How do half wave and full wave rectifiers work?

Krishna (last edited 9 months ago) (Expert, Educator @Qalaxia)

RECTIFIER:

A rectifier is an electronic device that converts AC voltage into DC voltage. In other words, it converts alternating current to direct current. A rectifier is used in almost all the electronic devices.

Rectifiers:

Half wave rectifier (Single phase & Three phase )

Full wave rectifier (Single phase & Three phase )

Half wave rectifier

In a single-phase half-wave rectifier, either negative or positive half of the AC voltage flows, while the other half of the AC voltage is blocked. Hence the output receives only one half of the AC wave. A single diode is required for a single-phase half-wave rectification and three diodes for a three-phase supply. Half wave rectifier produces more amount of ripple content than full wave rectifiers and to eliminate the harmonics it requires much more filtering.

https://www.elprocus.com/half-wave-rectifier-circuit-working-principle-and-characteristics-2/

Full Wave Rectifier Theory

In a full wave rectifier circuit we use two diodes, one for each half of the wave. A multiple winding transformer is used whose secondary winding is split equally into two halves with a common center tapped connection. Configuration results in each diode conducting in turn when its anode terminal is positive with respect to the transformer center point C produces an output during both half-cycles. Full rectifier advantages are flexible compared to that of half wave rectifier.