Rectifier-Principle
Description:
Majority of electronic devices require direct current sources for their operations. But domestic electric supply is available in alternating current form. Therefore, it has to be converted in direct current.
Rectifier is a device which coverts alternating current to direct or steady current is known a rectifier.
Half wave rectifier
Half wave rectifier converts only half cycle of alternating current to direct current, the remaining half cycle is wasted.
The input current is bidirectional and output current is unidirectional.
The current obtained is pulsated or bumpy.
Only a single diode is used in half wave rectifier.
An A.C supply is provided to the transformer. The diode is connected in series with load (electronic device) resistance RL.
During every positive half cycle of the A.C input, point A becomes positive w.r.t. point B, and diode becomes forward biased and current is allowed to flow.
During every negative half cycle of the A.C input, point A becomes negative w.r.t. point B, and diode becomes reverse biased and current is not allowed to flow.