Airforce Bal Bharati School

PROJECT PORTFOLIO

Full wave Rectifier

Name: Abnner Sandhu

Class: 12B

Session: 2024-25

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 Certificate of Completion

This is to certify that the project report titled “Construction and working of Full wave
Rectifier”

has been undertaken and is submitted by Abnner Sandhu under the guidance and instructions
of Dr. Gaurav Suryan, PGT Physics of Air Force Bal Bharati School.

The work has not been submitted in any form for obtaining certification or as a paper/
thesis before.

Mentor and Guide

Signature and Name

Date

This certificate signifies the successful completion of the project undertaken in the
Second Term of the CBSE Class 12 Physics project.

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 Letter of Transmittal

From: Abnner Sandhu

To: Dr. Gaurav Suryan,

Air Force Bal Bharati School.

Date:

Subject: Report on “Construction and working of full wave rectifier”

Sir,

As a part of the academic requirement for CBSE Class 12 Physics code no 042, is required to
be undertaken in 2024-2025 academic session. The Project was undertaken on “Construction
and working of full wave rectifier”. The report on the same is now complete and attached to
the cover memorandum.

The Project was undertaken with a view to increase my understanding of the topic which can
further be updated taking this study forward.

I sincerely thank you for the opportunity for letting me the subject matter and in the process
enabling me to get a better perspective on the subject.

Abnner Sandhu

12-B

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 Acknowledgement

I would like to place on records my sincere and whole hearted thanks to my guide Dr. Gaurav
Suryan for his most valuable advice, suggestions and timely guidance during each step of the
project work. Without his able guidance, keen involvement and encouragement, I would not
have been able to complete and conclude the undertaken project successfully.

I would also like to specially thank all my classmates and teachers of Air Force Bal Bharati
School, New Delhi, for sparing their valuable time and rendering timely help during the
research and analysis. Their co-operation and support ensured the successful completion of
the survey and meaningful analysis for the project. Also, their valuable inputs and constant
encouragement during the project have been an immense source of motivation.

Last but not the least; I would be failing my conscience, if I do not thank my family who have
rendered unconditional support and motivated me to carry on with my pursuit during the
course of this project.

Abnner Sandhu

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 Table of Contents

Certificate of Completion....................................................................................2
Letter of Transmittal..........................................................................................3
Acknowledgement............................................................................................4
Introduction.....................................................................................................6
Theory...........................................................................................................6
Mathematical Analysis.......................................................................................7
Working.........................................................................................................7
Methodology...................................................................................................8
Construction....................................................................................................9
Results and Analysis........................................................................................10
Applications..................................................................................................11
Advantages and Limitations...............................................................................11
Conclusion....................................................................................................12
Bibliography.................................................................................................12

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 Introduction

A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC) into direct current
(DC). A full-wave rectifier utilizes both halves of the AC waveform to produce a DC output,
making it more efficient than a half-wave rectifier. This device is a cornerstone in modern
electronics, powering systems ranging from simple chargers to complex industrial machinery.
By employing semiconductor diodes and transformers, full-wave rectifiers ensure higher
efficiency and reliability.

Theory

Rectification involves converting an AC signal, which alternates periodically, into a DC

signal. In a full-wave rectifier, this is achieved using a center-tapped transformer and two
diodes. The positive and negative halves of the AC signal are alternately rectified, resulting in
a unidirectional current. To smooth out the pulsating DC output, filtering components such as
capacitors are often used. The mathematical expression for output voltage (Vout) in a full-
wave rectifier is given by:

Vout(avg) = 2Vm / π

Where Vm is the peak voltage of the AC signal.

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 Mathematical Analysis

1. Efficiency:
Efficiency (η) measures how effectively the rectifier converts AC to DC. For an ideal full-
wave rectifier, the efficiency is approximately 81.2%.

η = (DC power delivered to load) / (AC power supplied to circuit)

2. Ripple Factor:
The ripple factor indicates the smoothness of the DC output. It is defined as:

r = √(Vrms² - Vdc²) / Vdc

For a full-wave rectifier, the ripple factor is approximately 0.48.

3. Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV):

The PIV is the maximum voltage a diode must withstand in reverse bias. For a full-wave
rectifier:

PIV = 2Vm

Working
1. Positive Half-Cycle:
o During the positive half-cycle of the AC input, one end of the transformer’s
secondary winding becomes positive relative to the center tap. The
corresponding diode (D1) is forward-biased and conducts, allowing current to
flow through the load resistor. The other diode (D2) is reverse-biased and does
not conduct.
2. Negative Half-Cycle:
o During the negative half-cycle, the polarity of the transformer’s secondary
winding reverses. The second diode (D2) becomes forward-biased, while the
first diode (D1) is reverse-biased. Current again flows through the load resistor
in the same direction as during the positive half-cycle.
3. Output:
o The alternating conduction of the two diodes ensures a unidirectional flow of
current through the load. The output is a pulsating DC signal, consisting of
positive half-cycles of the input waveform.
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 Methodology
1. Literature Review:
o Studying the theoretical background of rectification and the operation of
diodes.
o Reviewing materials on AC-to-DC conversion techniques.
2. Circuit Assembly:
o Setting up the full-wave rectifier circuit on a breadboard using a center-tapped
transformer and two diodes.
o Ensuring proper connections to visualize input and output signals.
3. Experimental Analysis:
o Measuring the input AC waveform and the rectified DC waveform using an
oscilloscope.
o Calculating parameters like efficiency, ripple factor, and peak inverse voltage.
4. Data Collection and Interpretation:
o Recording the output waveforms and voltage readings.

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 Comparing theoretical results with experimental findings to validate the
o
rectification process.
5. Documentation:
o Summarizing observations, calculations, and conclusions.
o Creating illustrative diagrams to explain the rectifier’s working.

Construction
Objective

 To understand the construction and operational principles of a full-wave rectifier.

 To analyze the role and function of diodes in the rectification process.
 To examine the output waveform characteristics and their practical significance.
 To explore the advantages, limitations, and applications of a full-wave rectifier in
everyday electronics.

Materials Required

1. Transformer (centre-tapped)
2. Diodes (e.g., 1N4007) – 2 units
3. Load resistor
4. Connecting wires
5. Oscilloscope or CRO (optional for waveform observation)
6. Breadboard or circuit board (for practical assembly)

Construction

1. Transformer:
o A centre-tapped transformer is a key component that steps down the AC input
voltage to a suitable level and provides two equal but opposite-phase outputs.
The centre tap serves as a reference point (ground).
2. Diodes:
o Two diodes are employed to rectify the AC signal. Each diode conducts
during alternate half-cycles of the AC input.
3. Load Resistor:
o A resistor is connected across the output terminals to act as a load, enabling
current flow and power delivery.
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4. Circuit Connections:
o The center tap of the transformer’s secondary winding is connected to the
ground.
o The anodes of the diodes are connected to the respective ends of the
transformer’s secondary winding. The cathodes are joined together to form the
rectified output.

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 Results and Analysis

Experimental Observations

1. The AC input waveform was observed to be sinusoidal, alternating between positive

and negative half-cycles.

2. The rectified output waveform consisted of continuous positive pulses, indicating

successful conversion from AC to DC.

3. The average output voltage was calculated to be approximately 63.7% of the peak
input voltage (Vm), matching theoretical predictions.

4. The ripple frequency of the output waveform was double that of the input AC
frequency, confirming the operation of both diodes during alternate half-cycles.

Applications
Applications

1. Power supplies for electronic circuits.

2. Battery charging systems.
3. DC motor control and operation.
4. Communication systems requiring stable DC bias.
5. Rectification in radio and television receivers.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

1. Utilizes both halves of the AC input signal, doubling the efficiency compared to half-
wave rectifiers.
2. Provides a higher average output voltage.
3. Produces a smoother output when combined with a capacitor or other filtering
components.
4. Reduces transformer core saturation and ripple frequency compared to a half-wave
rectifier.
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Limitations

1. Requires a center-tapped transformer, which can increase cost and size.

2. The output is still pulsating DC, necessitating additional filtering for smooth DC
voltage.
3. Higher component count compared to a half-wave rectifier.

Conclusion

The full-wave rectifier is a vital component in modern electronics, enabling efficient

conversion of AC to DC for a variety of applications. By employing a center-tapped
transformer and diodes, it maximizes the utilization of the AC signal, providing a more
reliable and efficient output. The understanding of its construction and working principles not
only lays the groundwork for advanced electronic studies but also highlights its indispensable
role in powering countless electronic devices. This knowledge is fundamental for anyone
aspiring to work in electronics or related fields.

Bibliography

1. Books and Texts:

o Physics and Electronics textbooks (CBSE Class 12).
o Reference materials on semiconductor devices and power systems.
2. Online Resources:
o Research articles on rectification principles.
o Educational videos explaining full-wave rectifiers.
3. Lab Equipment:
o Breadboard, diodes, transformer, load resistor, and connecting
wires.
o Oscilloscope or CRO for waveform visualization.

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 4. Practical Observations:
o Experiments conducted to observe input and output waveforms.
o Data collected from the circuit performance tests.

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