Question

Explain with a neat diagram, how a p-n junction diode is used as a half wave rectifier.

Answer 1

Half Wave Rectifier is simple a single p-n junction diode connected in series to the load resistor. We know that a junction diode conducts current only in one direction. In other words, a p-n junction diode conducts current only when it is forward biased. The same principle is used to make a half wave rectifier to convert AC to DC. Here the input voltage is stepped down using a transformer. During the positive half cycles of the input wave, the diode ‘D’ will be forward biased and during the negative half cycles of input wave, the diode ‘D’ will be reverse biased. When we will take the output across load resistor $R_L$, the output is positive and significant during the positive half cycles of input wave and at the same time the output is zero or insignificant during negative half cycles of input wave.