Power electronics could not be complete without a Full-Wave Rectifier which is an essential device that helps convert an AC to DC. This conversion is however necessary to supply power to several electronics in gadgets for the proper functioning of those gadgets. That is why Full-Wave Rectifiers are used more frequently than half-wave ones, as they allow receiving more amperage and using both half-cycles for it. This data describes how Full-Wave Rectifiers work, their uses, benefits, and prospects in electronics.

What is a Full Wave Rectifier?

A Full-Wave Rectifier is an electrical device that produces the output with polarity either positive or negative but does not alternate as it occurs with the half-wave Rectifier. This process is done employing the two halves of an AC cycle while half-wave rectifiers employ only one half. This in turn leads to the generation of an average output voltage which is higher and improved efficiency. The Full-Wave Rectifiers can be achieved using the center-tapped transformer along with two diodes and the bridge Rectifier using the four diodes.

Working Principle of Full Wave Rectifier

The working of a Full-Wave Rectifier depends on both halves of the AC supply voltage, that is, the positive and negative halves. In the center-tap circuit, there is a transformer whose secondary winding has a center tap. Two diodes are connected in a particular way that one conducts during the positive half cycle and the other during the negative AC cycle thereby making the current flow through the load. With a bridge Rectifier, which employs four diodes forming a bridge, the current is admitted into the load in one specific direction during the two cycles of AC voltage.

Full Wave Rectifier

Applications of Full Wave Rectifier

Full-Wave Rectifiers find application in all those cases where it is desired to obtain DC from an AC source. Some of the common applications include:

Power Supply Circuits

Full Wave Rectifier is another type of Rectifier circuitry which utilizes both half cycles of the AC voltage to offer the desired DC voltage Full Wave Rectifier is further sub-divided into two types 1 Natural Commutation 2 Forced Commutation Full Wave Rectifiers are commonly implemented in power supply circuits for producing continuous DC output from the AC input. These circuits are also used in television sets, radio sets, computers and other such electronic assemblies.

Signal Demodulation

This is because Full Wave Rectifiers are used in a communication systems to demodulate only amplitude modulated (AM) signals. The Rectifier demodulates the carried AC signal into a DC signal where further demodulation may be possible of the information.

Battery Charging Circuits

Full-Wave Rectifiers are commonly employed in battery charging circuits where an AC voltage obtained from the mains supply is converted to the DC voltage which is useful for charging the batteries.

DC Motor Drives

Full-Wave Rectifiers are applied in DC motor drives since they supply the correct DC voltage for controlling a motor. This is especially important in industrial processes where there is need for motor control to very high degrees of accuracy.

Voltage Multipliers

Full-Wave Rectifiers are employed in voltage multiplier circuits since their major function is to produce larger DC voltage. These circuits are utilized in the uses such as photomultiplier tubes and CRT display.

Examples of Full Wave Rectifier

• Mobile Phone Chargers: In phone chargers, Full-Wave Rectifiers are used to convert the AC mains voltage to the right DC voltage level that would be required in charging.
• Laptop Power Adapters: These adapters utilize Full Wave Rectifiers to supply the required DC so as to run the laptops.
• Industrial Power Supplies: It is utilized in industrial power supplies to make sure that there’s abundant source of DC energy for many industrial apparatus.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Full Wave Rectifier

Advantages

• Output voltage is always greater than half-Wave Rectifiers as both halves of the AC cycle are employed.
• Smaller ripple voltage in the output thus a cleaner DC output level.
• Its advantage over the half-Wave Rectifiers includes; Higher average output voltage.

Disadvantages

• Slightly costly as well as more complicated than the half-Wave Rectifiers because they require diodes, transformers, in addition to other components.
• One of the drawbacks which can be associated with the center-tap configuration implementation is that it demands the utilization of a special transformer; this may lead to the accomplishment of the overall price.

Future Trends of Full Wave Rectifier

New generations of Rectifiers are still improving by the advances in semiconductor technology. The future trends might include the use of Full-Wave Rectifiers with better filtering and regulating abilities to have more stable and efficient DC power supplies. Also, continuous development of Rectifiers of smaller size for compact electronic devices is also a trend arising due to the requirements of a miniature power supply.

Conclusion

Full-Wave Rectifiers remain extremely important when it comes to the conversion of AC to DC, thus providing adequate power for all the devices. They are more efficient than half-Wave Rectifiers due to their characteristic to use both halves of the AC cycle. These are employed in power supplies, battery chargers, and other such usages that undergo a higher average output voltage and less ripple. In spite of elaborate features and relatively high costs, it will be possible to identify several benefits that seem to offset the negatives. It can therefore be postulated that in as much as technology will continue to develop, Full-Wave Rectifiers will similarly continue to exhibit increased efficiency and performance, thus remaining relevant in today’s electronics.

Applications of Full Wave Rectifier – FAQs

How does a Full Wave Rectifiers different from a half Wave Rectifier in terms of efficiency.

The main advantage to using a Full Wave Rectifier is that it takes into account both halves of the AC cycle and therefore has a higher average output voltage and thereby will have a better efficiency on the input power.

Is it possible to apply Full Wave Rectifier in high voltage circuit?

Ans: Certainly, Full-Wave Rectifiers can be used to rectify high voltages but this will demand proper components such as high voltage diode as well as high voltage transformer to rectify the voltage levels.

What are some typical problem associated with design of Full Wave Rectifier circuits?

There are several common problems that need to be addressed in a switching regulator design these are selecting the right components to handle the required voltage and current in the design ,FILTERING OF RIPPLE VOLTAGE and improving the thermal efficiency of the design in high power applications.