A full wave rectifier is one of the most commonly used circuits that allows for the conversion of the alternate currents into direct current from the input signal. It creates a bridge rectifier circuit that allows for the process to be conducted smoothly. The bridge inside the rectifier consists of four diodes.
The entire functioning of the full wave rectifier is based on transforming the AC signals into DC ones. When the input from the alternating current is positive, two of the diodes conduct and transform the waveform into positive direct current whilst when the input is negative, the other two diodes conduct and transform the said current into positive direct current. This allows the full wave rectifier to transform any form of alternate current into positive direct current without any hassle.
The use of a full-wave rectifier has been extensively preferred due to its efficient method of converting the alternating current to the direct one with less ripple when compared to the half-wave rectifier. It comes with tons of advantages for various purposes. However, there can be some disadvantages to full wave rectifiers too which we’ll look to discuss in detail below.
Let’s check them out.
Advantages of Full Wave Rectifier
1. Higher Output Voltage
Full wave rectifier allows for the waveform to be converted with less ripple without dropping the output voltage. When compared to the half-wave rectifier, a full-wave rectifier offers better efficiency as the voltage doesn’t drop during conversion providing a full-fledged operation. This makes it useful in areas where the energy conversion needs to be provided at higher efficiency and without any disruption or drop in the voltage of the current. It further helps in proper voltage regulation.
2. Easy to implement
Full wave rectifiers can be easily installed and activated with the use of diodes and transformers. This makes them simple and hassle-free to use and implement. It has a very simple circuit that doesn’t need additional mechanisms or tons of equipment, wiring, and other stuff to function. That is why you’ll see full-wave rectifiers used extensively across major use cases. They also have a higher power conversion efficiency than any other wave rectifier.
3. Economical
Full wave rectifiers are economical as they require only a few equipment and parts to set up. It also allows for the use of smaller and cheaper filter elements to be used without any defunct functioning. This helps reduce the overhead costs by quite a margin and provides a cheaper and more economical alternative option to convert the alternating current into direct current. The use of full-wave rectifiers can be easily seen in equipment like power supplies, audio amplifiers, and more.
4. Smother output and Less Ripple
Full wave rectifier provides marginally a better and smoother output than the half wave rectifier. When it comes to converting the waveform, a full wave rectifier allows for an efficient conversion and distribution with less ripple of the waveform. This gives a higher power conversion to the alternate current and doesn’t lose the premise and the voltage during the conversion making sure that the final waveform is as high voltage and efficient as possible.
5. Wide variety of uses
Full wave rectifiers have a wide variety of usage based on the need of the situation. The bridge rectifier comes with four diodes in the form of a bridge configuration and is the preferred method of wave rectifier for power supplies and battery charging. Similarly, the center-tapped rectifiers come with center taps to rectify the signals and are preferred full-wave rectifiers for electronic devices and appliances. Other various types of the full wave rectifier include four-diode rectifiers and more.
Disadvantages of Full Wave Rectifier
1. Center-tapped transformers can be expensive
We discussed how there are various types of full wave rectifier and how some of them uses a center-tapped transformer-based diode system. Center-tapped transformers systems a complex full wave rectifiers and can increase the cost of manufacturing such wave rectifiers. This also increases the size of the wave rectifier and often makes it bulkier and tougher to fit into the electrical appliance. This can be categorized as one of the downsides of the full wave rectifier.
2. Interference in certain applications
Full wave rectifiers often generate harmonic frequencies when used. These harmonic frequencies can interfere with the application of a full wave rectifier for the current waveform conversion. This in turn leads to an effect in certain applications and uses. This also requires a need for additional care and steps to ensure the wave rectifiers perform accurately leading to increased costs and complexity of the matters.
3. Complex at times
Full wave rectifiers are generally used for their hassle-free implementation and ease of use. But there are times when full wave rectifiers can be complex to operate. The circuit design and the diodes decide the way the full wave rectifier can be configured and if any such component doesn’t fit into the size, there’s a need for an entirely new approach to make sure it functions. That makes it complex at times. Also, the PIV diodes used in the full wave rectifier are often larger and their usage brings a lot of hassle in the circuit design and the component selection.
Final Words
Full wave rectifier has become an important part of electrical appliances and other usages for their ability to convert alternating current into direct current with less ripples and higher efficiency. It comes with various advantages and features making it a popular choice. However, there are a few disadvantages to it too and we hope this article can help clarify both sides of the coin for you.
