Rectifiers

Question 1

What is a rectifier?

Answer 1

A rectifier is a device that converts alternating current into direct current by utilising a set of PN-junction diodes.

Question 2

What is rectification?

Answer 2

Rectification is the process of converting AC into DC.

Question 3

What are the two classes of rectifiers?

Answer 3

1. Half-wave rectifier
2. Full-wave rectifier

Question 4

What is a half-wave rectifier?

Answer 4

Half-wave rectifier is a class of rectifier that only converts half of an alternating current cycle into direct current.

Question 5

What is a full-wave rectifier?

Answer 5

A full-wave rectifier is one that converts a complete alternating current cycle into direct current.

Question 6

What are the types of full-wave rectifiers?

Answer 6

1. Centre-tapped full-wave rectifier
2. Bridge full-wave rectifier

Question 7

What is the working principle of a centre-tapped full-wave rectifier?

Answer 7

For the positive half cycle of the AC input, diode 1 (D1) is forward biased while D2 is reverse biased.

Current flows through D1 towards the l