Lab Report: Full-Wave Bridge Rectifier

Purpose:

The purpose of this experiment is to understand the operation of a full-wave bridge

rectifier and its application in converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
This experiment aims to investigate the efficiency and characteristics of the full-wave
bridge rectifier in converting AC voltage to pulsating DC voltage.

Apparatus:
1. Diodes (4x)
2. Transformer
3. Resistive load
4. Oscilloscope
5. Connecting wires
6. Breadboard
7. Power supply

Theory:

A full-wave bridge rectifier is a circuit configuration used to convert AC voltage into

pulsating DC voltage. It utilizes four diodes connected in a bridge configuration. During the
positive half-cycle of the input AC voltage, diodes D1 and D2 conduct, allowing current to
flow through the load resistor in the forward direction. Similarly, during the negative half-
cycle, diodes D3 and D4 conduct, allowing current to flow in the same direction through the
load resistor. This results in a rectified output voltage across the load resistor that
maintains the same polarity throughout the entire AC cycle.

Procedure:

Circuit Setup:

o Connect the primary winding of the transformer to the AC power supply.

o Connect the secondary winding of the transformer to the bridge rectifier
circuit.
 o Connect the load resistor across the output of the bridge rectifier.
• Measurement Setup:
o Connect the oscilloscope across the load resistor to measure the output
waveform.
o Adjust the oscilloscope settings to display the waveform properly.
• Power On:
o Apply AC power to the transformer.
o Observe and measure the output waveform across the load resistor using the
oscilloscope.
• Data Collection:
o Measure the peak-to-peak voltage and the average DC voltage across the load
resistor.
o Record the output waveform characteristics and note any observations.
• Analysis:
o Calculate the rectification efficiency of the full-wave bridge rectifier.
o Compare the measured values with theoretical expectations.

Software Attempts/Results:

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this experiment demonstrated the operation and characteristics of a full-

wave bridge rectifier in converting AC voltage to DC voltage. By utilizing four diodes in a
bridge configuration, the rectifier effectively produced a pulsating DC output voltage. The
measured output waveform characteristics, including peak-to-peak voltage and average DC
voltage, provided valuable insights into the rectification process. Additionally, the
rectification efficiency of the circuit was analyzed to evaluate its performance. Overall, this
experiment enhanced understanding of rectifier circuits and their practical applications in
converting AC power to DC power