Working of Half Wave Rectifier
In a half-wave rectifier, the AC supply is connected in series to a p-n junction diode and load resistor. An Alternating current (AC) consists of two half-cycles: Positive half-cycle and Negative half-cycle. Let us take a look at the working of the half-wave circuit at each half-cycle separately.
- In a positive half-cycle, the Diode is forward-biased and hence acts like a short circuit. Therefore in a positive half-cycle, current flows through the circuit and produces whole AC input as such in DC output. In the real world, the output voltage is less than the input voltage considering the Diode voltage drop.
- In a negative half-cycle, the Diode is reverse-biased and hence acts like an open circuit. Therefore, in a negative half-cycle current does not flow through the circuit. And output does not consist of input negative half-cycle.
This step is repeated in each half-cycle and AC is converted into DC. The waveform of input AC and corresponding rectified DC are shown in the figures below.
Half Wave Rectifier
A Half-wave rectifier is an electronic device that is used to convert Alternating current (AC) to Direct current (DC). A half-wave rectifier allows either a positive or negative half-cycle of AC to pass and blocks the other half-cycle. Half-wave rectifier selectively allows only one half-cycle of the AC input voltage to pass through, producing a pulsating DC output voltage across the load resistor. While it’s a simple and cost-effective way to convert AC to DC.
In this article, we will go through Half wave Rectifier, First, we will begin with the basics of the rectifier, Then we will go through the definition of the half wave rectifier, then we will go through a diagram of half wave rectifier, and working principle of half wave rectifier, Also we will go through capacitor filter in half wave rectifier and three phase half wave controlled rectifier. At last, we will conclude our Article with Advantages and Disadvantages, Application and Some FAQs on Half Wave Rectifier.
Table of Content
- What is a Rectifier?
- Rectifier Components
- Types of Rectifiers
- Half Wave Rectifier
- Working
- Half Wave Rectifier with Filter
- Three Phase Half Wave Rectifier
- Formulas
- Solved examples