Project on Full Wave Bridge Rectifier

Introduction:
A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC), which
periodically reverses direction, to direct current (DC), which flows in only one
direction. The process is known as rectification. When a single rectifier unit is placed
in series with the load across an ac supply, it converts alternating voltage into unidirectional pulsating voltage, using one half cycles of the applied voltage, the other
half cycles being suppressed because it conducts only in one direction. This is called
half-wave rectification. The basic principle of rectifier is based on the fact that the
resistance of p-n junction diode becomes low when forward biased and become high
when reverse biased. In rectifier when ac current is passed through diode then it
obstructs half of wave i.e. it only allow half wave from their output. The rectifier
removes either negative or positive cycle depends upon connection of diode. This
means rectifier changes ac voltage to dc voltage with corresponding change in
current. Or we can say rectifier converts alternating voltage into unidirectional
pulsating voltage.
diode is an electronic device consisting of two elements known as cathode and
anode. Since in a diode electrons can flow in one direction only i.e. from cathode to
anode so the diode provides the unilateral conduction necessary for rectification. This
is true for diodes of all types-vacuum, gas-filled, crystal or semiconductor, metallic
(copper oxide and selenium types) diodes. Semiconductor diodes, because of their
inherent advantages are usually used as a rectifying device. However, for very high
voltages, vacuum diodes may be employed.
A p-n junction diode can be used as a rectifier in many ways i.e.

c.)

a.)

half-wave rectifier

b.)

full-wave rectifier

Full-wave bridge rectifier