A rectifier is a device or circuit which converts alternating current into direct current using pn-junction diode and the process is known as rectification. Most of the rectifiers uses pn-junction diode and only few rectifiers uses silicon carbide, thyristor and metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect-transistor.
Importance of Rectifier
Since ac power is supplied to our homes from the power grid but electric appliances such as mobile phones, computer, led bulbs e.t.c operates on dc power. Hence, rectifier become very useful to convert ac power to dc power to operate these appliances.
Operation or Working of Rectifier
Rectifier uses pn-junction diode which allow electric current to flow in only one direction which block current to pass one half cycle and allow to flow during another half cycle. Hence using single pn-junction diode half-wave pulsating dc power is obtained and using multiple pn-junction diode full-wave pulsating dc power is obtained.
Types or classification of Rectifier
- Half-wave Rectifier
- Full-wave Rectifier
- Center-tap Full-wave Rectifier
- Full-wave Bridge Rectifier
Rectifiers are also classified into following two categories.
- Controlled Rectifier
- Uncontrolled Rectifier
Application of Rectifier
The primary application of rectifier is to convert ac power to dc power. Some of the major application of rectifier has been listed below.
- AM Radio as a detector
- Firing or Pulse generating Circuits
- Demodulate the amplitude of modulate signal
- Voltage Multiplier
- Mosquito Repellent
- Led Bulbs
- Chargers
- Electric Welding to provide polarized voltage
- Inverters e.t.c.