Rectifier Circuits

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What is a Rectifier
A rectifier converts Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC). This is usually achieved by using a diode, which allows current to flow only in one direction.

Half-wave Rectifier


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The circuit above illustrates the effect of a single diode in an AC line. The effect is that half of the AC sine curve is "chopped off". This is a very inefficient way of rectifying AC, but may be used to reduce power to a resistive load R.