Rectifier

                    Rectifier

The process of converting AC into DC is called Rectification and device used for this process is called Rectifier. 

            Types of Rectifier

There are two types of Rectifier

(1). Half wave Rectifier

Principle

When p-n junction diode is forward biased, it offers low resistance for the current flows through it and p-n junction diode is reversed biased it offers high resistance for the current Flows through it. 

Working

When positive half cycle flows through the transformer diode becomes forward biased and offers low resistance and positive half cycle easily passes through it. 

When negative half cycle Flows through the transformer diode becomes reverse biased  offers high resistance and no current flows through it. 

Thus, it restrict negative half cycle and the process is goes on. 

Cause because it allows only positive half cycle and restrict negative half cycle, it known as half wave Rectifier. 

(2). Full wave Rectifier

Principle

When p-n junction diode is forward biased, it offers low resistance for the current flows through it and p-n junction diode is reversed biased it offers high resistance for the current flows through it. 

Working

When positive half cycle  flows through  the transformer A becomes positive means D1 becomes forward biased  and B becomes negative   means D2 becomes reversed biased. Thus positive half cycle flows  through the diode D1. 

When negative half cycle flows through the transformer A becomes negative means D1 becomes reverse biased and B becomes positive means D2 becomes forward biased thus, negative half cycle flows  through the diode D2. 

Finally, we get a continuous Pulserating and unidirectional DC output.