What is the Working of Full Wave Rectifier?

1. What is the Working of Full Wave Rectifier? Electric circuits that convert alternating current to direct current are known as rectifiers. There are two types of rectifiers, they are half-wave rectifiers and full-wave rectifiers. A half-wave rectifier loses a significant amount of power and is thus unsuitable for applications that require a smooth and continuous supply. We employ full-wave rectifiers for a smoother and more consistent supply. Let us know more about full wave rectifiers, in this article, along with full wave rectifier diagram. What is a Full Wave Rectifier? While we have understood the basic function of a rectifier, we also know that the rectifiers come in two kinds – half-wave and full-wave rectifiers. A Full Wave Rectifier is a rectifier that transforms both halves of each alternating wave cycle (Alternating Current) into a pulsing DC (Direct Current) signal. Full-wave rectifiers are used for a smoother and more consistent supply of power. Full- wave rectifiers are used to convert a whole cycle of alternating current voltage (AC) to direct current voltage (DC). Full-wave rectifier comes in two types:   Centre-tapped full-wave rectifier Full-wave bridge rectifier The differentiation between these two types of full-wave rectifiers goes a long way in understanding effectively the full-wave rectifier working In a center-tapped full-wave rectifier, the system is made up of a center-tapped transformer, two diodes, and a resistive load. Whereas, under Full Wave Bridge Rectifier, the architecture features four diodes or more, and the resistive load. The diodes are named A, B, C, and D, and form a bridge circuit. Full-wave rectifier Diagram There are two ways in which a full wave rectifier circuit can be built. The first technique involves a transformer with a central tap and two diodes. This design is known as a center-tapped full- wave rectifier. Check the full wave rectifier circuit diagram for a better understanding. The second approach employs a conventional transformer with four diodes placed in a bridge configuration. This is referred to as a bridge rectifier. In the next part, we will solely cover the center-tapped full wave rectifier. You may learn about bridge rectifiers in depth by reading our page on bridge rectifiers.

2. Full Wave Rectifier Working The full wave rectifier’s input AC is exceptionally high. The rectifier circuit’s step-down transformer transforms high-voltage alternating current to low-voltage alternating current. The anode of the center-tapped diodes is connected to the secondary winding of the transformer and the load resistor. The top half of the secondary winding becomes positive during the positive half cycle of the alternating current, while the second half of the secondary winding turns negative. Diode D1 is forward-biased during the positive half cycle because it is linked to the top of the secondary winding. In contrast, diode D2 is reverse-biased since it is connected to the bottom of the secondary winding. As a result, diode D1 will conduct as a short circuit, and D2 will not conduct as an open circuit. Since the top half of the secondary circuit becomes negative, and the bottom half of the circuit becomes positive during the negative half cycle, diode D1 is reverse biased and diode D2 is forward biased. Hence, DC voltage is achieved in full wave rectifiers for both positive and negative half cycles. Tutoroot’s online interactive classes will help you learn more about full-wave rectifiers. We have skilled teachers, who are IIT alumni to assist you in your learning journey. Transform the way you learn with Tutoroot by availing the benefits of effective personalized tutoring.