SP IV Full Wave Rectifier
Uploaded by
Sivakarthi , X-CSP IV Full Wave Rectifier
Uploaded by
Sivakarthi , X-CFull wave rectifier:
Introduction:
A full wave rectifier is an electrical circuit used to convert alternating current (AC)
into direct current (DC). It utilizes diodes to effectively conduct the positive half-cycles of
the AC input signal, and another diode (or diode bridge) to conduct the negative half-cycles,
resulting in a more constant output voltage.
There are two types of full wave rectifiers:
The center-tapped full wave rectifier and the bridge rectifier. The center-tapped full
wave rectifier uses a center-tapped transformer to create two conductive paths, while the
bridge rectifier uses four diodes in a bridge configuration to achieve full wave rectification
without the need for a center-tapped transformer.
The main advantage of a full wave rectifier over a half wave rectifier is its higher
average output voltage and higher efficiency due to utilizing both the positive and negative
half-cycles of the input AC signal.
Full wave rectifiers are commonly used in power supplies and various electronic
devices where a steady DC voltage is required.
Principle of Operation
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Merits:
Higher efficiency:
Full-wave rectifiers have higher efficiency compared to half-wave rectifiers since they
utilize both halves of the AC input waveform.
Smoother output:
The output of a full-wave rectifier has less ripple compared to a half-wave rectifier,
resulting in a smoother DC output.
Higher average output voltage:
As full-wave rectifiers use both halves of the input waveform, they provide a higher
average output voltage than half-wave rectifiers.
Better for powering sensitive electronic devices:
The smoother DC output and higher average voltage make full-wave rectifiers suitable for
powering sensitive electronic devices that require stable power.
Demerits:
Higher cost and complexity:
Full-wave rectifiers, especially bridge rectifiers, are more complex and costly to implement
compared to half-wave rectifiers.
More components required:
Full-wave rectifiers require additional components such as diodes and transformers,
increasing the overall complexity of the circuit.
Higher voltage drop:
Full-wave rectifiers may experience a higher voltage drop compared to half-wave rectifiers,
leading to some power loss.
More heat dissipation:
Due to the increased complexity and higher voltage drop, full-wave rectifiers may generate
more heat and require additional heat dissipation measures.
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Applications:
Full wave rectifiers are used in numerous applications across various electronic devices
and systems. Some common applications include:
Power Supplies: Full wave rectifiers are essential components in power supply circuits,
where they convert AC (alternating current) to pulsating DC (direct current) that is used to
power electronic devices and equipment.
Battery Chargers: Full wave rectifiers are utilized in battery charging circuits to convert
AC to DC for charging batteries in various devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and
power tools.
Signal Demodulation: Full wave rectifiers are used in radio receivers to demodulate
amplitude modulated (AM) radio signals, separating the audio signal from the carrier wave.
Motor Control: Full wave rectifiers are employed in motor control circuits to convert AC
power to DC power, which can regulate the speed and direction of DC motors.
Audio Amplifiers: Full wave rectifiers are also used in audio amplifier circuits to convert
AC audio signals into pulsating DC signals for further amplification.
Lighting Systems: Full wave rectifiers play a critical role in converting AC to DC for driving
LEDs (light emitting diodes) and other lighting systems.
These applications demonstrate the versatility and importance of full wave rectifiers in a
wide range of electronic devices and systems.
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