Rectifier revision

A rectifier is an electronic circuit that converts AC (Alternating Current) into DC (Direct Current). It's a key part of power supplies.

Half-Wave Rectifier

• Uses 1 diode
• Conducts only during positive half-cycle
• Simple but inefficient

Waveform: Pulses during every positive half-cycle, zero otherwise

2. 🔹 Full-Wave Rectifier with Center Tap

• Uses 2 diodes and a center-tap transformer
• Each diode conducts on alternating half-cycles
• Output: Full-wave rectified signal (every half-cycle is used)

Advantage: Better transformer utilization than half-wave

3. 🔹 Full-Wave Bridge Rectifier

• Uses 4 diodes in a bridge configuration
• No center-tap required
• Output similar to center-tap full-wave

Advantage: Transformer without center tap; better for low-voltage systems