Question

What is rectification? Explain the working of a fullwave rectifier. Draw necessary circuit diagram.

Answer 1

Rectification is the conversion of an alternating current to direct current.

The full wave rectifier circuit consists of two power diodes connected to a single load resistance ($R_L$) with each diode taking it in turn to supply current to the load. When point A of the transformer is positive with respect to point C, diode $D_1$ conducts in the forward direction.

When point B is positive (in the negative half of the cycle) with respect to point C, diode $D_2$ conducts in the forward direction and the current flowing through resistor $R$ is in the same direction for both half-cycles.

As the spaces between each half-wave developed by each diode is now being filled in by the other diode the average DC output voltage across the load resistor is now double that of the single half-wave rectifier circuit and is about $0.637V_{max}$, assuming no losses.