Rectification

 Rectifier –semiconductor device that converts AC to DC

voltage
Uncontrolled rectification –using diodes
 Single-Phase Diode Rectifiers
 There are two types of single-phase diode rectifier that convert
a single-phase ac supply into a dc voltage, namely,
 Single-phase half-wave rectifiers
 Single-phase full-wave rectifiers
 For the sake of simplicity the diodes in this discussion are
considered to be ideal, that is, they have zero forward
voltage drop and reverse recovery time.
 Purely resistive load is considered in this discussion so that the
voltage and load current have similar waveforms.
Single-phase half-wave rectifier with
resistive load
 The simplest single-phase diode rectifier.
 A single-phase half-wave rectifier with resistive load is
shown in Fig. 1.
 The circuit consists of only one diode that is usually fed
with a transformer secondary as shown.
 During the positive half-cycle of the transformer
secondary voltage, diode D conducts.(Diode D is forward
biased)
 During the negative half-cycle, diode D stops conducting
(D is reverse biased).
Figure 1: A single half wave rectifier with a resistive load
Assuming that the transformer has zero
internal impedance and provides perfect
sinusoidal voltage on its secondary winding,
the voltage and current waveforms of
resistive load R and the voltage waveform of
diode D are shown in Fig. 2.
Figure 2: Voltage and current waveforms of the half
wave rectifier with resistive load
 The voltage waveform of diode D in Fig. 2, indicate that the peak
inverse voltage (PIV) of diode D is equal to 𝑉𝑚 during the negative
half-cycle of the transformer secondary voltage.
 Hence the Peak Repetitive Reverse Voltage(𝑉𝑅𝑅𝑉 rating of diode D
must be chosen to be higher than 𝑉𝑚 to avoid reverse breakdown.
 In the positive half-cycle of the transformer secondary voltage,
diode D has a forward current which is equal to the load current.
 Therefore the Peak Repetitive Forward Current 𝐼𝐹𝑅𝑀 rating of diode
D must be chosen to be higher than the peak load current 𝑉𝑚ൗ𝑅 .
 In addition, the transformer has to carry a dc current that may result
in a dc saturation problem of the transformer core. (Disadvantage)
Single phase full wave rectifiers
 There are two types of single-phase full-wave rectifier,
namely,
i. full-wave rectifiers with center-tapped transformer
ii. bridge rectifiers.
Each diode is
associated with half
of the transformer
(acts as a half-wave
rectifier).

Figure 3 :Full-wave rectifier with center-tapped transformer.

 The outputs of the two half-wave rectifiers are combined to
produce full-wave rectification in the load.
 The voltage and current waveforms of the full wave rectifier
are shown in Fig. 4.

Figure 4
The peak inverse voltage (PIV) =2𝑉𝑚 during their blocking
state.
Hence the Peak Repetitive Reverse Voltage 𝑉𝑅𝑅𝑉 rating of
the diodes must be chosen to be higher than 2𝑉𝑚 to avoid
reverse breakdown.
As compared with the half-wave rectifier ,the full-wave
rectifier has twice the dc output voltage.
During its conducting state, each diode has a forward
current that is equal to the load current.
So the Peak Repetitive Forward Current 𝐼𝐹𝑅𝑀 rating of these
diodes must be chosen to be higher than the peak load
current 𝑉𝑚ൗ𝑅.
Bridge Rectifier
 Employs four diodes instead of two, to provide full-wave rectification without using
a center-tapped transformer.
 During the positive half cycle of the transformer secondary voltage, the current
flows to the load through diodes D1 and D2.
 During the negative half cycle, D3 and D4 conduct.
 As with the full-wave rectifier with center-tapped transformer, the Peak Repetitive
Forward Current 𝐼𝐹𝑅𝑀 rating of the employed diodes must be chosen to be higher
than the peak load current 𝑉𝑀ൗ𝑅. However, the peak inverse voltage (PIV) of the
diodes is reduced from 2𝑉𝑚 to 𝑉𝑚 during their blocking state.

Figure 5
Performance parameters
 Voltage relationships
 The average value of load voltage 𝑣𝐿 = 𝑉𝑑𝑐 defined as
1 𝑇
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝑇 ‫׬‬0 𝑣𝐿 𝑡 𝑑𝑡……………………….Equation 1.

 For a half-wave ,load voltage 𝑣𝐿 𝑡 = 0 for the negative half cycle.

 Note that angular frequency of the source 𝜔 = 2𝜋Τ𝑇.
1 𝜋
 Equation 1 can be rewritten as 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 2𝜋 ‫׬‬0 𝑣𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡𝑑 𝜔𝑡
1
 So Half wave 𝑉𝑑𝑐 =2𝜋 𝑣𝑚 −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔𝑡 𝜋
0
1
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 =2𝜋 (𝑣𝑚 ) −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜋 − (−𝑐𝑜𝑠0)

1
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = (𝑣 ) −(−1 − (−1)
2𝜋 𝑚
1 𝑉
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 =2𝜋 (𝑣𝑚 )2= 𝜋𝑚
𝑉𝑚
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = =0.318𝑣𝑚 ……………………………….Equation 2
𝜋
 Incase of a full wave rectifier, 𝑣𝐿 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑚 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡 𝑣𝐿 𝑡 for both
positive and negative half cycles.
1 𝜋
 So equation 1 can be written as ;𝑉𝑑𝑐 = ‫𝑡𝜔𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝑉 ׬‬ 𝑑(𝜔𝑡)
𝜋 0 𝑚
1
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝑉𝑚 (−𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜔𝑡)𝜋0
𝜋
𝑉𝑚
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = − cos 𝜋 − (− cos 0)
𝜋
2𝑉𝑚
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 =
𝜋
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 =0.636𝑉𝑚 ……………………………..Equation 3
Root mean square(rms) value of load voltage for
half wave defined as
1Τ
1 𝑇 2 2
𝑉𝐿 = ‫𝑣 ׬‬ 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 ………………….Equation 4
𝑇 0 𝑙

1 𝜋 Remember mathematical
𝑉𝐿 = √{ ‫׬‬0 [𝑣𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡𝑑 𝜔𝑡 ]2 } identities
2𝜋
• 𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑋 + 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝑋 = 1
1 2 𝜋 1−cos 2𝜔𝑡
𝑉𝐿 = √ × 𝑉𝑚 ‫׬‬0 𝑑 𝜔𝑡 ] Hence 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝑋=1-𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑋
2𝜋 2
𝑉𝑚 2 1 1 • 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 − 𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑋 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2𝑋
𝑉𝐿 =√ × [ω𝑡 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡]𝜋0 1-𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑋 −𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑋=𝐶𝑜𝑠 2𝑋
2𝜋 2 2 1-2𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑋 =𝐶𝑜𝑠 2𝑋
1−𝐶𝑜𝑠 2𝑋
𝑉𝑚 2 1 1 =𝑆𝑖𝑛 2𝑋
√ × [𝜋 − sin 𝜋] 2
2𝜋 2 2
𝑉𝑚
𝑉𝐿=0.5 𝑉𝑚 = ……………………Equation 5
2
Root mean square(rms) value of load voltage
for full wave defined as:
1 𝜋
𝑉𝐿 = √{ ‫׬‬0 [𝑣𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡𝑑 𝜔𝑡 ]2 } Exercise -Work out this
𝜋
Answer
𝑉𝑚
𝑉𝐿 =0.707𝑉𝑚 = … … … … … Equation 6
√2
 Current relationships
𝑉𝑑𝑐
 𝐼𝑑𝑐 =
𝑅
 The root mean square (rms) value of load current 𝑖𝐿 𝑖𝑠 𝐼𝐿 and
can be found as
𝑉𝐿
 𝐼𝐿 =
𝑅
0.318𝑉𝑚
 Incase of half wave rectifier (From equation 2), 𝐼𝑑𝑐 =
𝑅
0.5𝑉𝑚
 Whereas from equation 5 for half wave rectifier,𝐼𝐿 =
𝑅
0.636𝑉𝑚
 Whereas for full wave rectifier , 𝐼𝑑𝑐 = from equation 3.
𝑅

 Whereas from equation 6 for full wave rectifier,𝐼𝐿 =

0.707𝑉𝑚
𝑅
Rectification Ratio
 Is a figure of merit for comparing the effectiveness of rectification defined as
𝑃𝑑𝑐 𝑉𝑑𝑐 𝐼𝑑𝑐
 𝜎= =
𝑃𝐿 𝑉𝐿 𝐼𝐿

 Incase of half wave diode rectifier ,the rectification ratio can be determined by
substituting equations 2,7,5 and 8 as follows.
0.318𝑉𝑚 0.5𝑉𝑚
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 =
𝑉𝑚
𝜋
=0.318𝑉𝑚 𝑥
𝑅
/0.5 𝑉𝑚 𝑥 .
𝑅
(0.318𝑉𝑚 )2
 = =40.5%
(0.5 𝑉𝑚)2
 For full wave rectification ,RR is obtained by substituting equations 3
0.636𝑉𝑚 0.707𝑉𝑚 (0.636𝑉𝑚 )2
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 =0.636𝑉𝑚 𝑥 /0.707𝑉𝑚 𝑥 = =81%
𝑅 𝑅 (0.707𝑉𝑚 )2
Form Factor (FF) is defined as the ratio of the root mean
square ( heating component) of a voltage or current to
its average value.
𝑉𝐿 𝐼𝐿
FF= 𝑜𝑟
𝑉𝑑𝑐 𝐼𝑑𝑐
0.5𝑉𝑚
Incase of a half wave rectifier FF= = 1.57
0.318𝑉𝑚
0.707𝑉𝑚
Incase of a full wave rectifier FF= = 1.11
0.636𝑉𝑚
 Ripple factor,RF is a measure of the ripple content defined as ;
𝑉
 𝑅𝐹 = 𝑉𝑎𝑐 …………..equation 11
𝑑𝑐

 Where 𝑉𝑎𝑐 is the effective (rms) value of the ac component of load voltage 𝑣𝐿

 𝑉𝑎𝑐 = (𝑉𝐿 2 − 𝑉𝑑𝑐 2 )………………equation 12.

 Substituting equation 12 into equation 11,ripple factor can be expressed

(𝑉𝐿 ) 2
 RF = − 1…… 𝐹𝐹 2 − 1…………,For a half wave rectifier,RF=1.21 while for a full
𝑉𝑑𝑐 2
wave rectifier,RF =0.482.
 Transformer Utilization Factor
 It is a measure of the merit of a rectifier circuit defined as the ratio of the dc output
power to the transformer volt –ampere(VA) rating required by the secondary
winding.
𝑃 𝑉𝑑𝑐 𝐼𝑑𝑐
 TUF =𝑉𝑑𝑐 =
𝐼𝑠 𝑠 𝑉𝑠 𝐼𝑠

 Where 𝑉𝑠 and 𝐼𝑠 are the rms voltage and rms ratings of the transformer secondary.
𝑉𝑚
 𝑉𝑠 = = 0.707
√2

 The rms value of the transformer secondary current 𝐼𝑠 is the same as that of the load
current 𝐼𝐿.
0.5𝑉𝑚
 For a half wave rectifier 𝐼𝑠 = 𝑅
 0.707𝑉𝑚
 For a full wave rectifier 𝐼𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 10, 𝐼𝑠 =
𝑅
 Therefore the TUF of a half wave rectifier can be obtained by
substituting respective equations into
𝑉𝑑𝑐 𝐼𝑑𝑐 0.3182
 = = 0.286
𝑉𝑠 𝐼𝑠 0.707×0.5
 The poor TUF of half wave signifies that the transformer
employed must have a 3.496 (1/0.286) VA rating in order to
deliver 1W dc output power to the load.
 Another disadvantage is that the transformer secondary
winding has to carry dc current that may cause magnetic
core saturation.
 As a result half wave rectifiers are used only when the current
requirement is small.
 For a full wave rectifier with a center tapped transformer, the circuit can be
treated as two half wave rectifiers operating together ,so transformer secondary
VA rating 𝑉𝑠 𝐼𝑠 is double that of a half wave rectifier but the output dc power is
increased by a factor of four as indicated in the equation
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 =0.636𝑉𝑚
 So TUF of a full wave rectifier with center tapped transformer can be obtained as
follows
4×0.3182
 Full wave TUF=2×0.707×0.5 = 0.572
 Bridge rectifier has the highest TUF in single phase rectifier circuits because the
currents flowing in both the primary and secondary windings are continuous
sinewaves,
0.6362
 Bridge TUF=0707×0.707 = 0.81
 The transformer primary VA rating of a full wave rectifier is equal to that of a bridge
rectifier because the current flowing in the primary winding is also a continuous
sinewave.
 Three phase diode rectifiers
 Single phase diode rectifiers require a rather high
transformer VA rating for a given dc output.
 So only suitable for low to medium power applications.
 Power output higher than 15kW,three phase of
polyphase diode rectifiers should be employed.
 There are two types of three phase diode rectifier that
convert a three phase ac supply into a dc voltage
namely ;star rectifier and bridge rectifier(transformers
and diodes are considered as ideal in this case –zero
forward voltage drop and reverse current and
transformers do not possess either resistance or
leakage inductance ,and resistive load).
Three phase star rectifier

Three phase star rectifier Figure 6

 Can be considered as three single phase half wave rectifiers

as shown in Figure 6, combined together.
 So sometimes called three phase half wave rectifier.
 The diode in a particular phase conducts during the period
when the voltage on that phase is higher that that on the other
two phases.
 Waveforms of each phase and the load are as shown in the figure 7 below.

Figure 7:Waveforms of voltage and current of the three phase star rectifier
 2𝜋
 The conduction angle of each diode is instead of 𝜋.
3
 This circuit finds use where the required dc output voltage is relatively
low and the required current is too large for a practical single phase
system.
𝜋 5𝜋
 Taking phase R as an example, diode D conducts from 𝑡𝑜 .
6 6
 The average value of the output can be found as
3 5𝜋Τ6 𝑉𝑑𝑐 0.827𝑉𝑚
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = ‫𝜋׬‬Τ6 𝑉𝑚 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑑𝜃  𝐼𝑑𝑐 = =
2𝜋 𝑅 𝑅
3𝑉𝑚 Τ6
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = −𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 5𝜋
𝜋 Τ6
2𝜋
3𝑉𝑚 5𝜋 𝜋
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = −𝐶𝑜𝑠 − (−𝐶𝑜𝑠 )
2𝜋 6 6
3𝑉𝑚× 3
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 =
2𝜋
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 0=.827𝑉𝑚
 Similarly ,rms value of the output voltage can be found as
3 5𝜋 Τ6
 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 𝑉𝐿 = √ ‫׬‬ 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 2 𝑑𝜃
2𝜋 𝜋Τ6
3 5𝜋 Τ6
 √ 𝑉𝑀 2 ‫׬‬ 𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝜃𝑑𝜃
2𝜋 𝜋Τ6

3 5𝜋 Τ6 1−𝐶𝑜𝑠2𝜃
 𝑉𝑚 2 × ‫׬‬ ( )
2𝜋 𝜋Τ6 2
Remember mathematical
5𝜋Τ6 identities
2 3 1 1
 𝑉𝑚 × 2𝜋 × 2
𝜃− 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜃 • 𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑋 + 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝑋 = 1
𝜋Τ6
Hence 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝑋=1-𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑋
3 1 5𝜋 1 5𝜋 𝜋 1 𝜋
 𝑉𝑚 2 × × − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 − ( − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 )
2𝜋 2 6 2 6 6 2 6 • 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 − 𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑋 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2𝑋
1-𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑋 −𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑋=𝐶𝑜𝑠 2𝑋
1-2𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑋 =𝐶𝑜𝑠 2𝑋
2.96 1−𝐶𝑜𝑠 2𝑋
=𝑆𝑖𝑛 2𝑋
3 1 2
 𝑉𝑚 2 × × × 2.96
2𝜋 2

 𝑉𝐿 =0.84𝑉𝑚
 In addition ,the rms current in each transformer secondary winding of the output
Current can be found as
1 5𝜋Τ6
 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 𝐼𝐿 = √ ‫׬‬𝜋 Τ 6
𝐼𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 2 𝑑𝜃
2𝜋
1 5𝜋Τ6
 √ 𝐼𝑚 2 2𝜋 ‫𝜋׬‬Τ6 𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝜃𝑑𝜃

1 5𝜋Τ6 1−𝐶𝑜𝑠2𝜃
 𝐼𝑚 2 × 2𝜋 ‫𝜋׬‬Τ6 ( )
2

1 1 1 5𝜋Τ6
2
 𝐼𝑚 × × 𝜃− 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜃
2𝜋 2 2 𝜋 Τ6

1 1 5𝜋 1 5𝜋 𝜋 1 𝜋
 𝐼𝑚 2 × 2𝜋 × 2 − 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 − ( 6 − 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 6 )
6 6

1 1
 𝐼𝑚 2 × 2𝜋 × 2 × 2.96

 𝐼𝐿 =0.48𝐼𝑚
 NB: The three phase star rectifier shown in Figure 6 has direct currents in the
secondary winding that can cause a transformer core saturation problem.
 In addition ,the currents in the primary do not sum up to zero.
 So not preferred to have star connected primary windings.
 The transformer core saturation problem in the three phase star can be avoided by a
special arrangement in its secondary windings to form a three phase inter-star /zigzag
rectifier circuit as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7
 Each secondary phase is obtained from two equal voltage secondary windings with
a phase displacement of 𝜋Τ3 ,connected in series so that the dc magnetizing forces
due to the two secondary windings on any limb are equal and opposite.
 The extra secondary windings increases the transformer secondary rating
factor to 1.74VA/W from 1.51VA/W helping the circuit avoid the effects of
core saturation and reducing the transformer primary rating factor to the
minimum of 1.05VA/W.
 Three phase double star rectifier with interphase transformer
 The circuit essentially consist of two three phase star rectifiers with their
neutral points interconnected through an interphase transformer or reactor
as shown be in Figure 8 below.

Figure 8
 The polarities of the corresponding secondary windings in the two interconnected
systems are reversed with respect to each other ,so that the rectifier output voltage of
one three phase unit is at a minimum when the rectifier output voltage of the other
unit is at a maximum as shown in figure 9 below.

Figure 9: Voltage waveforms of the three-phase double-star rectifier

 The purpose of the interphase transformer is to cause the output voltage 𝑉𝐿 to be the
average of the rectified voltages 𝑣1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑣2 .
 The output currents of the two three phase units flowing in opposite directions in the
interphase transformer winding produce no dc magnetization current.
 Similarly ,the dc magnetization currents in the secondary windings of two three phase
units cancel each other out.
 By virtue of the symmetry of the secondary ccts, the three primary ccts add up to zero
at all times.
 Three phase bridge rectifiers
 Commonly used for high power applications because they have highest possible
transformer utilization factor for a three phase system.

Figure 10 :Three phase bridge rectifier

 The diodes are numbered in the order of conduction sequences and the
conduction angle of each diode is 2𝜋Τ3.
 The conduction sequence is 12,23,34,45,56 and 61.
 The line voltage is 1.73 times ( 3) of the phase voltage.

Figure 11: Three phase bridge rectifiers output waveforms

 The average value of the output
6 2𝜋Τ3
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 2𝜋 ‫𝜋׬‬Τ3 √3 𝑉𝑚 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑑𝜃

6 3)𝑉𝑚 2𝜋Τ3
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = ‫𝜋׬‬Τ3 𝑉𝑚 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑑𝜃
2𝜋
6 3)𝑉𝑚 2𝜋Τ3
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = −𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝜋 Τ3
2𝜋
6 3)𝑉𝑚 2𝜋 𝜋
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = −𝐶𝑜𝑠 − (−𝐶𝑜𝑠 )
2𝜋 3 3
3√3
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝑉𝑚 = 1.654𝑉𝑚
𝜋

 rms of the output voltage can be determined as follows

 6 2𝜋Τ3 2
 𝑉𝑙 = ‫׬‬ 𝑉𝑚 3𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑑𝜃
2𝜋 𝜋Τ3

6 3 2𝜋Τ3
 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 𝑉𝐿 = √ ‫׬‬ 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 2 𝑑𝜃
2𝜋 𝜋Τ3
6 3 2𝜋Τ3
 √ 𝑉𝑀 2 ‫׬‬ 𝑆𝑖𝑛 2 𝜃𝑑𝜃
2𝜋 𝜋Τ3

6 3 2𝜋Τ6 1−𝐶𝑜𝑠2𝜃
 𝑉𝑚 2 × ‫׬‬ ( )
2𝜋 𝜋Τ3 2

6 3 1 1 2𝜋Τ3
2
 𝑉𝑚 × × 𝜃− 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜃
2𝜋 2 2 𝜋 Τ3

6 3 1 2𝜋 1 2𝜋 𝜋 1 𝜋
 𝑉𝑚 2 × × − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 − ( − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 )
2𝜋 2 3 2 3 3 2 3

 𝑉𝑙 =1.655𝑉𝑚
 Repeat for currents 𝐼𝑑𝑐 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 Three phase star rectifier
Controlled rectification
 To build a controlled rectifier or a phase controlled rectifier,
diodes are replaced by SCRs.
 A variable DC voltage output is produced whose magnitude
is varied by phase control i.e the duration of conduction
period is controlled by varying the point at which a gate
signal is applied to the SCR.
 Unlike a diode an SCR will not automatically conduct when
the anode to cathode voltage becomes positive, a gate
pulse must be provided.
 So the delay time of the gate pulse can be adjusted and
this process is repeatedly ,then to achieve phase control.
 Controlled rectifiers or converters are classified into half wave
controlled or full wave controlled rectifiers.
 Half-controlled /semi converter circuit
 Average value of the DC output voltage is varied by phase
control of the SCR.
 The polarity and the direction of the DC output voltage can
not change.
 ∴ also called one quadrant converter.
 Half wave is seldom used in power electronics applications
due to high ripple voltage.
Half wave rectifier with a resistive load

a)

Half wave rectifier (a) circuit (b)

voltage and current waveforms.
b)
 During the positive cycle of the supply voltage, the SCR is forward
biased and will conduct if a trigger pulse is applied to the gate.
 If the SCR turns on at 𝑡𝑜 , load current flows and the output voltage 𝑣𝑜
will be the same as the input voltage.
 At 𝑡 = 𝜋 the current 𝑖 = 0,since the SCR is reverse biased.
 During the –ve half cycle, the SCR blocks the flow of current and no
voltage is applied to the load.
 The SCR stays off until the gate signal is applied again at (𝑡𝑜 +2𝜋).
 The period from 0 to 𝑡𝑜 represents the time in the positive half cycle
when the SCR is off.
 This angle measured is called the firing angle or delay angle 𝛼.
 The SCR conducts from (𝑡𝑜 to 𝜋 ,this angle is called the conduction
angle 𝜃.
 The average or DC value of the load voltage for half
wave controlled rectifier is given by:
1 𝜋
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = ‫𝑡𝜔 𝑑𝑡𝜔𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑉 𝛼׬‬
2𝜋
1
 So Half wave 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝑉𝑚 −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔𝑡 𝜋𝛼
2𝜋
1
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = (𝑉𝑚 ) −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜋 − (−𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼)
2𝜋
1
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = (𝑉𝑚 ) −(−1 + 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝛼
2𝜋
1
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = (𝑉𝑚 )(1 + 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝛼)
2𝜋
𝑉𝑚 (1+𝐶𝑂𝑆 𝛼)
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = ,
2𝜋
𝑉 (1+𝐶𝑂𝑆 𝛼)
 𝐼𝑑𝑐 = 𝑚 …….
2𝜋𝑅
 Assignment –Determine the rms voltage and current
parameter equations for half wave controlled rectifier.
The magnitude of the output voltage is controlled by
the firing angle, increasing 𝛼 by firing SCR later in the
cycle lowers the voltage and vice versa.
The maximum output voltage occurs when 𝛼
=0° , 𝑖𝑒 when the SCR is fired at 𝛼 =0°,the circuit acts
like a diode rectifier.
Root mean square(rms) value of load voltage for half
wave controlled rectifier defined as
1Τ
1 𝑇 2 2
𝑉𝐿 = ‫𝑣 ׬‬ 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 ………………….Equation 4
𝑇 𝛼 𝑙

1 𝜋
𝑉𝐿 = √{ ‫] 𝑡𝜔 𝑑𝑡𝜔𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑣[ 𝛼׬‬2 }
2𝜋
1 2 𝜋 1−cos 2𝜔𝑡
𝑉𝐿 = √ × 𝑉𝑚 ‫𝛼׬‬ 𝑑 𝜔𝑡 ]
2𝜋 2
𝑉𝑚 2 1 1
𝑉𝐿 =√ × [ω𝑡 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜔𝑡]𝜋𝛼
2𝜋 2 2
𝑉𝑚 2 1 1 1 Whereas
√ × ((𝜋 − sin 2𝜋) − (𝛼 − sin 2𝛼))
2𝜋 2 2 2
1
𝑉𝑚 2 1 2
 𝑉𝐿 /𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 = × (π − (𝛼 − sin 2𝛼)) =
4𝜋 2
 These equations tell us that the magnitude of the output voltage is controlled by the
firing angle.
 Increasing 𝛼 by firing the SCR later in the cycle lower the voltage and vice versa.
 The maximum voltage occurs when 𝛼 =0° (same voltage as for a half wave diode circuit).
Control characteristic for a half wave rectifier
Examples
1. A half –wave controlled rectifier is supplied from a 120V source. If the load resistance
is 10,find the load voltage and power to the load for the following delay angles
a) 𝛼 = 0°
b) 𝛼 = 45°
c) 𝛼 = 90°
d) 𝛼 = 135°
e) 𝛼 = 180°
Solution
Peak load voltage = 𝑉𝑚 = 2 𝑉𝑠 =1.414× 120 =169.7~170𝑉
𝑉𝑚 (1+𝐶𝑂𝑆 𝛼)
𝑉𝑑𝑐 = ,
2𝜋
170 (1+𝐶𝑂𝑆 0)
For 𝛼 = 0°, = = 54.1V
2𝜋
𝑉𝑑𝑐 2 54.12
𝑃𝐿 = = 10 =292.68 W
𝑅
170 (1+𝐶𝑂𝑆 45)
For 𝛼 = 45°, = = 46.187V
2𝜋
46.1872
𝑃𝐿 = = 213.32 W
10

170 (1+𝐶𝑂𝑆 90)

For 𝛼 = 90°, = = 27.1V
2𝜋
27.12
𝑃𝐿 = = 73.441 W
10
170 (1+𝐶𝑂𝑆 135)
For 𝛼 = 135°, = = 7.92V
2𝜋
7.922
𝑃𝐿 = = 6.27 W
10
170 (1+𝐶𝑂𝑆 0)
For 𝛼 = 180°, = = 0.0V, 𝑃𝐿 =0W
2𝜋
 More examples
1. A half wave controlled rectifier connected to a 150V ,60Hz supply is supplying a
resistive load of 10.if the delay angle 𝛼 is 30° ,find
a) The maximum load current
b) The average load voltage
c) The average load current
d) The RMS load current
e) The power supplied to the load
f) The conduction angle
g) The ripple frequency
h) The power factor.
 Peak Load Voltage= 2 𝑉𝑠 =1.414× 150 =
212.13𝑉
 The maximum load current
𝑉𝑀 212.13
= = = 21.213𝐴
𝑅 10
 Average load current
𝑉𝑚 (1+𝐶𝑂𝑆 𝛼) 212.13 (1+𝐶𝑂𝑆 30)
𝑉𝑑𝑐 = ,= = 62.999V
2𝜋 2𝜋

212.13 30 sin(2×30)
 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 = { √[1 − + }=10.45A
2×10 180 2𝜋
 2
Power supplied to the load = 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 × 𝑅 =
10.452 × 10 = 1092.5𝑊
Conduction angle =180 – 30 = 150°
Ripple frequency =input supply frequency =
60°
S=𝑉𝑠 × 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 150 × 10.45 = 1567.5𝑊
𝑃𝐿 1092.5
Power factor= = = 0.69.
𝑃𝑠 1567.5
 More examples
 A half wave controlled rectifier is connected to a 120V source.Calculate the firing
angle necessary to deliver 150W of power to a 10 load.
𝑉𝑚 (1+𝐶𝑂𝑆 𝛼)
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = ,
2𝜋

 Rearranging
 𝐶𝑂𝑆 𝛼=
2𝜋𝑉𝑑𝑐
 𝛼=cos −1 −1
𝑉𝑚

 𝑉𝑚 = 2 𝑉𝑠 = 2 × 120 = 169.71
 𝑃𝑑𝑐 = 150𝑊, 𝑅 = 10,
𝑉𝑑𝑐 2
 𝑃𝑑𝑐 = 𝑅 , 𝑉𝑑𝑐 2 = 𝑃𝑑𝑐 × 𝑅 =150× 10 = 1500𝑊

 𝑉𝑑𝑐 2 =1500W
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 38.73𝑉
2𝜋𝑉𝑑𝑐 2𝜋×38.73
 𝛼=cos −1 − 1 =cos −1 − 1 =64.28°
𝑉𝑚 169.71
Half wave controlled rectifier with an inductive load
 A half wave rectifier with a load consisting of R and L is as shown in
figure below.

• If the SCR is triggered at a firing angle

𝛼 , 𝑡ℎ𝑒 load current increases slowly since
the inductance in the circuit forces the
current to lag the voltage.
• The voltage across the load is positive
and the inductor is storing energy in its
magnetic field.
• When the applied voltage becomes
negative, the SCR is reverse biased.
• However the energy stored in the
magnetic field of the inductor maintains
a forward –decaying current through the
load as shown in the waveforms shown
 Waveforms for half wave controlled rectifier with inductive load
 The current continues to flow until 𝛽 , 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 angle, when the SCR turns off.
 The voltage across the inductor then changes polarity and the voltage across the load
becomes negative.
 Average voltage
1 𝛽
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 2𝜋 ‫𝑡𝜔 𝑑𝑡𝜔𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑉 𝛼׬‬
1 𝛽
 So Half wave 𝑉𝑑𝑐 =2𝜋 𝑉𝑚 −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔𝑡 𝛼
1
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 =2𝜋 (𝑉𝑚 ) −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽 − (−𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼)
1
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 =2𝜋 (𝑉𝑚 ) (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝛼-𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝛽)
𝑉𝑚 (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝛼−𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝛽)
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 2𝜋
The average voltage becomes less than it would be
with a purely resistive load with the inductive load.


 With a freewheeling diode

 To cut off negative portion of the instantaneous output voltage
and smooth the output ripple current, a freewheeling diode is
used as shown below.
 When the load voltage tends to reverse ,the FWD becomes forward biased and
turns on.
 The SCR becomes reverse biased and turns off.
 Therefore the current flowing from the source to the load through SCR freewheels
between the load and the diode.
 Current continues to flow even after SCR turns off due to the energy stored in the
inductor.
𝑉𝑚 (1+𝐶𝑂𝑆 𝛼)
 Output voltage is the same as in a circuit with a resistive load, 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = .
2𝜋
Full wave controlled centre tap rectifier
A basic arrangement of a single phase center tap
controlled rectifier with a resistive load.
Phase control of both the positive and negative
halves can be achieved thus increasing the DC
voltage and thus reducing the ripple as compared to
half wave rectifiers.
During the positive half cycle of the input
voltage, 𝑆𝐶𝑅1 is forward biased.
When we apply the gate signal at 𝛼, 𝑆𝐶𝑅1 turns on.
At 𝜋, when the current through 𝑆𝐶𝑅1 becomes zero, it
turns off naturally.
 During the negative half cycle, 𝑆𝐶𝑅2 , 𝑖𝑠 forward biased.
𝑆𝐶𝑅2 is fired at 𝜋 + 𝛼 and the current through it becomes
zero at 2 𝜋.
 𝑆𝐶𝑅1 is turned on again at 2𝜋 + 𝛼 and 𝑆𝐶𝑅2 at 3𝜋 + 𝛼 and
the cycle repeats.
 The average value of the load voltage
1 𝜋
 So equation 1 can be written as ;𝑉𝑑𝑐 = ‫׬‬𝛼
𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡 𝑑(𝜔𝑡)
𝜋
1
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝑉𝑚 (−𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜔𝑡)𝜋𝛼
𝜋
𝑉
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝑚 − cos 𝜋 − (− cos 𝛼)
𝜋
𝑉 (1+cos 𝛼)
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝑚
𝜋
𝑉𝑚 (1+cos 𝛼)
 𝐼𝑑𝑐 =
𝜋𝑅
 1Τ
1 𝜋 2 2
 𝑉𝐿 = ‫𝑣 ׬‬ 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 ………………….Equation 4
𝜋 𝛼 𝑙

1 𝜋
 𝑉𝐿 = √{ ‫] 𝑡𝜔 𝑑𝑡𝜔𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑣[ 𝛼׬‬2 }
𝜋
1 𝜋 1−cos 2𝜔𝑡
2
 𝑉𝐿 = √ × 𝑉𝑚 ‫𝛼׬‬ 𝑑 𝜔𝑡 ]
𝜋 2
𝑉𝑚 2 1 1
 𝑉𝐿 =√ × [ω𝑡 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜔𝑡]𝜋𝛼
𝜋 2 2
𝑉𝑚 2 1 1 1
 √ × ((𝜋 − sin 2𝜋) − (𝛼 − sin 2𝛼))
𝜋 2 2 2
1
2 1
𝑉𝑚 2 1 1 1 𝛼 sin 2𝑎
Sin 2𝛼 =𝑉𝑚
2
 × (𝜋 − 𝛼 + − +
𝜋 2 2 2 2𝜋 4𝜋
1 1
𝛼 sin 2𝑎 𝛼 sin 2𝛼
, 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 =𝐼𝑚 1
2 2
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝑉𝑚 1 − + − +
𝜋 2𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋
Full wave controlled centre tap rectifier with
inductive load
 If an inductive load is used instead of resistive load, the load current will be present
at all times as shown in the waveforms shown below.
This assumes a highly inductive load so that the load
current is continuous ,present at all times so that
𝑆𝐶𝑅 1 conducts for 180° 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝛼 𝑡𝑜 (π + 𝛼) and
𝑆𝐶𝑅 2 conducts from (π + 𝛼) to (2π + 𝛼) and supplies power
to the load.
𝑉 (1+cos 0) 2𝑉𝑚
The average value is given as 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝑚 𝜋 = π 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝛼


Full wave center tap rectifier waveforms with an RL load.

 𝑆𝐶𝑅1 conducts for 180° from 𝛼 to (𝜋 + 𝛼) and the load voltage
follows the input voltage.
 At (𝜋 + 𝛼) , 𝑆𝐶𝑅2 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 ,conducts up to (2𝜋 + 𝛼) and 𝑆𝐶𝑅1 turns off
since the supply voltage immediately appears across it and applies a
reverse voltage.
 The average value of the load voltage
1 𝜋+𝛼
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = ‫׬‬ 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡 𝑑(𝜔𝑡)
𝜋 𝛼
1
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝑉𝑚 (−𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜔𝑡)𝜋+𝛼 𝛼
𝜋
𝑉𝑚
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = − cos(𝜋 + 𝛼 − (− cos 𝛼)
𝜋
0
𝑉𝑚
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = −(cos 𝜋 cos 𝛼 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜋 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛼 − (− cos 𝛼)
𝜋
2𝑉
 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝑚 cos 𝛼
𝜋
 Explain with the help of waveforms the operation of a full wave center
tap rectifier with RL load for the following firing angles.
i. 0°
ii. 45°
iii. 90°
iv. 135°
v. 180°
 For 𝟎° firing angle
 During the positive half cycle of the source voltage ,𝑆𝐶𝑅1 is forward
biased and 𝑆𝐶𝑅2 is reverse biased. During the negative half cycle of
the source voltage , 𝑆𝐶𝑅2 is forward biased and 𝑆𝐶𝑅1 is reverse
biased. The voltage across the load is 𝑉𝑠 .
 The application of a gate pulse with zero firing angle results in an
output similar to that of uncontrolled rectifier and each SCR
conducts for 180° and supplies current to the load for this period as
follows.
Current and voltage
waveforms for 𝟎° firing
angle
For 𝟒𝟓° firing angle
If we increase the firing angle, the average DC
output voltage decreases as shown below.
If 𝑆𝐶𝑅1 is triggered at 45° , 𝑆𝐶𝑅2 will conduct up to
this point even though the voltage source is
negative due to the highly inductive nature of the
load.
When 𝑆𝐶𝑅1 turns on, 𝑆𝐶𝑅2 is reverse biased and turns
off.
The off SCR is subjected to twice the source voltage
in the negative direction.(see the 𝑆𝐶𝑅1 waveform.
The current of the load is supplied in turn by 𝑆𝐶𝑅1
and 𝑆𝐶𝑅2 each conducting for 180° .
Current and voltage
waveforms for 𝟒𝟓° firing angle
For 𝟗𝟎° firing angle
If the firing angle is increased to 90° ,the two SCRs
still remain in conduction for 180° as shown below.
However the average DC voltage becomes zero
,so there is no transfer of power from the AC source
the DC load.
In summary ,as the firing angle is increased from 0-
90° ,the power supplied to the DC load decreases
becoming zero when 𝛼 = 90° .
Current and voltage waveforms for
𝟗𝟎° firing angle
For 𝟏𝟑𝟓° firing angle
If we increase the firing angle to 𝛼 𝑏𝑒𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑑 90° ,the load
current will only flow if there is a negative source of
voltage at the DC load side.
This is possible for example in a DC motor under
regenerative conditions(ask students to read and do a
small presentation on regenerative conditions of a DC
motor in groups of four).
So when α = 135° ,the average DC voltage is negative.
The current still flow in each SCR for 180° in its original
direction but the load voltage has changed its polarity.
The power now flows from the DC load to the AC
source and the circuit acts like an inverter.
 Current and voltage waveforms for 𝟏𝟑𝟓° firing angle
For 180° firing angle
If the firing angle is increased to α = 180° ,the average DC
voltage reaches its maximum negative value.
The SCR remains in conduction for 180° .
Current and voltage
waveforms for 𝟏𝟖𝟎° firing
angle
Full wave bridge controlled rectifiers with resistive
load
 Two opposite pairs of SCRs turn on and off together.
 Average DC output can be controlled zero to its maximum positive value by varying
the firing angle.
𝑉𝑚 (1+cos 𝛼)
 Average 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝜋
1
𝐼 𝛼 sin 2𝛼
, 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 𝑚 1 − +
2

√2 𝜋 2𝜋
 Waveforms of the bridge controlled rectifier with resistive load
 Assignment
 The full wave bridge rectifier is shown below is supplied from a 150V source with a
load resistance of 10.If the firing angle is 30°,find
a) The average load voltage
b) The average load voltage
c) The maximum load current
d) The RMS load current
e) The power supplied to the load
f) The ripple frequency
g) The power factor.