ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

We undertook this project as part of our class 12 Physics course.

We are thankful to Almighty for his immeasurable blessings.

We would like to express our gratitude to our Principal Ms. Prathiba.V and to

our teacher Ms. Betty for their constant support and guidance.

We extend our gratitude to our parents for their moral support and their help in

getting ready all the materials required for this project.

We would also like to thank the electrical technician for providing us with

instructions on soldering.

Last but not the least, we thank our school for providing a platform to develop

our skills and help us gain knowledge.

 INTRODUCTION

Circuits that convert Alternating current (AC: bidirectional) into Direct current
(DC: unidirectional) are known as rectifiers. The process is termed as
Rectification. They consist of a system of P-N junction diodes.

We can classify rectifiers into two types:

1. Half Wave Rectifier

2. Full Wave Rectifier

In a Half wave rectifier only one half of a cycle of AC (either positive or

negative) is allowed to pass through resulting in interrupted DC output. A
significant amount of power gets wasted as only one half of each cycle passes
through, and the other cycle gets blocked. So, we cannot use it for applications
that need a smooth and steady DC output. For a more efficient and steady DC
output, a full wave rectifier is used.

What is a full wave rectifier?

It is a system that converts both positive and negative wave of AC into single
polarity DC. Full wave rectifiers can be of 2 types: Bridge rectifiers or Centre
tapped full wave rectifier.

Here we aim to make a Centre tapped full wave rectifier.

In this system, first the Input AC is converted to the needed AC voltage output
by using a transformer. Then comes the Rectification process in which a system
containing 2 diodes allow flow of current only in the same direction. And
finally, smoothing where a constant DC current is obtained from pulsating DC.

An inverter performs the opposite function, that is, converts DC to AC.

 AIM: To make a full wave rectifier

 MATERIALS REQUIRED:

 2 P-N Junction Diodes

 220V to 12 V AC transformer

 Resistor - 1×103 Ω ± 5%

 Capacitor -1µF

 LED (Light emitting diode)

 Connecting Wires

 Charger

 220V AC source (electric socket)

 Cardboard sheet

 Soldering iron and lead wire

 Insulation tape
  PRINCIPLE:

A p-n Junction diode conducts current only in one direction i.e. from its positive
end to its negative end. When one diode is connected in series, it allows only
current in the positive half to flow. So only half of the wave will be rectified.

During the negative half cycle, current will not flow.

So, output voltage is zero half of the time.

When 2 diodes are connected as shown:

During positive half current flows through diode 1 and during negative half
current flows through second diode. Therefore, current flows during both
positive and negative halves of the AC cycle, but in the same direction through
the load.

Hence pulsating DC is obtained through the load (which is RL in the above

diagram).

In our circuit an LED is connected to the load resistance to detect DC current.

To smoothen pulsating DC, capacitor is used which charges when current

increases and discharges when current decreases so that overall current remains
constant in the system.

So, AC voltage (220V) is first stepped down to 12 V AC. Then it is rectified to

DC and stabilized by the capacitor.
 PROCEDURE:
 Connect the components of the circuit as shown in the diagram.

 2 wires on the 2 ends of transformer should be connected to the 2 diodes.

 The wires from 2 diodes meet at a common junction leading to the load
(LED and resistance).
 Connect the LED and resistance in series.
 Both components are then connected in parallel to the capacitor.
 The wire from this is connected to the centre of the secondary winding of
transformer.
  The wires should be soldered together to prevent any loose connections.
 Connect a charger’s wires to the wires of the transformer.
 Plug in the charger to an AC source. Here, the electric socket (220 V).
Switch it on.

 OBSERVATION:

The LED lights up and glows constantly while AC source is switched on.

 RESULT:

The entire AC in one cycle was converted to DC by using this rectifier system.

Hence full wave was rectified.