A rectifier converts AC or alternating current to DC direct current. Rectifiers are used in Power supply circuits which we will discuss in detail.
The process of converting AC to DC is called Rectification.
Half wave rectification.
It requires only single diode. Only positive cycle of the current is passed through the diode i.e only half of the AC wave is passed and hence the name half wave.
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Half wave rectifier[/caption]Full Wave rectification
It requires 2 diodes or 4 diodes. In this both positive and negative AC cycle is passed through the diode alternatively.
Bridge Rectifier
Bridge rectifier also produces same output as full wave rectifier.
The four diodes D1-D4 are arranged in series pair with only 2 diodes conducting current during each positive half cycle.
During the positive half cycle of the supply, diode D1 and D2 conduct in series while diodes D3 and D4 are reverse biased.
During the negative half cycle of the supply, diode D3 and D4 conduct while D1 and D2 are reverse biased.
In the next article I will show how to use rectifiers to build DC power supply circuits.
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