Date:2026-01-05 Categories:Product knowledge Hits:143 From:Guangdong Youfeng Microelectronics Co., Ltd
2. Half wave rectification and full wave rectification: Half wave rectification only uses half of the AC cycle, which is simple but less efficient. Full wave rectification uses the entire cycle of alternating current, resulting in higher efficiency. However, to achieve full wave rectification, we need to use a bridge rectifier circuit.diode
3. The working principle of a bridge rectifier circuit: In a bridge rectifier circuit, four diodes are connected to form a bridge structure. When the positive half cycle of AC power arrives, diodes D1 and D2 conduct, D3 and D4 disconnect, and current flows from D1 to D2, outputting a positive voltage; When the negative half cycle of AC power arrives, diodes D3 and D4 conduct, D1 and D2 disconnect, and current flows from D3 to D4 through the load, still outputting a positive voltage. In this way, regardless of how the positive and negative half cycles of AC power change, the output voltage remains positive, achieving the conversion from bipolar to unipolar. Therefore, the bridge rectifier circuit requires four diodes.diode
4. Why can't fewer diodes be used: If only one diode is used, only half wave rectification can be achieved, wasting half of the energy of AC power and resulting in lower efficiency. If two diodes are used, although full wave rectification can be achieved, a transformer with a center point grounded is required, which increases the complexity of the circuit. The bridge rectifier circuit with four diodes can achieve full wave rectification without the need for a transformer grounded at the center point, making it simple and efficient.diode
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