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Full-wave Rectifier

<^< Worksheet: Half-wave Rectifier | Course Index | Worksheet: Full-wave Rectifier >^>

The half-wave rectifier circuit is relatively inefficient as conduction takes place only on alternate half-cycles. A better rectifier arrangement would make use of both positive and negative half-cycles. These full-wave rectifier circuits offer a considerable improvement over their half-wave counterparts. They are not only more efficient but are significantly less demanding in terms of the reservoir and smoothing components.

In the simple bi-phase rectifier circuit mains voltage is applied to the primary of a step down transformer which has two identical low-voltage secondary windings. The circuit works like this:

On positive half-cycles, the anode of D1 will be positive with respect to its cathode and it will conduct rather like a closed switch. The anode of D2, on the other hand, will be negative with respect to its cathode and it will behave like an open switch. Thus a positive half-cycle of current will be supplied to the load, RL, through D1.

On negative half-cycles, the anode of D2 will be positive with respect to its cathode and it will conduct rather like a closed switch. The anode of D1, on the other hand, will be negative with respect to its cathode and it will behave like an open switch. Once again, a positive half-cycle of current will be supplied to the load, RL, but this time it will flow through D2.

<^< Worksheet: Half-wave Rectifier | Course index | Worksheet: Full-wave Rectifier >^>

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Page last modified on July 25, 2011, at 01:20 PM