Rectifiers

RECTIFIERS

1. Introduction

A diode has unidirectional property that it conducts only in forward bias and it is cut-off in reverse bias.

Few applications of Diode

❖ Diode is used in rectifiers which are used in dc power supplies.

❖ Diode is used in wave shapping circuit.

❖ Zener diodes are used in voltage regulator.

2. Power Supply

Most of the electronic equipments require dc voltage. This dc voltage obtained with the help of battery. Today all electronic equipments contain a circuit called power supply to change ac signal to dc. The block diagram of power supply is shown in figure 3.67.

(i) Transformer. The transformer step up or step down the ac supply according to the requirement of de to the circuit. Transformer provides isolation.

(ii) Rectifier. The function the rectifier is to convert the ac voltage into dc voltage. 

(iii) Filter: The dc output of the rectifier may contain ripples. These ripples are removed with the help of filters.

(iv) Regulator: In the absence of regulator in the circuit, the dc output will change if either input voltage or load changes. Therefore the function of the regulator is to provide constant de voltage or regulate dc voltage irrespective of the change in input voltage.

Rectifiers: The process of converting ac voltage to pulsating de voltage is known as rectification. A device which converts ac voltage to pulsating dc voltage is called as rectifier.

Types of Rectifiers:

(i) Half-wave rectifiers.

(ii) Full-wave rectifiers.