Rectifier

Full-wave rectification

Full-wave rectification

A full-wave rectifier converts the whole of the input waveform to one of constant polarity (positive or negative) at its output. Full-wave rectification converts both polarities of the input waveform to DC (direct current), and is more efficient. However, in a circuit with a non-center tapped transformer, four diodes are required instead of the one needed for half-wave rectification. Four rectifiers arranged this way are called a diode bridge or bridge rectifier:

Graetz bridge rectifier: a full-wave rectifier using 4 diodes.

2 1 2 2m p q

2 2 50 100п cf m f Hz

2ï cf m f

For single-phase AC, if the transformer is center-tapped, then two diodes back-to-back (i.e. anodes-to-anode or cathode-to-cathode) can form a full-wave rectifier. Twice as many windings are required on the transformer secondary to obtain the same output voltage compared to the bridge rectifier.

Full-wave rectifier using a transformer and 2 diodes.

1 2w w 2 1 2 2m p q 2ï cf m f

2 2 50 100п cf m f Hz

When a coil of wire moves in relation to magnet, this changes the magnetic flux passing through the coil, and thus induces the flow of an electric current, which can be used to do work. A linear alternator is most commonly used to convert reciprocating (i.e. back-and-forth) motion directly into electrical energy.

The simplest system for making an alternating electric current

There are changes of disposition the frame in different periods of time

There is three-phase alternating current system with three generators

There is connect three-phase generator fashion "star"

Graphical representation of phase currents depending from the time

A three-phase transformer is made of three sets of primary and secondary windings, each set wound around one leg of an iron core assembly. Essentially it looks like three single-phase transformers sharing a joined core as in Figure below.

Circuit diagram by Mitkevich

For three-phase AC, three or six diodes are used. Typically there are three pairs of diodes, each pair, though, is not the same kind of double diode that would be used for a full wave single-phase rectifier. Instead the pairs are in series (anode to cathode). Typically, commercially available double diodes have four terminals so the user can configure them as single-phase split supply use, for half a bridge, or for three-phase use. Most devices that generate alternating current (such devices are called alternators) generate three-phase AC

Circuit diagram by Mitkevich

2 3 50 150п cf m f Hz 2 3 1 3m p q

Circuit diagram by Larionov

2 3 2 6m p q 2 6 50 300п cf m f Hz

Circuit diagram by Scott