1/19/24, 1:12 PM Rectifier – Explanation, Working, Types, Applications
Physics (/physics/) > Electric Circuit (/physics/electric-circuit/) > Rectifier (/physics/rectifier/)
Rectifier
Many electronic circuits use DC voltage for operation. We can easily convert AC voltage or current
into DC voltage or current by using a device known as a p-n junction diode. A p-n junction diode
allows electric current to flow in forward bias condition and blocks the current in reverse bias
condition. Simply, a diode allows electric current to flow in one direction only. This unique property
of diode allows it to act as a rectifier. Let us learn more about rectifiers in this article.
Table of Contents:
What is Rectifier
Different Types of Rectifier
Uncontrolled Rectifiers
Controlled Rectifiers
What Are Some Applications of Rectifiers
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is Rectifier?
A rectifier is an electronic device that converts an alternating current into a direct current by using
one or more P-N junction diodes. A diode behaves as a one-way valve that allows current to flow
in a single direction. This process is known as rectification.
A rectifier can take the shape of several physical forms such as solid-state diodes, vacuum tube
diodes, mercury-arc valves, silicon-controlled rectifiers, and various other silicon-based
semiconductors switches.
Different Types of Rectifier
Rectifiers are mainly classified into two types as:
1. Uncontrolled Rectifier Hi there! Got any questions?
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2. Controlled Rectifier
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Uncontrolled Rectifiers
The type of rectifier whose voltage cannot be controlled is known as an uncontrolled rectifier.
Uncontrolled rectifiers are further divided as follows:
Half Wave Rectifier
Full Wave Rectifier
The type of rectifier that converts only the half cycle of the alternating current into the direct
current is known as a half-wave rectifier. Likewise, a full-wave rectifier converts both positive and
negative half cycles of the AC. An example of this is a bridge rectifier. A bridge rectifier uses 4
diodes that are connected in the form of a Wheatstone bridge
(https://byjus.com/physics/wheatstone-bridge/).
Controlled Rectifiers
A type of rectifier whose voltage can be varied is known as the controlled rectifier. We use SCRs,
MOSFETs and IGBTs to make an uncontrolled rectifier a controlled one. These rectifiers are
preferred over their uncontrolled counterparts. There are two types of controlled rectifiers, and they
are Half Wave Controlled Rectifier and Full Wave Controlled Rectifier. Half-wave controlled rectifier
has the same design as the half-wave uncontrolled rectifier except we replace the diode with an
SCR.
Related Links
Full Wave Rectifier (https://byjus.com/physics/full-wave-rectifier/)
Half Wave Rectifier (https://byjus.com/physics/half-wave-rectifier/)
What Are Some Applications of Rectifiers?
Some common applications of rectifiers are:
Rectifiers are used in electric welding to provide polarized voltage
Half-wave rectifiers are used as a mosquito repellent
Half-wave rectifiers are used as a signal peak detector in AM radio
Rectifiers are used in modulation, demodulation and voltage multipliers
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q1
PlayWhat is a rectifier?
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WinA rectifier is an electronic device that converts an alternating current into a direct current by
using one or more P-N junction diodes.
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Q2 What are the types of rectifiers?
The following are the types of rectifiers:
Uncontrolled Rectifier
Controlled Rectifier
Q3 What is a half-wave rectifier?
The type of rectifier that converts only the half cycle of the alternating current into the direct
current is known as a half-wave rectifier.
Q4 State true or false: Half-wave rectifiers are used as a mosquito repellent.
True.
Q5 List three applications of rectifiers.
Rectifiers are used in modulation, demodulation and voltage multipliers.
Half-wave rectifiers are used as a signal peak detector in AM radio.
Rectifiers are used in electric welding to provide polarized voltage.
Test your Knowledge on Rectifier
Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs.
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