PSG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

(AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION)

COIMBATORE-641004

HALF -WAVE &FULL WAVE RECTIFIERS

(A Report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the course)

CIRCUITS AND DEVICES LABORATORY (19U210)

HARINI R C (22U217)
1st YEAR(II-SEMESTER)

Program: B.E. Instrumentation and Control Engineering

Branch: DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUMENTATION AND

CONTROL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

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 PSG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Government-aided autonomous college affiliated with Anna University, Chennai)

COIMBATORE-641004

RECTIFIERS
A REPORT SUBMITTED BY

HARINI R C
(22U217)
1st YEAR-B.E.ICE
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Circuits and Devices Laboratory(19U210)

DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

FACULTY IN CHARGE

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
A) HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS
SECTION
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………… (i)
List of Figures………………………………………………………………………. (ii)
List of Tables………………………………………………………………………... (iii)

1. INTRODUCTION……………………………….………………….......…...… 8
1.1 Theory 8
1.2 Principle of Operations 10
1.3 Circuit Diagram 11
1.4 Circuit Analysis 11
1.5 Applications 12

2. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP.................................................................. 13
2.1 Aim 13
2.2 Apparatus required 13
2.3 Circuit diagram 14
2.4 Procedure 14

3. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION...................................................... 15

3.1 Input and Output Waveform 15
3.2 Observation 15
3.3 Readings 16

4. INFERENCE........................................................................................ 17
5. CONCLUSION.................................................................................... 18
6. REFERENCE....................................................................................... 19

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
B) FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS
SECTION
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………… (i)
List of Figures………………………………………………………………………. (ii)
List of Tables………………………………………………………………………... (iii)

1. INTRODUCTION……………………………….………………….........…...… 23
1.1 Theory 23
1.2 Principle of Operations 23
1.3 Circuit Diagram 25
1.4 Circuit Analysis 26
1.5 Applications 27

2. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP................................................................... 28
2.1 Aim 28
2.2 Apparatus required 28
2.3 Circuit diagram 29
2.4 Procedure 29

3. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION....................................................... 30

3.1 Waveform 30
3.2 Observation 30
3.3 Readings 31

4. INFERENCE......................................................................................... 32
5. CONCLUSION..................................................................................... 33
6. REFERENCE........................................................................................ 34

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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

ABSTRACT

A half-wave rectifier is an electronic circuit that converts an AC

(alternating current) input signal into a pulsating DC (direct
current) output signal by only allowing the positive half-cycle of
the input signal to pass through. The circuit consists of a diode
and a load resistor connected in series, where the diode
conducts current only during the positive half-cycle of the input
signal and blocks current during the negative half-cycle. The
output voltage of the half-wave rectifier is a pulsating DC
waveform with a frequency equal to the input AC waveform,
and the rectification efficiency is typically around 40-60%.
Half-wave rectifiers are commonly used in low-power
applications where a simple and low-cost solution is required,
such as in battery chargers and small power supplies.

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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig no Title Name Page no

1.1 Circuit Diagram 11
2.1 Circuit Diagram 12
3.1 Waveform 15

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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

LIST OF TABLES

Table no Table Name Page no

2.1 Apparatus required 13
3.1 Readings 16

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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

1. INTRODUCTION
Imagine a world without electronic circuits that can convert AC
signals to DC signals. This would mean that our electronic
devices would not function properly, as they require a steady
DC voltage to operate. However, with the invention of half-wave
rectifiers, this problem is solved. Half-wave rectifiers are simple
electronic circuits that can convert an AC signal to a pulsating
DC signal by only allowing the positive half-cycle of the input
signal to pass through. In this way, they have become an
essential component in many electronic devices that require a
steady DC voltage to operate. In this article, we will explore the
operation and applications of half-wave rectifiers in more detail.

1.1 THEORY
The theory of half-wave rectifiers involves understanding the
operation of the circuit, the principles behind it, and the
mathematical equations that describe its behavior. The circuit
consists of a diode and a load resistor that convert an AC input
signal into a pulsating DC output signal. While the rectification
efficiency of the circuit is relatively low, it is commonly used in
low-power applications where cost and simplicity are more
important than efficiency.
POSITIVE HALF CYCLE
During the positive half-cycle of a half-wave rectifier, the diode
conducts, allowing current to flow through the load resistor and
producing a positive output voltage. The amplitude of the output
voltage is equal to the peak value of the input AC voltage minus
the voltage drop across the diode.

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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

NEGATIVE HALF CYCLE

During the negative half-cycle of a half-wave rectifier, the diode
is reverse-biased, preventing current from flowing through the
load resistor, and resulting in no output voltage. The output
voltage waveform is zero during the negative half-cycle of the
input AC voltage waveform.
The operation of the half-wave rectifier can be analyzed
mathematically using the following equations:
Vout = Vp – Vd (whether n diode is forward-biased)
Vout = 0 (when the diode is reverse-biased)
where Vout is the output voltage, Vp is the peak voltage of the
input AC waveform, and Vd is the voltage drop across the
diode.
Η = Vdc / Vp
where η is the rectification efficiency, Vdc is the average DC
voltage across the load resistor, and Vp is the peak voltage of
the input AC waveform.

RIPPLE FACTOR
The ripple factor of a half-wave rectifier is a measure of the
amount of AC components in the output DC voltage. The ripple
factor is defined as the ratio of the RMS value of the AC
component to the average value of the DC component.

For a half-wave rectifier, the output voltage is a pulsating DC

voltage with a single pulse for every half-cycle of the input AC
voltage. The RMS value of the AC component can be
calculated as follows:

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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

1.2 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATIONS

 POSITIVE HALF CYCLE

The voltage of the AC input signal is positive, and the diode in
the circuit is forward-biased. This means that the voltage at the
anode of the diode is more positive than the voltage at the
cathode, which allows current to flow through the diode and the
load resistor.
As the current flows through the load resistor, it produces a
voltage drop across it, resulting in a positive output voltage.
The output voltage waveform follows the same shape as the
positive half-cycle of the input AC voltage waveform, except
that it is shifted upward by an amount equal to the voltage drop
across the diode.

 NEGATIVE HALF CYCLE

The voltage of the AC input signal is negative, and the diode in
the circuit is reverse-biased. This means that the voltage at the
anode of the diode is less positive than the voltage at the

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cathode, which prevents current from flowing through the diode
and the load resistor.
HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

Since the diode does not conduct during the negative half-
cycle, no current flows through the load resistor, and there is no
output voltage. The output voltage waveform is zero during the
negative half-cycle of the input AC voltage waveform.

1.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

Fig 1.1 Circuit diagram

1.4 CIRCUIT ANALYSIS

We can analyse the circuit of a half-wave rectifier theoretically
by assuming that the diode is ideal and has zero forward
voltage drop. During the positive half-cycle, the diode behaves
as a closed switch, allowing current to flow through the load
resistor, and the output voltage is equal to the voltage of the AC
source. During the negative half-cycle, the diode behaves as an
open switch, and no current flows through the circuit, resulting
in zero voltage across the load resistor. However, it is important
to note that the ideal diode model is an approximation, and the

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actual the voltage drop across a diode is not zero but depends
on the diode’s characteristics and the current flowing through it

HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

1.5 APPLICATIONS
1. Power supplies: Half-wave rectifiers are used in low-power
applications where a DC voltage with a relatively high ripple
voltage is acceptable, such as in small battery chargers, audio
circuits, and some electronic devices.
2. Signal detection: Half-wave rectifiers can be used in
amplitude modulation (AM) radio receivers to detect the
envelope of the modulated signal.
3. Light dimming: Half-wave rectifiers are used in light-dimming
circuits, where the AC voltage is converted to a pulsating DC
voltage to control the brightness of the light source.
4. Electroplating: Half-wave rectifiers are used in electroplating
applications to convert AC current to DC current for
electroplating processes.
5. Battery charging: Half-wave rectifiers are used in low-power
battery chargers, such as those used in emergency lights, toys,
and other portable devices.

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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

2. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

2.1 AIM
 To study the characteristics of half wave rectifier and
calculate the Ripple factor.
 To construct half wave rectifier circuit and analyze the
output.

2.2 APPARATUS REQUIRED

S.NO NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT RANGE QUANTITY

1 Step down transformer (7-0-7)v 1

2 Signal generator - 1

3 Load Resistor 1K 1

4 Breadboard - 1

5 Oscilloscope - 1

6 Connecting wires - As required

Table 2.1 Apparatus required

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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

2.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

FIG 2.1 Circuit diagram

2.4 Procedure
 Configure the half-wave rectifier circuit as shown in the
circuit diagram. Note down all the values of the
components being used.
 Connect the primary side of the transformer to the AC
mains and secondary to the input of a circuit.
 Feed the input and output to the two channels of the
oscilloscope (we will use oscilloscope here only to trace
the output waveform) and save the data for each
measurement.
 Measure the input AC voltage and the output AC and DC
voltages using multimeter for at least 3 values of the load
resistor.
 Multiply the Vac at the input by √2 to get the peak value
and calculate Vdc using the formula Vdc=Vmax/π
compare this value with the measured Vdc at the output.
 Calculate the Ripple factor and efficiency.
 Connect the capacitor across the output for each load
resistor and measure the output AC and DC voltages once
again and calculate the Ripple factor.
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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

3. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION

3.1 INPUT AND OUTPUT WAVEFORM

FIG 3.1 WAVEFORM

3.2 OBSERVATION:
1. Code number of Diode = IN 4001
2. Input voltage Vac = 230 volt
3. Output voltage Vdc = 357 volt

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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

3.3 READINGS
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
LOAD Ripple
S.NO R2 Factor
(Kω) Vmax/π= r
Vrms Vmax
Vdc
1 1Kω 5.2 11.1 3.56 1.06
2 2Kω 5.3 11.3 3.59 1.08
3.1 Readings

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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

4. INFERENCE
Half-wave rectifiers are simple electronic circuits that convert
AC voltage into DC voltage by allowing current to flow in only
one direction. The basic operation of a half-wave rectifier
involves the use of a single diode to block the negative half-
cycles of the AC signal and allow only the positive half-cycles to
pass through, resulting in a pulsating DC voltage output.

The output of a half-wave rectifier has a high ripple factor due

to the presence of AC components in the output voltage, which
can be reduced using smoothing techniques such as adding a
capacitor in parallel with the load resistor. Half-wave rectifiers
are commonly used in applications where a low DC voltage
output is required, such as in battery chargers, power supplies,
and LED drivers.

The analysis and design of half-wave rectifiers involve the use

of circuit theory and semiconductor device characteristics to
determine the appropriate component values and performance
parameters such as output voltage, current, and ripple factor.
The procedure for building and testing a half-wave rectifier
circuit involves selecting the appropriate components,
connecting them together according to a specific circuit
diagram, and measuring the output voltage using a multimeter.

Overall, half-wave rectifiers are a fundamental building block in

electronic circuits and are widely used in a variety of
applications due to their simplicity, low cost, and ease of use.

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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

5. CONCLUSION
Hence the characteristics of half wave rectifiers was studied
and ripple factor was calculated.

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HALF-WAVE RECTIFIERS

6. REFERENCE
 https://www.analog.com/en/design-center/glossary/half-
wave-rectifier.html#:~:text=A%20half%2Dwave
%20rectifier%20converts,efficient%20than%20full
%2Dwave%20rectifiers.
 https://byjus.com/physics/half-wave-rectifier/
 https://www.analog.com/en/design-center/glossary/half-
wave-rectifier.html
 https://how2electronics.com/half-wave-rectifier-basics-
circuit-working-applications/

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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

ABSTRACT
A full-wave rectifier is an electronic circuit that converts AC
voltage into DC voltage using both halves of the input
waveform. Unlike half-wave rectifiers, which only utilize one half
of the input waveform, full-wave rectifiers use two diodes to
allow current to flow in both directions, resulting in a more
efficient conversion process with lower ripple factor.

The principle of operation of a full-wave rectifier involves the

use of a center-tapped transformer to split the input voltage into
two equal parts, which are then rectified separately using two
diodes. The resulting DC voltage output is the combination of
the positive and negative half-cycles of the input waveform,
resulting in a smoother output voltage with less AC
components.

The circuit analysis of full-wave rectifiers involves the use of

diode characteristics and circuit theory to determine the
appropriate component values and performance parameters
such as output voltage, current, and ripple factor. There are two
types of full-wave rectifiers: the center-tapped full-wave rectifier
and the bridge rectifier, which differ in their circuit topology and
component configurations.

Full-wave rectifiers have many applications in electronics,

including power supplies, battery chargers, LED drivers, and
motor controllers, due to their high efficiency and low ripple
factor. However, they require a higher number of components
compared to half-wave rectifiers, making them more complex
and expensive to implement.

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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig no Title Name Page no

1.1 Circuit Diagram 26
2.1 Circuit Diagram 29
3.1 Waveform 30

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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

LIST OF TABLES

Table no Table Name Page no

2.1 Apparatus required 28
3.1 Readings 31

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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

1. INTRODUCTION
Electricity is the lifeblood of modern technology, powering
everything from our homes to our smartphones. However, the
electricity that powers our devices is often in the form of AC
voltage, which is not suitable for many electronic applications.
This is where rectifiers come in. Full wave rectifiers are
electronic circuits that convert AC voltage into DC voltage using
both halves of the input waveform. They are an essential
building block in many electronic devices and have many
applications, from power supplies to LED drivers. In this era of
technology, the understanding of full-wave rectifiers is crucial
for anyone interested in electronics.

1.1 THEORY
In a full-wave rectifier, the AC input voltage is connected to a
center-tapped transformer, which splits the input voltage into
two equal parts. Each half of the voltage is rectified separately
by a diode, resulting in a positive voltage output for both halves
of the input waveform. The two positive voltage outputs are
then combined to form a smoother DC voltage output with less
AC components.
There are two types of full-wave rectifiers: the center-tapped
full-wave rectifier and the bridge rectifier. The center-tapped
full-wave rectifier uses a center-tapped transformer to split the
input voltage, while the bridge rectifier uses four diodes to
rectify the input voltage without the need for a center-tapped
transformer.
The analysis and design of full-wave rectifiers involve the use
of diode characteristics and circuit theory to determine the
appropriate component values and performance parameters

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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

such as output voltage, current, and ripple factor. Full-wave

rectifiers have many applications in electronics, including power
supplies, battery chargers, LED drivers, and motor controllers,
due to their high efficiency and low ripple factor.

FULL WAVE BRIDGE RECTIFIER

A full-wave bridge rectifier converts AC voltage into DC voltage
using four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration. During the
positive half-cycle of the input waveform, diodes D1 and D2
conduct, allowing current to flow through the load in one
direction. During the negative half-cycle of the input waveform,
diodes D3 and D4 conduct, allowing current to flow through the
load in the opposite direction. This results in a pulsating DC
voltage output across the load.
The output voltage is calculated by:
Vdc = (2Vmax/π)
Vdc = DC output voltage
Vmax = Maximum AC input voltage

RIPPLE FACTOR
The ripple factor of a full-wave bridge rectifier depends on the
load resistance (RL) and the capacitance (C) of the filter
capacitor used to reduce the output ripple.
Ripplefactor,Γ=√ (Vrms)2−(Vdc)2/√Vdc
Γ=√ (Vrms)2/Vdc−1
Ripple factor, Γ = 0.483 ≈ 0.48
Hence, the value of the Ripple Factor for the full-wave rectifier
comes out to be 0.48
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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

1.2 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATIONS

The principle of operation of a full-wave rectifier is based on the
use of four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration, also
known as a bridge rectifier. The four diodes are connected in a
bridge arrangement such that two diodes conduct during the
positive half-cycle of the AC input voltage, while the other two
diodes conduct during the negative half-cycle of the AC input
voltage.

The AC input voltage is applied across the two input terminals

of the bridge rectifier, while the load resistor is connected
across the two output terminals. During the positive half-cycle,
diodes D1 and D2 become forward-biased and conduct, while
diodes D3 and D4 become reverse-biased and block the flow of
current. The current flows from the input source through the
load resistor RL and diodes D1 and D2, resulting in a positive
voltage across the load resistor.

During the negative half-cycle, diodes D3 and D4 become

forward-biased and conduct, while diodes D1 and D2 become
reverse-biased and block the flow of current. The current flows
from the input source through the load resistor RL and diodes
D3 and D4, resulting in a negative voltage across the load
resistor.

Thus, the output waveform of a full-wave rectifier is a series of

positive and negative pulses, with a frequency twice that of the
input AC voltage. A filter capacitor is used in parallel with the
load resistor to reduce the ripple content and obtain a smoother
DC voltage output.

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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

1.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

1.4 CIRCUIT ANALYSIS

The circuit consists of a four-diode bridge arrangement and a
load resistor RL connected across the output terminals. The AC
input voltage is applied across the input terminals of the bridge
rectifier. During the positive half-cycle, diodes D1 and D2
become forward-biased and conduct, while diodes D3 and D4
become reverse-biased and block the flow of current. During
the negative half-cycle, diodes D3 and D4 become forward-
biased and conduct, while diodes D1 and D2 become reverse-
biased and block the flow of current.

The output voltage across the load resistor is the absolute

value of the input voltage. The output waveform of a full-wave
bridge rectifier is a series of positive and negative half-cycles of
the AC input voltage, with a frequency twice that of the input
voltage. The filter capacitor is used in parallel with the load
resistor to reduce the ripple content and obtain a smoother DC
voltage output.

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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

1.5 APPLICATIONS
1. Power Supplies: Full-wave rectifiers are used to convert AC
voltage into DC voltage in power supplies for electronic
devices. The smooth DC output voltage produced by the
rectifier is essential for reliable operation of electronic circuits.
2. Battery Chargers: Full-wave rectifiers are commonly used in
battery chargers for charging lead-acid batteries used in
automobiles, boats, and other vehicles. The rectifier converts
AC voltage from the mains power supply into DC voltage to
charge the battery.
3. Welding: Full-wave rectifiers are used in welding equipment
to convert AC voltage into high-amplitude DC voltage required
for welding applications.
4. Motor Control: Full-wave rectifiers are used in motor control
circuits to convert AC voltage into DC voltage to power the
motor.
5. Audio Amplifiers: Full-wave rectifiers are used in audio
amplifier circuits to convert the AC voltage produced by a
microphone or other audio input into a DC voltage that can be
amplified and used to drive a speaker or other output device.

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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

2. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

2.1 AIM
 To study the characteristics of full wave rectifier and
calculate the Ripple factor.
 To construct full wave rectifier circuit and analyze the
output.

2.2 APPARATUS REQUIRED

S.NO NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT RANGE QUANTITY

1 Step down transformer (7-0-7)v 1

2 Signal generator - 1

3 Load Resistor 1KΩ 1

4 Breadboard - 1

5 Oscilloscope - 1

6 Connecting wires - As required

 Table 2.1 Apparatus required

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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

2.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

2.4 PROCEDURE
 Configure the full wave rectifier circuit. Note down all the
values of the components being used.
 Connect the primary side of a transformer to the AC main
and the second to the input of the circuit.
 Measure the input AC voltage (Vac) and current (Iac) and
the output AC(Vac) and DC (Vdc) voltages using a
multimeter for at least 3 values of the load resistor.
 Feed the input and output to the oscilloscope and save the
data for each measurement. BE CAREFUL NOT TO
MEASURE THE INPUT AND OUTPUT VOLTAGES
SIMULTANEOUSLY.
 Multiply the Vac at the input by √2 to get the peak value
and calculate Vdc. Using the formula
Vdc=2Vmax/π.Compare this value with the measured Vdc
at the output.
 Calculate the ripple factor and efficiency.
 Connect the capacitor across the output for each load
resistor.Measure the output AC and DC voltages once
again and calculate the ripple factor.Trace the input and
output waveforms in oscilloscope and notice the changes.
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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

3. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION

3.1 INPUT AND OUTPUT WAVEFORM

3.2 OBSERVATION:
1. Code number of Diode = IN 4001
2. Input voltage Vac = 230 volt
3. Output voltage Vdc = 6.56 volt

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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

3.3 READINGS
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
LOAD Ripple
S.NO R2 Factor
(Kω) 2Vmax/π= r
Vrms Vmax
Vdc
1 1KΩ 5.18 10.3 6.56 0.30
2 2KΩ 6.3 10.5 6.68 0.33
3.1 Readings

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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

4. INFERENCE
Full-wave rectifiers are electronic circuits that offer significant
advantages over half-wave rectifiers. They can convert AC
voltage into DC voltage with higher efficiency and lower ripple
voltage, which makes them ideal for many applications in
electronics and electrical engineering. The most common type
of full-wave rectifier is the bridge rectifier, which uses four
diodes arranged in a bridge configuration to rectify the AC
voltage.

The bridge rectifier produces a full-wave rectified output voltage

with a peak voltage that is 1.414 times the RMS voltage of the
AC input. This means that the output voltage of a full-wave
rectifier is higher than that of a half-wave rectifier, making it
more suitable for applications that require a higher DC voltage
output.

Moreover, full-wave rectifiers have many applications in

electronics and electrical engineering, including power supplies,
battery chargers, welding equipment, motor control, audio
amplifiers, and LED lighting. They are widely used in electronic
devices and circuits where a smooth DC voltage output is
required.

Overall, full-wave rectifiers offer a reliable and efficient solution

for converting AC voltage into DC voltage, and their widespread
use in various applications highlights their importance in
modern electronic systems.

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FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

5. CONCLUSION
The characteristics of full wave rectifiers was studied and ripple
factor was calculated.

33
FULL-WAVE RECTIFIERS

6. REFERENCE

 https://byjus.com/physics/full-wave-rectifier/
 https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/diode/diode_6.html
 https://www.tutorialspoint.com/full-wave-rectifier
 https://www.electrical4u.com/full-wave-rectifiers/

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