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Bridge Rectifier<^< Worksheet: Full-wave Rectifier | Course Index | Worksheet: Bridge Rectifier >^>  An alternative form of full-wave rectifier is the bridge rectifier. This circuit uses four similar diodes in which opposite pairs conduct on alternate half-cycles. This arrangement avoids the need to have two separate secondary windings (as in the bi-phase rectifier circuit). On positive half-cycles, point A will be positive with respect to point B. In this condition D1 and D2 will allow conduction whilst D3 and D4 will not allow conduction. Conversely, on negative half-cycles, point B will be positive with respect to point A. In this condition D3 and D4 will allow conduction whilst D1 and D2 will not allow conduction. As with the bi-phase rectifier, the switching action of the two diodes results in a pulsating output voltage being developed across the load resistor, RL. <^< Worksheet: Full-wave Rectifier | Course index | Worksheet: Bridge Rectifier >^> |