9/27/24, 12:25 PM Uses of Rectifier: With Definition, Types, And Applications

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Uses of Rectifier: Applications of Half-Wave, Full-Wave and Bridge

Rectifier
Last Updated on Jun 16, 2023

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Electricity is transported from generating facilities to users using alternating current (AC). But all
electrical appliances use a direct current (DC) power supply to function. Because DC enables a
continuous flow of current to a device. Since AC is delivered initially, the power must first be converted
from AC to DC. The electrical component that converts AC to DC is called a rectifier. In this Physics
article, we will look into the uses of rectifiers in detail.

What is a Rectifier?
A rectifier is an electronic component that converts alternating current to direct current. Rectification is
the process of converting AC to DC. The main component of a rectifier is PN junction diodes, which do
the conversion of AC to DC. A PN junction diode permits the flow of electrical current under forward
bias conditions and stops it under reverse bias conditions.

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9/27/24, 12:25 PM Uses of Rectifier: With Definition, Types, And Applications

There are mainly three types of rectifiers: half-wave, full-wave, and bridge rectifiers. The rectifiers are
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divided into two categories depending on the voltage control. They are controlled and uncontrolled
rectifiers. Controlled rectifiers are the kind of rectifiers whose voltage can be controlled and varied.
Uncontrolled rectifiers are the kind of rectifiers whose voltage cannot be controlled.

Half-Wave Rectifier

A half-wave rectifier is a type of rectifier that only changes one-half of the alternating current cycle into
a direct current. The load resistance and PN junction diode are connected in series in a half-wave
rectifier circuit.

Full-Wave Rectifier

A full-wave rectifier is a type of rectifier that converts both the positive and negative half cycles of the
AC to DC. The diode provides low resistance when the PN junction is forward-biased, and high
resistance when it is reverse-biased. The circuit is set up so that if the diode is forward-biased during
the first half cycle, it will switch to reverse bias during the second half cycle, and so on.

Bridge Rectifier

A full-wave rectifier that employs four diodes in a bridge circuit design is known as a bridge rectifier.
The bridge rectifier circuit is made up of the load resistor, four separate p-n junction diodes, and an
alternating supply. Bridge rectifiers comprise closed-loop structures made up of four diodes. To
effectively transform the AC into DC, the four diodes are coupled in a closed-loop design.
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Uses of Rectifier
The rectifier’s main use is to convert AC power into DC electricity. Nearly all electronic equipment’s
power supplies contain rectifiers. Let’s look into the use of rectifiers in detail.

Uses of Half-Wave Rectifiers

Some important uses of a half-wave rectifier are listed below.

Modulation: A modulated signal contains information to be communicated. When this signal is

applied to a carrier signal to change its features, the process is known as modulation. Amplitude-
modulated communications can be demodulated using a basic half-wave diode rectifier.
Voltage Multiplier: A voltage multiplier is an electrical circuit that transforms AC electrical power
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rectifier.
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Soldering: Circuits that require a soldering iron use a half-wave rectifier. Metal pieces are joined
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using the solderingPDF technique to create an electrical link.

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9/27/24, 12:25 PM Uses of Rectifier: With Definition, Types, And Applications

Transformers: We can use step-down or step-up transformers in combination with a half-wave

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rectifier to generate the appropriate DC voltage. A transformer is a passive part that transfers
electrical energy between circuits, whether they are single circuits or multiple circuits. Step-up
transformers are transformers created to increase the voltage from primary to secondary. Step-
down transformers are transformers created to decrease the voltage from primary to secondary.
Circuits: A half-wave rectifier is used in firing circuits and circuits that produce pulses.

Uses of Full-Wave Rectifier

Some of the main uses of a full-wave rectifier are as follows.

Power Supplies: Full-wave rectifiers are extensively used in power supply circuits to convert AC
power from the mains into a smoother DC output.
Battery Charging: Full-wave rectifiers are employed in battery chargers to convert AC power into
DC power for charging batteries.
Motor Control: Full-wave rectifiers are used in motor control circuits to convert AC power into DC
power for driving motors.
Welding Equipment: Full-wave rectifiers are utilized in welding machines to convert the AC power
supply into a DC welding current.
Audio Amplifiers: Full-wave rectifiers are employed in audio amplifier circuits to convert the AC
audio signal into a DC signal for biasing purposes.
Signal Demodulation: Full-wave rectifiers are used in communication systems to demodulate
amplitude-modulated (AM) signals.

Uses of Bridge Rectifier

Below are some uses of a bridge rectifier.

Electric welding: Bridge rectifier circuits are used to provide constant and polarized DC power for
electric welding.
Circuits: Bridge rectifiers, which can transform high AC voltage to low DC voltage, are commonly
utilized in large appliances. Every charger circuit which converts AC to DC consists of rectifiers.
Audio Systems: Bridge rectifiers are utilized in audio systems, including amplifiers and audio power
supplies.
Lighting Systems: Bridge rectifiers are used in lighting applications where AC power needs to be
converted into DC power.
Power Electronics: Bridge rectifiers find widespread use in various power electronic systems, such
as inverters, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and motor drives.

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Uses of Rectifier FAQs

What is the use of a rectifier?

What is the use of bridge rectifiers?

What types of filters are used in rectifiers?

How many diodes are used in full-wave bridge rectifiers?

What is the efficiency of a rectifier?

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