Rectifiers (Half & bridge)
Rectifiers(half & full wave) Moving on to applications of diodes, an interesting application is Rectifiers. They are devices which convert an AC signal to a DC one . They are primarily of two types- half wave rectifier and full wave rectifier . The names would make sense once we have a thorough look at them. 1. The Half Wave Rectifier This rectifier uses a diode and a capacitor for doing its job. Half Wave rectifier with load R_L We have to analyse its operation in two parts - one for the positive cycle of AC signal, other one for the negative cycle of signal . During the positive cycle of signal, diode D1 is forward biased , hence it allows the current to flow with ease. Also notice the signal source is parallel to C1 and R_l, so potential drop across them also follow the input voltage . Capacitor also gets charged upto (Vin-Vd). Now as the signal volt starts to drop after its peak , diode D1 goes to reverse bias state( since its +ive side