Rectifier
A rectifier is a device that can convert Alternating current (AC) to Direct current (DC). This is a process called rectification. Many rectifiers in the 20th century were made of metals like copper, iron, and silver.[1] Nowadays most are semiconductors.
Half-wave rectifiers only have one side of a waveform, while the full-wave rectifiers use both sides of a waveform. The left-hand side of the full-wave rectifier circuit consists of four diodes: a diode bridge. Half-wave current is a current that can only flow in alternate current, a full-wave current can flow both alternating current and direct current. [2]
Diode bridge is electrical circuit that consists of four diodes. It acts as a full wave rectifier to convert alternating current to direct current.
Rectifier Media
Half-wave rectifier, 'U' denotes voltage, 'D' denotes a diode, and 'R' a resistance
Full-wave rectifier, with vacuum tube having two anodes.
Bridge rectifier: a full-wave rectifier using four diodes.
Full-wave rectifier using a center tap transformer and 2 diodes.
Controlled three-phase half-wave rectifier circuit using thyristors as the switching elements, ignoring supply inductance
DC voltage profile of M3 three-phase half-wave rectifier
Controlled three-phase full-wave rectifier circuit using thyristors as the switching elements, with a center-tapped transformer, ignoring supply inductance
Disassembled automobile alternator, showing the six diodes that comprise a full-wave three-phase bridge rectifier.
Controlled three-phase full-wave bridge rectifier circuit (B6C) using thyristors as the switching elements, ignoring supply inductance. The thyristors pulse in order V1–V6.
References
- ↑ "What is a Rectifier Circuit?". Michael Lemmon. 2009-02-01. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
- ↑ Patrick Hoppe. "Half-Wave Rectifier". Retrieved 20 May 2012.
