Single Phase Full Wave Bridge Rectifier

In this theory, the working of single-phase full wave bridge rectifier is given.

Bridge Rectifier

Bridge Rectifier Circuit Description

• There are four diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 connected in the bridge configuration. 
• There is no need of center tapping transformer as that is required in the single-phase half wave rectifier. 
• The alternating supply through step down transformer is given to diagonally opposite end AC and load is connected to other two ends BD.

Working of Bridge Rectifier

Positive half cycle

• The end P of the secondary winding of transformer becomes P whereas S becomes negative during positive half cycle of the alternating supply.
• This will make diodes D2 and D4 forward biased and current flows through them. 
• The current flowing through path P – A – D2 – B – Q – LOAD – R – D – D4 – C – S. 
• As there are two diodes D2 and D4 conducts and both are in series, the voltage available at the load is equal to secondary winding voltage minus voltage drop in the diodes D2 and D4. 
• The diode D1 and D3 remains in the reverse biased condition during positive half cycle of the alternating supply.

Load voltage = Transformer secondary voltage

                      – Voltage drop across diode D2

                      – Voltage drop across diode D4

Voltage drop across diode = 0.7 V for Silicon

                                           = 0.3 V for Germanium                      

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Negative half cycle

• The end S becomes positive with respect to end P of the transformer secondary winding. 
• This will make diode D1 and D3 forward biased and current flows through them. 
• The current flowing through path S – C – D3 – B – Q – LOAD – R – D – D1 – A – P. 
• As there are two diodes D1 and D3 conducts and both are in series, the voltage available at the load is equal to secondary winding voltage minus voltage drop in the diodes D1 and D3. 
• The diode D2 and D4 remains in the reverse biased condition during positive half cycle of the alternating supply.

Load voltage = Transformer secondary voltage

                      – Voltage drop across diode D1

                      – Voltage drop across diode D3

Advantages of Bridge Rectifier

• No need of centre tapping transformer
• The peak inverse voltage is one half to that of single phase full wave
• Rectifier
• Low ripple factor

Disadvantages of Bridge Rectifier

• Four diode requires
• There are two diodes conducts which are in series during positive and negative half cycle of the alternating supply. 
• The output voltage is low as compared to single phase full wave rectifier because of voltage drop in the two diodes.

Why is it called as single-phase full wave bridge rectifier?

Single phase – The single-phase supply is given at the input side

Full wave – Diodes conduct during both positive and negative cycle   

                    of the input supply

Bridge – Four diodes are connected in the bridge configuration

Rectifier – It converts the input AC power into output DC power.