PROJECT WORK

FULL WAVE RECTIFIER

Physics (042)
Class XII – Science
Central Board of Secondary Education

Made By: Guided By:

Diptanshu Jharwal Mr. Khemchand Vishwakarma

2024-25
Senior Secondary Section

LAXMI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

LAXMI VIDHYAPEETH
P.B. No. 15 SARIGAM P.O., VALSAD – 396 155 GUJARAT, INDIA
 LAXMI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
P.B. No. 15, SARIGAM P.O., VALSAD – 396155, GUJARAT, INDIA.

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the PROJECT FILE work done by NAME: Diptanshu
Jharwal Seat No/Roll No: _____________________
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE PRACTICAL IN
PHYSICS (042) OF
CLASS XII-SCIENCE
The project file work was carried out under our supervision and is certified
further that to the best of our knowledge, the work reported here does
not form part of any other thesis or dissertation of any other candidate.

INTERNAL EXAMINER PRINCIPAL

___________________ _______________

Laxmi International School

Sarigam

_______________________
EXTERNAL EXAMINER
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I undertook this Project work, as the part of my XII- Physics. I had

tried to apply my best of knowledge and experience, gained during
the study and class work experience. It would not have been
possible without the kind support and help of many individuals and
organizations. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all
of them.

I thank my God for providing me with everything that I required in

completing this project.

I am highly indebted to my Teacher in charge Mrs. Khemchand

Vishwakarma for providing me an opportunity to do the project
under his guidance. His support and suggestions proved valuable in
enabling the successful completion of this project.

I am very much thankful to our Vice Principal Sir Mr. Javed Shaikh
for his immense help in carrying out this project work.

I whole heartily wish to thank our Principal Sir Mr. Pravin Pawar
for providing us the wonderful platform, valuable time and moral
support to prepare this project work.

I would like to take the opportunity to extend my sincere thanks and

gratitude to my mother Mrs. Pinky Jharwal, friends and all those
who have been instrumental in the successful completion of the
project.

Name of the student: Diptanshu Jharwal

 INDEX:
PAGE
S.NO PARTICULARS SIGN
NO.

1. Aim

2. Introduction

3. About the Topic

4. Experiment

5. Working

6 Observation

7 Bibliography
 AIM
 To study, design, and analyse the working principles of a Full
Wave Rectifier, including its efficiency, waveform characteristics,
and practical applications, while comparing different rectification
techniques to understand their suitability in various electronic
circuits and power supply systems.
 INTRODUCTION
Rectifiers are essential components in modern electronics, serving as a bridge
between alternating current (AC) supplied by power sources and the direct
current (DC) required by electronic devices. Among the various types of
rectifiers, the Full Wave Rectifier is one of the most efficient and widely used,
owing to its ability to utilize both halves of the AC cycle for rectification. This
project explores the working principles, design, and applications of full-wave
rectifiers, highlighting their importance in power supply systems and
electronic circuits.

The study focuses on two main configurations of full-wave rectifiers: the Centre-
tapped transformer rectifier and the bridge rectifier, comparing their
performance, design intricacies, and practical use cases. By analyzing their
efficiency, ripple characteristics, and advantages over half-wave rectifiers, this
project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how full-wave
rectification ensures reliable and efficient DC power for various applications.
Through detailed explanations, circuit simulations, and practical insights, this
project emphasizes the pivotal role of full-wave rectifiers in enabling the
seamless operation of electronic devices in our everyday lives.
 About the Topic
 What is a rectifier?
 A rectifier is an electronic device that converts alternating current (AC)
into direct current (DC), a process known as rectification. This conversion
is critical because most electronic devices and circuits require a steady DC
voltage to function. Rectifiers achieve this by allowing current to flow only
in one direction, effectively blocking or reversing the flow of AC during
specific portions of its cycle. They are integral to power supply systems,
enabling the transformation of AC mains electricity into a usable DC
output. The rectified output is further processed, often by using filters, to
achieve a smooth and consistent DC voltage, essential for powering
sensitive electronic equipment.
 There are two main types of rectifiers: half-wave rectifiers and full-wave
rectifiers. A half-wave rectifier utilizes only one half of the AC cycle (either
positive or negative), resulting in significant power loss and an inefficient
output. Full-wave rectifiers, on the other hand, use both halves of the AC
cycle, making them much more efficient and suitable for most
applications. Full-wave rectifiers can be further classified into two
configurations: the centre-tapped transformer rectifier, which uses two
diodes and a centre-tapped transformer, and the bridge rectifier, which
 employs four diodes in a bridge arrangement. Both configurations provide
a smoother DC output compared to half-wave rectifiers, making them the
preferred choice for modern electronic systems.

 Full-Wave Rectifier:-

 A rectifier is an electronic device that converts alternating current (AC)

into direct current (DC), a process known as rectification. This conversion
is critical because most electronic devices and circuits require a steady DC
voltage to function. Rectifiers achieve this by allowing current to flow only
in one direction, effectively blocking or reversing the flow of AC during
specific portions of its cycle. They are integral to power supply systems,
enabling the transformation of AC mains electricity into a usable DC
output. The rectified
output is further
processed,
often by using filters, to
achieve a smooth and
consistent DC voltage,
essential for powering
sensitive electronic equipment.
 There are two main types of rectifiers: half-wave rectifiers and full-wave
rectifiers. A half-wave rectifier utilizes only one half of the AC cycle (either
positive or negative), resulting in significant power loss and an inefficient
output. Full-wave rectifiers, on the other hand, use both halves of the AC
cycle, making them much more efficient and suitable for most
applications. Full-wave rectifiers can be further classified into two
configurations: the centre-tapped transformer rectifier, which uses two
diodes and a centre-tapped transformer, and the bridge rectifier, which
employs four diodes in a bridge arrangement. Both configurations provide
a smoother DC output compared to half-wave rectifiers, making them the
preferred choice for modern electronic systems.

 Two types of Full-Wave Rectifier:-

 There are two main types of Full Wave Rectifiers: the centre-tapped
transformer rectifier and the bridge rectifier. The centre-tapped
transformer rectifier uses a special transformer with a centre-tapped
secondary winding and two diodes. The centre tap serves as a reference
point, splitting the AC voltage into two equal but opposite phases. During
each half-cycle of the AC input, one diode conducts, allowing current to
flow through the load, while the other diode blocks reverse current. This
configuration is simple and efficient but requires a centre-tapped
transformer, which can be bulky and expensive.
 The bridge rectifier, on the other hand, uses four diodes arranged in a
bridge configuration, eliminating the need for a centre-tapped
transformer. In this setup, two diodes conduct during each half-cycle,
directing both the positive and negative halves of the AC waveform
through the load in the same direction. The bridge rectifier is compact,
cost-effective, and widely used in practical applications. Both types
provide a similar pulsating DC output, but the bridge rectifier is more
versatile and easier to implement in modern electronic circuits.

1. Centre tapped Transformer Rectifier:-

 A Centre-Tapped Transforme

two diodes to convert AC to DC. The centre tap divides the transformer's
secondary winding into two equal halves, providing two out-of-phase AC
signals. During the positive half-cycle of the AC input, one diode becomes
forward-biased, allowing current to flow through the load, while the other
diode is reverse-biased and blocks current. During the negative half-cycle,
the roles of the diodes reverse, ensuring that current always flows in the
same direction through the load.
 This configuration effectively utilizes both halves of the AC waveform,
producing a pulsating DC output with a frequency twice that of the input
AC. The centre-tapped rectifier is efficient and relatively simple to design,
but it has certain limitations. It requires a centre-tapped transformer, which
can be bulky and costly, and the peak inverse voltage (PIV) across each
diode is twice the peak input voltage, necessitating the use of high-voltage-
rated diodes. Despite these challenges, it is commonly used in power supply
circuits where efficiency and reliability are priorities.

2. Bridge Rectifier:-
 A bridge rectifier is a crucial component in converting alternating current

(AC) to direct current (DC). It consists of four diodes arranged in a bridge

configuration, which allows it to efficiently convert the AC input into a DC
output. During each half-cycle of the AC input, two diodes conduct and
allow current to pass through, while the other two diodes block the
current. This setup ensures that the output voltage is always of the same
 polarity, regardless of the
input polarity. The
result is a pulsating DC
voltage, which can be
further smoothed using
capacitors to
provide a more stable DC output.
 Bridge rectifiers are widely used in power supplies for electronic devices,

ensuring they receive a steady DC voltage. They are preferred over other
rectifier configurations due to their efficiency and ability to handle higher
current loads. Additionally, bridge rectifiers are relatively simple to design
and implement, making them a popular choice in various applications,
from small electronic gadgets to large industrial equipment. Their
reliability and effectiveness in converting AC to DC make them an essential
component in modern electronics.

 Advantages and Disadvantages of Full Wave

Rectifier:-
 Advantages:
1. Higher Efficiency: Full-wave rectifiers utilize both halves of the AC
waveform, resulting in nearly double the rectification efficiency compared
to half-wave rectifiers.
2. Reduced Ripple Factor: The ripple voltage in a full-wave rectifier is lower,
making it easier to filter and produce a smoother DC output.
3. Higher Output Voltage and Current: Since both halves of the waveform
are used, the output voltage and current are higher compared to a half-
wave rectifier.
4. Better Transformer Utilization: In a centre-tapped configuration, the
transformer is utilized more effectively as both halves of the secondary
winding contribute to the output.
5. Unidirectional Current: The output current flows in one direction through
the load, ensuring compatibility with DC-powered devices.

 Disadvantages:
1. Complex Design: Full-wave rectifiers, especially the bridge type, require
more components (four diodes or a centre-tapped transformer), making
the circuit more complex than a half-wave rectifier.
2. Higher Cost: The additional components, such as extra diodes or a centre-
tapped transformer, increase the cost.
3. Voltage Drop: Each diode introduces a small voltage drop (typically 0.7V
for silicon diodes), leading to a total voltage drop of 1.4V in bridge
configurations.
4. Transformer Requirement: For centre-tapped designs, a specialized
transformer is needed, which may not always be readily available or
economical.
5. Heat Dissipation: Due to the continuous operation of diodes, significant
heat may be generated, requiring proper heat management.

Experiment
 Aim:-
To construct a Full Wave Bridge rectifier and show that the
(AC) alternating current is rectified into a direct current
(DC).

 Materials Required:-
 1. Connecting Wires
2. A plug
3. Single Lead Wire- 2m
4. Three Nuts & Bolts 2-3cm length
5. Circuit Board
6. A Transformer (12V)
7. A Resistor
8. P-N Junction Diodes (4nos)
9. A LED
10. Insulation Tape, Blades, Soldering Wax, Soldering Lead, Soldering
Iron & Sand Paper

 Circuit Diagram:-
 Procedure:-
 Take the transformer and attach it to one end of the circuit board.
Attach the plug with the wire of desired length and connect it to
the transformer AC In. now, take four diodes and connect the 4
diodes into a loop. Connect the anode of diode D1 to the anode of
D2.

 Connect the cathode of D2 to anode of D3.connect the cathode of

D3 to anode of D4 and connect the anode of D4 to cathode of D1.
The output of transformers should be connected to A and C. Now,
take two capacitor and connect its –ve terminal to –ve and +ve
terminal to +ve. And connect both the capacitors to B and D.
Connect a resistor and a LED to the capacitor. Attach wire from the
capacitor and connect it to the output device.

 Working:-
 When the AC is supplied to the transformer, it step down the 240V
main supply to 12V. It has a capability of delivering 700mA. The 12
volts AC appearing across the secondary is the RMS value. The four
diodes labelled D1 to D4 are arranged in “series pairs” with only two
diodes conducting current during each half cycle. The four diodes
labelled D1 to D4 are arranged in “series pairs” with only two diodes
 conducting current during each half cycle. During the positive half
cycle of the supply, diodes D1 and D2 conduct in series while
diodes D3 and D4 are reverse biased and the current flows through
the load as shown below.
 The Positive Half-Cycle:-

 During the negative half cycle of the supply, diodes D3 and D4

conduct in series, but diodes D1 and D2 switch “OFF” as they are
now reverse biased. The current flowing through the load is in the
same direction.
 The Negative Half-Cycle:
  In subsequent Half cycles of the AC Current the above process are
repeated. In both the half cycles it is clear that current flows
through the resistor in only one direction. Even though the voltage
across load is unidirectional it will still contains a few AC
components. This is filtered and made smooth using a capacitor,
which filters 99% of the AC current. A resistor is then used to
adjust the output voltage. Capacitor also nearly filters all AC
components from supply and resistance is adjusted for the
required output. As this is a simple circuit, two capacitors and one
resistor are being used. The output Direct Current and voltage
light up the LED and other source connected with it.

Observation
On connecting a voltmeter to the output of bridge circuit 12V current is
coming.
 Uses:-

 Most electronic device cannot withstand very high voltage or

alternating current due to its intense high power. The use of
batteries in all devices is not practical as their replacement and
durability is a huge problem as the devise has to be dismantled
each time for such replacement. So these rectifiers are used in
most of the electronic devices like TV‟s, Radios, Chargers and
Lightings etc.
 The common uses of rectifiers are to supply polarized voltage for
welding, detection of amplitude modulated radio signals.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. www.wikipedia.org
2. www.wikibooks.org
3. www.hyperphysics.com
4. www.batteryuniversity.com
5. www.physics.stackexchange.com