Dictionary of Electronics Terms
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Full-Wave Rectifier. A circuit that uses both positive and negative alternations in an alternating
current to produce direct current. There are two types of Full-Wave Rectifier circuits; one that only uses two diodes but requires a center tapped transformer [shown below], and one that uses four diodes and does not require a center tapped transformer;
Rectifier circuit using four diodes; Full-wave Bridge Rectifier.
2-Diode Full Wave Rectifier Circuit
The schematic shows the direction of current flow during each cycle of the alternating AC waveform. The positive cycle of the AC input flows through CR2, while the negative AC cycle flows through CR1. The DC output voltage is shown for both AC cycles, as is the combination of the combined cycles.
The Load is represented by a resistor, but could be any component or circuit.
This rectifier circuit types only requires two diodes, but needs a center-tap transformer, using only half the secondary winding at a time.
2-Diode Full Wave Rectifier Circuit
This schematic shows the same 2-diode rectifier using an LC Choke. The inductor of the filter attempts to keep the current constant while the capacitor attempts to keep the output voltage steady.
Also refer to Half-wave Bridge Rectifier.
The schematic below represents a full power supply circuit, including waveforms. Note that the circuit has two individual LC Choke circuits.
2-Diode Full Wave Rectifier Power Supply
The call-out numbers, referred to as test points, correspond to the waveforms shown below the circuit diagram. Test point 3 points to the ground connection on the center tap of the secondary winding of the transformer. Test points 1, 2, 4 and 5 indicate circuit locations that contain AC voltages. Test point 6 indicates the rectified signal, shown as a varying DC voltage. Test point 7 shows a partial filtered DC voltage after the LC filter circuit. The final call-out shows the result after complete filtering.
