Full Wave-Rectifier
Description:
Full wave rectifier converts the complete cycle of alternating current to direct current. No input current is wasted.
The input current is bidirectional and output current is unidirectional.
Two diode are required for full wave rectifier.
This rectifier requires centre tapped secondary transformer.
During positive half cycle of A.C input, point A is positive w.r.t point C and point B is negative w.r.t. point C, therefore the diode D1 is forward biased and diode D2 is reverse biased.
The current flows through diode D1 and passes through the load RL, path of current is AMPQCA.
During negative half cycle of A.C input, point B is positive w.r.t point C and point A is negative w.r.t point C, therefore the diode D2 is forward biased and diode D1 is reverse biased.
The current flows through diode D2, and passes through the load RL, path of current is BNPQCB.
The output of full wave rectifier is pulsated or bumpy. To overcome this problem a filter circuit is attached to the full wave rectifier.
Filter circuit consist of a capacitor and a resistance in series with it. Capacitor allows the A.C to pass through it, but it blocks the D.C and the D.C has to pass through the resistance/load.
The output current after filtration is -
