Half-Wave-Rectifier

 

Half Wave Rectifier

Above figure 1 shows the circuit diagram of half wave rectifier. As shown in the figure it consists of a transformer, the diode D and load resistance R_L.

The secondary coil AB of a transformer is connected in series with a diode D and the load resistance R_L.

When the positive half cycle begins, the voltage at the point A is at higher potential with respect to that at the point B, therefore, the diode (D) is forward biased. It conducts and current flows through the circuit.

When the negative half cycle begins, the voltage at the point A is lower potential with respect to the point B and the diode is reverse biased, therefore, it does not conduct. Current does not flow through the circuit.

Hence, the diode conducts only in the positive half cycles of the AC input.

The waveform for input and output voltages are shown in fig 2.

Hence a DC output voltage obtained across R_L is in the form of alternate pulses.

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