A PROJECT ON

TO CONSTRUCT HALF AND FULL WAVE RECTIFIER USING DIODES AND TO

STUDY INPUT AND OUTPUT VOLTAGE CHARECTERISTICS USING
OSCILLOSCOPE(A)WITHOUT FILTER(B)WITH FILTER (L OR C)

YEAR: 2079-2080

SUBJECT: PHYSICS

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Name: Sagun Jyakhwo Department of Physics

Section: C-4 Khwopa Secondary School

Roll no: 482

Submission Date: 2079/12/06

 Declaration
I hereby declare that this project report titled “to construct half and full wave rectifier using
diodes and to study input and output voltage characteristics using oscilloscope (a) without filter
(b) with filter (L or C) has been done by me under the supervision of Mr. Suman Thapa Magar.

The contents of this project, in full or in parts, have not been submitted elsewhere for any
examination.

Date: 2079/12/1 Signature :

Name: Sagun
Jyakhwo

Roll no: 482

Reg.no: 793260041258
 Acknowledgement
The project is a result of lasting support of many people especially my friends and my teachers
and I am always grateful to them. I also would like to thank my well-wishers and their support
which encouraged us to execute this project. I would also like to take the opportunity to thanks
the people who inspired me to complete this project. I am out of my way to thanks and show the
appreciation to my group members Krinesh Suwal,Rojal Prajapati and Sagun Jyakhwo who
contributed the most for the completion of this project.I really am glad to have members like
them who were such hardworking, inspiring, encouraging and simply outstanding. I can’t thank
our class teacher enough Mrs.Rojee Thusa for presenting us this brilliant opportunity to do this
project together. I would also like to thank our Physics teachers Teena Sujaku,Suman Thapa
Magar, Sarita Lawaju,Riddhi Bhakta Koju for the help and assist for the project. I would also
like to thanks my family members who provided me great support during this project. My sister
Puja Mijar who really helped for the data and information I required for the project. I am really
thankful for the support of my best friend Nishan Khatri we helped me with the editing and
format of this project. At last but not least I would like to thank Mr.Prakash Kumar Shrestha and
Vice Principle Mr.Laxmi Prasad Karmacharya for this brilliant opportunity and the group
member who were so supportive, friendly and very inspiring.

Thank you

\
 Letter of Approval
This letter is to certify that the project work entitled “to construct half and full wave rectifier
using diodes and to study input and output voltage characteristics using oscilloscope (a) without
filter (b) with filter (L or C)” submitted to Physics department, Khwopa Secondary School, by
Mr.Pujan Mijar,has been approved as the partial fulfillment of the internal evaluation of grade
XII in Physics.

This project was an authentic work done by him under my supervision and guidance.

Date: 2079/12/06 Signature :

Mr.Suman Thapa Magar

Department of Physics

Khwopa Secondary School

Contents
Indroduction : ............................................................................................................................................6
Background : .........................................................................................................................................6
Objectives : ............................................................................................................................................6
Theory : ......................................................................................................................................................7
Rectifiers : ..........................................................................................................................................7
Rectification : .....................................................................................................................................7
Filters : ...............................................................................................................................................8
Materials and methods : ............................................................................................................................9
Observations : ..........................................................................................................................................10
Table......................................................................................................................................................10
Working Formula : ...............................................................................................................................10
Half wave rectifier : ..........................................................................................................................10
Full wave rectifier : ..........................................................................................................................10
Analysis : ..................................................................................................................................................12
Interpretation of data : ........................................................................................................................12
Result : .....................................................................................................................................................13
Conclusion : .............................................................................................................................................13
Precaution.................................................................................................................................................14
Sources of error : .....................................................................................................................................15
Refrences : ...............................................................................................................................................15
Introduction:
Background:
In this project, the goal is to construct both a half wave and a full-wave rectifier using diodes and
to study their input and output voltage characteristics using an oscilloscope. The project will also
investigate the effect of using a filter (either a capacitor or an inductor) on the output voltage of
the rectifiers.

Without a filter, the output voltage of the rectifiers will contain a significant amount of ripple,
which is the AC component of the input voltage that is not completely removed by the diodes.
Adding a filter to the circuit can significantly reduce this ripple and produce a smoother DC
output voltage.

The project will involve building the rectifier circuits using diodes and connecting them to a
power source and an oscilloscope to measure the input and output voltage characteristics. The
input voltage will be a sine wave, and the output voltage will be measured both with and without
a filter.

The results of the project will provide valuable insights into the behavior of rectifiers and the
effect of filters on their output voltage. This knowledge can be applied to the design and
optimization of rectifier circuits for various applications in electrical engineering.

Objectives:
The objectives of the project on constructing half and full wave rectifiers using diodes and
studying their input and output voltage characteristics using an oscilloscope are:

1. To understand the basic principles of rectifiers and their applications in converting AC

voltage to DC voltage.

2. To construct a half wave rectifier circuit using diodes and understand its operation and
limitations.

3. To construct a full-wave rectifier circuit using diodes and understand its operation and
advantages over a half wave rectifier.

4. To study the input voltage characteristics of the rectifiers by measuring the AC voltage
waveform using an oscilloscope.

5. To study the output voltage characteristics of the rectifiers by measuring the DC voltage
waveform using an oscilloscope.
 6. To compare the output voltage characteristics of the half wave and full-wave rectifiers
and understand their differences in terms of amplitude and waveform.

7. To investigate the effect of adding a filter (either a capacitor or an inductor) to the

rectifier circuits on the output voltage characteristics.

8. To measure the output voltage ripple of the rectifiers with and without a filter and
compare their effectiveness in reducing the ripple.

9. To analyze the results of the experiments and draw conclusions about the performance
and effectiveness of the rectifiers and filters.

10. To apply the knowledge gained from the project to design and optimize rectifier circuits
for various applications in electrical engineering.

Theory:
The theory behind the project on constructing half and full wave rectifiers using diodes and
studying their input and output voltage characteristics using an oscilloscope is based on the
principles of rectification and filtering.

Rectifiers:
The devices which are used for converting AC
voltage current to DC voltage current is known
as rectifiers. They are divided in two types :
half wave rectifiers and full-wave rectifiers.
Half wave rectifiers use a single diode to allow
current to flow in one direction only, resulting
in a DC voltage that is half the amplitude of the
AC voltage. Full-wave rectifiers use four diodes
arranged in a bridge configuration to allow
current to flow in one direction only, resulting
in a DC voltage that is the same amplitude as
Fig: Half wave rectifier

the AC voltage.

Rectification:
Rectification is the process of converting AC voltage to DC voltage by allowing current to flow
in one direction only using diodes. In a half wave rectifier circuit, a single diode is used to
conduct current during the positive half-cycle of the input voltage, resulting in a DC voltage that
is half the amplitude of the input voltage. During the negative half-cycle, the diode is reverse-
biased and does not conduct any current. As a result, the output voltage is not a pure DC voltage,
but a DC voltage with significant ripple, which is the AC
component of the input voltage that is not completely
removed by the diode.

In a full-wave rectifier circuit, four diodes are used to

conduct current during both the positive and negative half-
cycles of the input voltage, resulting in a DC voltage that is
the same amplitude as the input voltage. The diodes are
arranged in a bridge configuration, with the two output
terminals connected to the load resistor. During the
positive half-cycle, diodes D1 and D2 conduct current,
while during the negative half-cycle, diodes D3 and D4 conduct current. This arrangement
allows current to flow in Fig : full wave rectifier(4diodes) one direction only and produces
a DC voltage with less ripple than a half wave rectifier.

Filters:
Filters are used to reduce the ripple in the output voltage of a rectifier circuit. A filter consists of
a capacitor or an inductor connected in parallel or in series with the load resistor. When a
capacitor is used as a filter, it charges up during the positive half-cycle and discharges during the
negative half-cycle, resulting in a DC voltage with reduced ripple. When an inductor is used as a
filter, it stores energy during the positive half-cycle and releases it during the negative half-cycle,
smoothing out the output voltage.

The input voltage characteristics of the

rectifiers can be measured by observing the
waveform of the AC voltage using an
oscilloscope. The output voltage
characteristics can be measured by observing
the waveform of the DC voltage using an
oscilloscope. The output voltage ripple can be
measured by measuring the difference
between the peak and minimum voltage
values of the DC voltage waveform.

The project aims to construct half and full

wave rectifiers using diodes and study their
input and output voltage characteristics using
an oscilloscope. The project also aims to
investigate the effect of adding a filter (either
a capacitor or an inductor) to the rectifier
circuits on the output voltage characteristics,
and to compare the performance of the half
wave and full-wave rectifiers. The results of the project can be applied to the design and
optimization of rectifier circuits for various applications in electrical engineering.
Fig: D.C. n of half wave rectifier

Fig: D.C, full wave rectifier Fig : D.C. wavform using

filter

Materials and methods:

The materials required for the project were:

1.PN-Diodes

2.Oscilloscope

3.Oil paper

4.Resistor

5.AC supply

6.Connecting wires and cardboard

7.Capacitor

 First, we gathered all the required materials.

 We Built the half wave rectifier circuit by connecting the diode in series with the load resistor
and the AC power supply. Then we Connected the output terminals of the circuit to the
oscilloscope and observed the AC input voltage waveform and the DC output voltage waveform.
 Build the full-wave rectifier circuit by using four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration,
with the load resistor and the AC power supply connected to the two output terminals. WE
Connected the output terminals of the circuit to the oscilloscope and observed the AC input
voltage waveform and the DC output voltage waveform.
 We repeated steps 2 and 3 for both circuits, but this time add a filter to the circuit by
connecting a capacitor or an inductor in parallel or in series with the load resistor.
 We also observed the effect of the filter on the output voltage waveform and measure the
output voltage ripple by measuring the difference between the peak and minimum voltage values
of the DC voltage waveform.
 We recorded the data obtained from the oscilloscope measurements and compared the input
and output voltage characteristics of the rectifier circuits with and without the filter.
 We also drew conclusions based on the results obtained from the experiment and compare the
performance of the half wave and full-wave rectifiers with and without the filter.
 We discussed the applications of rectifiers and filters in electrical engineering and the
importance of understanding their characteristics and performance for various applications.
 We summarized the findings of the project and present them in a clear and concise report

Observations:
Table
Type of Rectifier Input Voltage Output Voltage
Half wave rectifier 10V A.C. 5V (high ripple voltage)

Half wave rectifier (with 10V A.C. 7V (low ripple voltage)

filter)
Full wave rectifier 10V A.C. 9V (high ripple voltage)

Full wave rectifier (with filter) 10V A.C. 8.5V(low ripple voltage)

Working Formula:
Half wave rectifier:

Without filter
Efficiency = (5/10) *100%

= 50%

With filter:
Efficiency = (7/10) *100%

= 70%

Full wave rectifier:

Without filter
Efficiency = (9/10) *100%
 = 90% Fig : A.C. waveform without rectifier

With filter:
Efficiency = (8.5/10) *100%

= 85%
 Fig: D.C. waveform output using full-wave rectifier

Fig: D.C. waveform using held-wave rectifier

Analysis:
Interpretation of data:
Observation on data interpretation for a project on constructing half and full wave rectifier using
diodes and studying input and output voltage characteristics using an oscilloscope:

 Input Voltage: The input voltage is the AC voltage supplied to the rectifier circuit. It is
typically sinusoidal in shape and has a specific frequency and amplitude.
 Output Voltage: The output voltage is the DC voltage produced by the rectifier circuit.
The output voltage will be lower than the input voltage due to the voltage drop across the
diodes. The output voltage can be affected by the load resistance and the choice of filter
component.
 Rectification Efficiency: The rectification efficiency is the ratio of the DC output voltage
to the AC input voltage. It is a measure of how effectively the rectifier circuit converts
 AC to DC. The rectification efficiency can be affected by the choice of filter component
and the load resistance.
 Voltage Ripple: Voltage ripple is the AC component that remains in the output voltage
after rectification. It is typically measured as the peak-to-peak value of the ripple voltage.
Voltage ripple can be reduced by the use of a filter component such as an L or C filter.
 Oscilloscope Waveform: The oscilloscope waveform shows the input and output voltage
waveforms. It can be used to measure the voltage and frequency of the input and output
signals, as well as the voltage ripple and other signal characteristics.
 Filter Component: The choice of filter component (L or C) can affect the output voltage
and current characteristics, as well as the rectification efficiency of the circuit. The use of
a filter component can reduce the voltage ripple in the output voltage.
 Load Resistance: The presence of load resistance can affect the output voltage and
current characteristics, leading to changes in the voltage ripple and the rectification
efficiency of the circuit.

Result:
The half wave rectifier when,

Input = 10V A.C. current

Output (Without filter) = 5V D.C. current with efficiency 50% (high ripple voltage)

Output (With Filter) = 7V D.C. current with efficiency 70%(low ripple voltage)

The full wave rectifier when,

Input = 10V A.C. current

Output (Without filter) = 9V D.C. current with efficiency 90% (high ripple voltage)

Output (With Filter) = 8.5V D.C. current with efficiency 85% (low ripple voltage)

Conclusion:
The project involved the construction of half and full wave rectifiers using diodes and studying
the input and output voltage characteristics using an oscilloscope. The aim of the project was to
gain a practical understanding of the principles of rectification and the effects of different circuit
components on the output voltage characteristics of a rectifier circuit.

The oscilloscope waveform showed that the input voltage was sinusoidal, while the output
voltage was half wave or full wave rectified with significant ripple voltage without a filter. With
the filter, the output voltage was full wave rectified with very low ripple voltage. The results
demonstrated the effect of a filter component on the output waveform.
In conclusion, the project provided a practical demonstration of the principles of rectification and
the effects of different circuit components on the output voltage characteristics of a rectifier
circuit. The results showed that the use of a filter component (L or C) can significantly reduce
the voltage ripple in the output voltage, leading to a smoother DC voltage output. The
rectification efficiency of the circuit can also be improved by the use of a filter component,
leading to a higher DC voltage output. The presence of load resistance can affect the output
voltage and current characteristics, leading to changes in the voltage ripple and the rectification
efficiency of the circuit. The project was successful in achieving its objectives and provided
valuable insights into the operation of rectifier circuits.

Precaution
Some precautions that should be taken while performing the project on constructing half and full
wave rectifiers using diodes and studying input and output voltage characteristics using an
oscilloscope are:

 Safety measures: Ensure that the power supply used is properly grounded and that all
the connections are secure. Avoid touching the circuit with wet hands or when standing
on a wet surface. Make sure that the oscilloscope probes are connected properly to
prevent any short circuits.
 Component selection: Use good quality diodes and capacitors to ensure that the circuit
works properly. The diodes should be rated for the voltage and current requirements of
the circuit. The capacitors should have a suitable capacitance value for the circuit's
frequency range.
 Circuit construction: Follow the circuit diagram carefully and make sure that all the
components are connected properly. Use a breadboard or a PCB to construct the circuit.
Double-check the circuit connections before applying power to avoid any errors that
could damage the circuit.
 Voltage measurement: Use a multimeter to measure the voltage across different parts of
the circuit. Make sure that the multimeter is set to the correct voltage range before
measuring the voltage. Avoid touching the metal parts of the probes while measuring the
voltage.
 Oscilloscope measurement: Use an oscilloscope to measure the input and output voltage
waveforms. Make sure that the oscilloscope is properly calibrated and set up for the
circuit's frequency range. Avoid touching the metal parts of the probes while measuring
the voltage.
 Heat dissipation: Diodes can get hot during operation, and excessive heat can damage
the diodes or the circuit. Make sure that the circuit has proper ventilation to dissipate the
heat generated by the diodes.
Sources of error:
When conducting a project on constructing half and full wave rectifiers using diodes and
studying input and output voltage characteristics with and without filters, it is important to
analyze the sources of error that may affect the accuracy of the measurements and observations.

The sources of error are:

 The rectification efficiency of the circuit may differ from the theoretical calculations,
resulting in unexpected voltage drops and power losses.
 This can lead to errors in calculating the rectification efficiency of the circuit, as well as
the output voltage and current characteristics.
 The oscilloscope may have limited bandwidth and resolution, making it difficult to
accurately measure high-frequency signals, such as those produced by the rectifier
circuit.
 Variations in the input voltage may affect the output voltage and current characteristics,
causing inaccuracies in the measurement results.
 Temperature changes can affect the characteristics of the diodes and the filter
components, leading to changes in the output voltage and current characteristics
 The choice of filter component (L or C) may affect the output voltage and current
characteristics, as well as the rectification efficiency of the circuit.
 The presence of load resistance can affect the output voltage and current characteristics,
leading to inaccuracies in the measurement results.
 External electromagnetic interference can affect the signals in the circuit, leading to
inaccuracies in the measurement results.

References:
1.Heritage’s Physics Practical Book by Riddhi Bhakta Koju and Badri Nath Nakarmi.

2.Principles of physics Grade XII By Prof.HArihar Paudyal,Manoj Kumar Thapa,Arjun Kumar

Gautam,Bhesha Raj Adhikari,Parashu Ram Poudel.

3.Chat Gpt.com