Full-wave rectification converts AC electrical energy into DC using diodes. A bridge rectifier allows both positive and negative halves of the AC wave to pass, resulting in a smoother DC signal. Voltage regulators can be used for further smoothing.
Full-wave rectification is a process of converting alternating current (AC) electrical energy into a direct current (DC) form of electrical energy. AC current is constantly passing back and forth from its positive to its negative voltage limits in a form called a wave. Full-wave rectification converts both the positive and negative parts of the AC wave into a positive DC electrical signal, or its equivalent, using devices called diodes.
As AC power cycles, it takes the form of curves resembling a row of the letter “S” with each “S” arranged to one side and from end to end. Horizontally across the center is a reference point representing zero in voltage. As the AC signal passes back and forth over the zero line, it looks like a set of humps above the line, which are positive, and an opposite set of humps below the line, which are negative. The goal of all rectifiers is to convert that continuously alternating signal into a constant or direct positive voltage for use by certain types of electrical equipment.
Rectifiers use diodes to perform rectification or AC to DC conversion. Diodes will only conduct electricity in one direction. Consequently, if an AC signal passes through a diode, only half of the AC signal that is above the zero-voltage line can pass. The resulting signal appears to be a series of humps with gaps between them where the negative halves of the AC signal have been blocked. This arrangement that converts only half of the AC wave to DC is called a half-wave rectifier.
By placing four diodes in positions that allow two to be opposite in polarity to the other two, a device called a bridge rectifier is created that performs full-wave rectification. The positive half of the AC signal can pass between two of the diodes as it does in a half wave rectifier. Opposing polarity diodes then pass the negative half of the AC signal; however, the negative half of the AC is passed as a positive voltage. The resulting output is a signal constructed from both halves of the AC wave that looks like humps connected end to end on the positive side of the zero voltage line without the gaps found in a half wave rectifier.
Although the electrical signals created by full-wave rectification are not true DC voltages, as they do not maintain a constant level, they are constant enough for many types of DC powered equipment. If further adjustments are needed to create a smoother DC voltage, devices called voltage regulators can be used. These regulators average the hump voltages created in full-wave rectification into constant “true” DC signals.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
