LABORATORY ACTIVITY 3

Rectifiers: Half-Wave and Full-Wave Rectifiers

Group Members: Section: ME_3B

Bangcong, Khennie Arnell P.

Objective/s:

1. To analyze half-wave and full-wave rectifier circuits and compare the simulated results with the
theoretical analysis learned.

2. To plot the input and output waveforms of half-wave and bridge network full wave rectifiers.

List of Equipment and Component/s:

• Resistor: 3.3k Ω and 5 kΩ

• Diode: 1N4005

• Digital Multimeter

• Oscilloscope

• AC power supply or Function Generator

• Multisim

Theory:

Rectifiers are an important part of a power supply since they convert AC input signal to DC output. The
process is called rectification. Rectifiers can be half-wave or full-wave. Half wave rectifiers utilize only half
of the input signal while full-wave rectifiers utilize the whole input signal.

Important formulas to consider in dealing rectifiers:

Half-wave rectifier: 𝑽𝑫𝑪= 𝝅𝑽𝒎

Full-wave rectifier: 𝑽𝑫𝑪= 𝝅𝟐𝑽𝒎

Procedure:

1. Half-Wave Rectifier

a. Build the circuit shown in Figure 3.1below. Use the following values:
i. Voltage source: 50 V peak-to-peak ac; 60 Hz

ii. Diode: 1N4005

iii. Resistor: 3.3 kΩ

b. Connect an oscilloscope across the load resistor and measure the output
voltage.

c. Show the output voltage waveform. Label the necessary points.

d. Measure the input and output frequencies using the oscilloscope.

e. Plot both waveforms on the graph.

f. Connect a multimeter across the load resistor and measure the average
value of the rectified voltage. What is the average value of the half-wave rectified
voltage? 𝑉𝐷𝐶𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑=_____________________________.

g. Analyze the circuit and calculate the average value of the half-wave rectified
voltage.

h. Compare the theoretical value and the experimental values. What is your
observation/s?

i. What is the peak inverse voltage across the diode? PIV=_______________.

j. Reverse the orientation of the diode. Repeat steps 1b-1g.

Figure 3.1 Half-Wave Rectifier Circuit

2. Full-Wave Rectifier

a. Build the circuit shown in Figure 3.2 below. Use the following values:

i. Voltage source: 100 V peak-to-peak ac; 60 Hz.

ii. Diodes: 1N4005 iii. Resistor: 5.0 kΩ

b. Connect an oscilloscope across the load resistor and measure the output voltage.
c. Show the output voltage waveform. Label the necessary points.

d. Measure the input and output frequencies using the oscilloscope.

e. Plot both waveforms on the graph.

f. Connect a multimeter across the load resistor and measure the average value of the rectified

𝑉𝐷𝐶𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑=_____________________________.
voltage. What is the average value of the half-wave rectified voltage?

g. Analyze the circuit and calculate the average value of the half-wave rectified voltage.

h. Compare the theoretical value and the experimental values. What are your observation/s?

i. What is the peak inverse voltage across the diode?

PIV=____________________.

Figure 3.2 Full-Wave Rectifier Circuit

Observations:

Half-Wave Rectifier:

Hand calculations:

Table 3.1 Rectified Voltage Output for Half-Wave Rectifier

𝑽 15.61 V 𝑽 15.69 V 49.3 V

Full-Wave Rectifier:

Hand Calculations

Table 3.2 Rectified Voltage Output for Full-Wave Rectifier

𝐷𝐶𝑆𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝐶𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 PIV

𝑉62.411 V 𝑉 62.77 V 99.3 V

Graph:

Half Wave Rectifier Input/Output Waveform

Conclusions:

In this laboratory experiment, we focused on assessing the performance of both half-wave and
full-wave rectifiers and subsequently compared the outcomes from our simulations in Multisim with
our theoretical predictions. Our equipment consisted of specific voltage sources, diodes, resistors, an
oscilloscope, and a digital multimeter.

1. The measured average rectified voltage using the multimeter yielded a result of approximately
15.61 V. Conversely, our manual calculations suggested an average value of 15.69 V. We also
found that the peak inverse voltage (PIV) across the diode was 49.3 V.

2. For the full-wave rectifier circuit, our measurements indicated an average rectified voltage of
about 62.411 V, which closely matched our hand-calculated value of 62.77 V. The PIV across the
diode in this configuration was determined to be 99.3 V.

3. Our observations suggest a strong correlation between the experimental results and the
predictions derived from theory, showcasing the reliability of rectifier circuits in the conversion
of AC to DC. This alignment between experimental data and theoretical expectations underscores
the practical effectiveness of these circuits in real-world applications.

Recommendations

Considering our objectives and the results derived from our laboratory experiment, it is
recommended that we harness the valuable insights acquired for both practical applications and
deeper academic exploration. The hands-on comparison between simulated and theoretical analyses
of half-wave and full-wave rectifier circuits provides a tangible and effective approach for grasping
the intricate workings of these fundamental electronic elements.The remarkable consistency
between our experimental findings and theoretical expectations emphasizes the reliability of
rectifier circuits in the conversion of alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) power, a crucial
facet of electronic engineering. This success could serve as a launching point for additional
experimentation involving different types of rectifier circuits and adjustments to component
characteristics to evaluate their impact on performance. Moreover, the knowledge and practical
competencies acquired in this laboratory activity lay a solid foundation for our future investigations
into rectifier circuits and their real-world applications. This experience can act as a stepping stone for
our continued academic and professional development.