EXPERIMENT 3

Aim:

To simulate the waveform of a full wave uncontrolled and controlled rectifier

Software Required :
⮚ MATLAB Version R2023A
⮚ SIMULINK
⮚ Components in library of Simulink like resistor, capacitor, inductor, voltage source, voltage
measurement, scope and powergui

Theory:A full-wave rectifier is an electrical circuit that converts alternating current (AC) into
pulsating direct current (DC) by allowing the flow of current in one direction. This rectification process
is crucial for various electronic applications, such as power supplies and battery charging. In this
explanation, we will explore the theory behind full-wave rectification and its practical significance.

Theory of Full-Wave Rectification:

1.The Need for Rectification: Many electronic devices and circuits require a steady,
unidirectional flow of current to operate effectively. However, most power sources provide AC
voltage, which periodically reverses direction. Full-wave rectification is employed to convert
this alternating voltage into a unidirectional form.

2.Basic Components: A full-wave rectifier typically consists of a few key components: a

transformer, a center-tapped secondary winding, two diodes, and a load resistor.

3.Transformer: The input AC voltage is often too high or unsuitable for most applications. A
transformer is used to step down the voltage and provide isolation between the primary and
secondary windings. In some cases, the transformer may also have a center-tapped secondary
winding.

4.Center-Tapped Secondary Winding: The secondary winding of the transformer, when center-
tapped, provides two equal but opposite AC voltages. This center tap serves as a reference point.

5.Diodes: Diodes are semiconductor devices that allow current to flow in one direction while
blocking it in the opposite direction. In a full-wave rectifier, two diodes are connected to the
ends of the center-tapped secondary winding. These diodes ensure that the current flows in the
same direction through the load resistor.
Operation of a Full-Wave Rectifier:

The full-wave rectification process can be broken down into four stages for each half-cycle of the input

Also , a rectifier can be controlled or uncontrolled type. When a thyristor is used , it forms a controlled

rectifier and when a diode is used , it forms an uncontrolled rectifier.

AC voltage:

Positive Half-Cycle: During the positive half-cycle of the input AC voltage, the upper diode is
forward-biased, and the lower diode is reverse-biased. This allows the current to flow through
the upper diode, through the load resistor, and back to the transformer's center tap.
Negative Half-Cycle: During the negative half-cycle of the input AC voltage, the lower diode is
forward-biased, and the upper diode is reverse-biased. Now, the current flows through the lower
diode, the load resistor, and back to the center tap.
Output Voltage: As a result of this arrangement, the output voltage across the load resistor is a
series of positive pulses. These pulses are generated for both the positive and negative half-
cycles of the input voltage. Consequently, the output voltage is a full-wave rectified version of
the input AC voltage, with the negative half-cycles "flipped" to be positive.
Filtering: The rectified output voltage is pulsating DC with residual AC components (ripple). To
obtain a smoother DC voltage, a filter capacitor is often connected in parallel to the load resistor.
The capacitor stores charge during the peaks of the pulsating voltage and discharges during the
troughs, reducing the ripple and producing a nearly constant DC output.

Significance and Applications:

● Full-wave rectification is essential in power supplies and battery chargers to provide a consistent
source of DC power.
● It is used in audio amplifiers to convert AC audio signals into DC bias voltage.
● In lighting systems, it can be used to convert AC voltage into DC for powering light-emitting
diodes (LEDs).
● Full-wave rectification is also employed in various electronic devices and circuits where a steady
DC power source is required.

In summary, a full-wave rectifier is a critical circuit for converting AC voltage into a more useful DC

form, enabling various electronic applications to function efficiently by ensuring a continuous

unidirectional current flow.

Circuit Diagram:

Fig 2.1

Simulation Model:

Above figures 3.1 and 3.2 demonstrate uncontrolled and controlled full wave rectifier resp.

Observations:
Full wave uncontrolled

Full Wave Controlled

Result:a full-wave rectifier is a fundamental circuit for converting AC to DC and provides a smoother
and more efficient DC output compared to a half-wave rectifier. The reduced ripple and higher average
voltage make it suitable for a wide range of electronic applications where a steady and unidirectional
DC power source is required.

Precautions And Sources Of Error:

1.The software takes time to initialize so wait until the blank model is created; otherwise, the system
may hang.

2.Make sure to use powergui with measurement blocks.

3. A blue component cannot be connected to a black component directly for that you need a converter as
blue is a physical model and black represents mathematical model