fundamental to understanding the rest.
 

JUNELER

Joined Jul 13, 2015
183
Hi,

First ,lets talk about a simple half wave,if you dont want to read in the no2 suggestions.
A single diode gives a output of a half wave. While a two or a four diodes give an output of fullwave.
A Half wave means a half of the input ac will outputted a halfwave. While fullwave,was generated
during the two alternatives half of the ac input once you use a two or a four diodes configuration.
But please read the theory and sample circuits as per nos2 advice, to get more understanding and learn
 

hp1729

Joined Nov 23, 2015
2,304
The transformer changes the voltage up or down to the desired level. The rectifiers change the AC to pulsating DC. The capacitors act as a reservoir, charging up during the peak voltages and discharging at a lower rate to keep the voltage to the load more constant. Various designs are shown in the attachment. You can get a positive voltage, a negative, or both out of the same transformer with different rectifier configurations.
There are other configurations beyond these, For instance there are rectifier / capacitor configurations the double the voltage. The possibilities are up to your understandings.
.
The transformer output voltage is rated in AC, RMS. The reservoir capacitor charges up to the peak value. 12 V AC RMS gives us about 16 V DC. That is RMS x 1.414, minus the voltage drop across the rectifiers.
 

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