Diode Rectifier (Uncontrolled Rectifier)

Diodes are extensively used as rectifiers. Rectifier is a circuit that converts an ac signal into a dc
signal (unidirectional signal). So rectifier is a ac-dc converter.
Depending on the type of input supply rectifiers are of two types,
1. Single phase rectifier
2. Three phase rectifier
Single phase and three phase rectifiers are again classified into two types
1. Half bridge rectifier
2. Full bridge rectifier

Single Phase Half Bridge Rectifier

Half bridge rectifier is the simplest one and it is very important to understand the principal
operation of rectifier. The circuit diagram with a resistive load is shown in fig.3.1.
During the positive half cycle of the input voltage the diode conducts (short circuit) and the
input voltage appears across the load. During the negative half cycle of the input voltage the
diode is in blocking state (open circuit) and the output voltage is zero.
The half wave rectifier is used in low cost power supplies for electronics like radio.
Single Phase Full Wave Rectifier

Center tapped full wave rectifier is shown in the fig. (a) During the positive half cycle of the
input voltage diode conducts while the diode is off. Again during the negative half cycle
diode conducts and the diode remains in the blocking state. Thus during a complete cycle,
a full wave unidirectional voltage is obtained across the load.
In fig. (b) full bridge rectifier is shown along with the waveforms of input and output.