LABORATORY ACTIVITY 3

Rectifiers: Half-Wave and Full-Wave Rectifiers

Group Members:
Section: ME-3C
MEMBERS:
MARBAN, CRIS LAURENCE M.
PABULARIO
RODRIQUEZ
MENIL
GARDOSE
Objectives:

1. To analyze half-wave and full-wave rectifier circuits and compare the simulated results with the
theoretical analysis learned.
2. To plot the input and output waveforms of half-wave and bridge network full- wave rectifier.

List of Equipment and Component/s:

1 3.3 kΩ and 5 kΩ Resistors

4 1N4001~1N4007 Silicon Diode
1 Digital Multimeter
1 Oscilloscope
1 AC power supply or Function Generator Multisim
software

Theory:

Rectifiers are an important part of a power supply since they convert AC input signal to DC output.
The process is called rectification. Rectifiers can be half-wave or full-wave. Half wave rectifiers
utilize only half of the input signal while full-wave rectifiers utilize the whole input signal.

Important formulas to consider in dealing rectifiers:

Half-wave rectifier: Full-wave rectifier:

Procedure:

1. Half-Wave Rectifier
a. Build the circuit shown in Figure 3.1below. Use the following values:
i. Voltage source: 50 V peak-to-peak ac; 60 Hz
ii. Diode: 1N4005
iii. Resistor: 3.3 kΩ
b. Connect an oscilloscope across the load resistor and measure the output voltage.
c. Show the output voltage waveform. Label the necessary points.
d. Measure the input and output frequencies using the oscilloscope.

e. Plot both waveforms on the graph.

f. Connect a multimeter across the load resistor and measure the average value of
the rectified voltage. What is the average value of the half-wave rectified voltage?
𝐷𝐶𝑠𝑖𝑚 = 15.6V.
g. Analyze the circuit and calculate the average value of the half-wave rectified
voltage.
h. Compare the theoretical value and the experimental values. What is your
observation/s?
i. What is the peak inverse voltage across the diode? PIV= .
j. Reverse the orientation of the diode. Repeat steps 1b-1g.
Figure 3.1 Half-Wave Rectifier Circuit

2. Full-Wave Rectifier
a. Build the circuit shown in Figure 3.2 below. Use the following values:
i. Voltage source: 100 V peak-to-peak ac; 60 Hz.
ii. Diodes: 1N4005
iii. Resistor: 5.0 kΩ
b. Connect an oscilloscope across the load resistor and measure the output voltage.
c. Show the output voltage waveform. Label the necessary points.
d. Measure the input and output frequencies using the oscilloscope.
e. Plot both waveforms on the graph.
f. Connect a multimeter across the load resistor and measure the average value of
the rectified voltage. What is the average value of the half-wave rectified voltage?
𝐷𝐶𝑠𝑖𝑚 = .
g. Analyze the circuit and calculate the average value of the half-wave rectified
voltage.
h. Compare the theoretical value and the experimental values. What is your
observation/s?
i. What is the peak inverse voltage across the diode? PIV= .

Figure 3.2 Full-Wave Rectifier Circuit

Observations:

Half-Wave Rectifier:

The results observed were in line with what was theoretically expected, though there were some minor
discrepancies. The theoretical calculation for the DC output voltage was 15.92V, while the simulated
result came in slightly lower at 15.6V. This small variation could be due to factors like component
tolerances, approximations in the simulation, or possible inaccuracies in the measuring devices. When
viewed on the oscilloscope, the output waveform showed only the positive half of the input AC signal,
confirming that the rectifier was functioning correctly by removing the negative half. Furthermore,
the peak inverse voltage (PIV) recorded was 50V, which matched well with theoretical predictions.
The half-wave rectification process demonstrated that it only made use of half of the AC cycle, leading
to lower efficiency compared to full-wave rectification. Nevertheless, the rectifier successfully
transformed the AC input into a pulsating DC output, making it suitable for basic power supply
applications.

Hand Calculations:

Vpeak
=
VDC π

= 50
VDC π

VDC = 15.92 V

Table 3.1 Rectified Voltage Output for Half-Wave Rectifier

PIV
15.6V 15.92V 50V
 Full-Wave Rectifier:

The theoretical and simulated results were closely matched, showing effective rectification. The
calculated theoretical DC output voltage was 63.7V, while the simulated output measured
62.61V. This minor discrepancy falls within acceptable limits and can be attributed to similar
factors as those observed in the half-wave rectifier, such as component imperfections or
simulation conditions. The oscilloscope revealed an output waveform that rectified both halves
of the input AC signal, illustrating that the full-wave rectifier utilizes both the positive and
negative half cycles of the input. The peak inverse voltage (PIV) recorded was 100V, aligning
with the theoretical value. By employing two diodes in the full-wave rectifier, the conversion of
AC to DC was more efficient compared to the half-wave rectifier, resulting in a smoother output
with reduced ripple.

Hand Calculations:

2Vpeak
=
VDC π

= 2 × 100
VDC π

VDC = 63.7V

Table 3.2 Rectified Voltage Output for Full-Wave Rectifier

𝐷𝐶𝑠𝑖𝑚 ℎ
PIV

62.61V 63.7V 100V

Graph

Half Wave Rectifier Input/Output Waveform

Full Wave Rectifier Input/Output Waveform

Conclusions:
The experiments carried out on both half-wave and full-wave rectifiers demonstrated
that rectification is essential for converting AC to DC. The half-wave rectifier only uses
one half of the AC cycle, leading to a lower DC output and a higher ripple. On the other
hand, the full-wave rectifier takes advantage of both halves of the AC cycle, resulting in
a higher and smoother DC output with less ripple. The small differences observed
between theoretical and simulated results were minor and anticipated, stemming from
practical limitations in component accuracy and measurement tools. In summary, both
rectifiers fulfilled their intended purpose, with the full-wave rectifier offering better
performance in terms of output quality and efficiency.

Recommendation/s:

To enhance the accuracy of future experiments, it is advisable to utilize more precise

components and to regularly calibrate measurement tools like the oscilloscope and
multimeter. In practical applications where a smoother DC output is necessary,
incorporating filtering capacitors into the rectifier circuits can greatly minimize ripple
and yield a more stable DC voltage. Furthermore, for improved efficiency, full-wave
rectifiers are recommended over half-wave rectifiers in power supply designs, especially
when power quality and efficiency are priorities.