The electronic industry is a dynamic sector with all the inventions made for the different sectors, just like Diotec products. There are also unpredictable market demands that change in no time, challenging this sector but strengthening it over time.
This blog will cover the basic classifications of one of the in-demand semiconductors, which is the rectifier. This shall guide you in understanding its technical varieties. Furthermore, it will help you choose the right type and quality of components, just like Diotec Rectifiers.
What Are Rectifier Circuits?
A Rectifier Circuit is one of those electronic components that most of us are not aware of actually using daily. Yet, it is considered one of the most used components due to the function that devices, especially those operating on a Direct Current (DC), depend on.
A Rectifier Circuit is used to convert Alternating Current (AC) and intermittently reverses direction to DC with the help of an inverter. The most straightforward example would be cellular phones, whose chargers house a rectifier that converts AC to DC from home outlets.
Before we proceed, let us define what an inverter is. This electronic device is the opposite of a converter and is also known as an ‘invertor’ or ‘power inverter.’ The opposition is that an inverter starts with and sources its power from a DC, then changes it to an AC. An inverter can either be entirely electronic or combined with mechanical circuitry – an example is a rotary apparatus.
Now going back to Rectifier Circuits, the process it performs is known as ‘rectification.’ It straightens the direction of the current, which is why AC and DC can only flow in one direction. Other processes may follow once the current has been converted, such as DC-DC conversion and filtering.
Are Rectifier Circuits Also Bridge Rectifiers?
You may start to wonder how we have been stating a rectifier circuit instead of just a rectifier. The answer is for you to be familiar with the name, as it is often confused with Bridge Rectifiers.
There is not much difference in their function as they are both rectifiers, but it is essential to be aware of that small thing that deviates from each other.
A Bridge Rectifier is dedicated to AC-powered electronic devices and uses two diodes connected in series. On the other hand, the Rectifier Circuit only needs one diode to perform the rectification process.
To further understand Rectifier Circuits, note that they convert currents instead of voltages. Its process is meant to rectify a current and remove the negative, only keeping the positive component. If you are looking for quality rectifier parts or other related components, we recommend checking these Diotec Rectifiers and diodes store.
Understanding The Classifications
Of Rectifier Diodes
The electronic industry is a dynamic sector with all the inventions made for the different sectors, just like Diotec products. There are also unpredictable market demands that change in no time, challenging this sector but strengthening it over time.
This blog will cover the basic classifications of one of the in-demand semiconductors, which is the rectifier. This shall guide you in understanding its technical varieties. Furthermore, it shall help you choose the right type and quality components, just like Diotec Rectifiers.
What Are Rectifier Circuits?
A Rectifier Circuit is one of those electronic components that most of us are not aware of actually using daily. Yet, it is considered one of the most used components due to the function that devices, especially those operating on a Direct Current (DC), depend on.
A Rectifier Circuit is used to convert Alternating Current (AC) and intermittently reverses direction to DC with the help of an inverter. The most straightforward example would be cellular phones, whose chargers house a rectifier that converts AC to DC from home outlets.
Before we proceed, let us define what an inverter is. This electronic device is the opposite of a converter and is also known as an ‘invertor’ or ‘power inverter.’ The opposition is that an inverter starts with and sources its power from a DC, then changes it to an AC. An inverter can either be entirely electronic or combined with mechanical circuitry – an example is a rotary apparatus.
Now going back to Rectifier Circuits, the process it performs is known as ‘rectification.’ It straightens the direction of the current, which is why AC and DC can only flow in one direction. Other processes may follow once the current has been converted, such as DC-DC conversion and filtering.
Are Rectifier Circuits Also Bridge Rectifiers?
You may wonder how we have stated a rectifier circuit instead of just a rectifier. The answer is for you to be familiar with the name, as it is often confused with Bridge Rectifiers.
There is not much difference in their function as they are both rectifiers, but it is important to be aware of that small thing that deviates from each other.
A Bridge Rectifier is dedicated to AC-powered electronic devices and uses two diodes connected in series. On the other hand, the Rectifier Circuit only needs one diode to perform the rectification process.
To further understand Rectifier Circuits, note that it converts currents instead of voltages. Its process is meant to rectify a current and remove the negative, only keeping the positive component.
If you are looking for quality rectifier parts or other related components, we recommend checking these Diotec Rectifiers and diodes store.
What Are The Different Types of Rectifiers?
Aside from being a semiconductor variety, rectifiers also come in different forms, depending on their output & applications; however, these are just primary references. Due to the number of configurations, it is based on; a rectifier comes in several types. Bridge circuit configurations, type of supply, and control capabilities are just an additional few to mention.
As we have already defined a rectifier’s primary function, we can proceed to list the different types. Some of these are offered by DIOTEC Electronics through authorized online diodes stores like BD Electronics Ltd.
Primary Types of Rectifiers
There are primarily two rectifier types for us to start with, and they are known Uncontrolled and Controlled. These classifications are based on whether the power of an electronic device is controlled or uncontrolled. The second is on a used-switch basis – Uncontrolled Rectifiers for Diode-based & Controlled Rectifiers for Thyristor-based.
Process of Rectification-Based Rectifiers
Following these primary types are rectifiers identified according to how rectification is done, either in Half-wave or Full-wave. As their name presents, the conversion of AC wave to DC only varies among these two rectifier types.
We will dive deeper into their functions using tables and figures to understand them easily.
- Half-Wave Rectifier & Half Cycle Rectifier Current Flow
A Half-Wave Rectifier is the simplest because it comprises only a single diode. This rectifier converts the positive half cycle and blocks the negative half process during a Positive Half-Wave. However, only the negative half-cycle is reversed for a Negative Half-Wave.
| POSITIVE (+) | NEGATIVE (-) | |
| Half Cycle is the flow of the current when an AC source is connected to a Half-Wave Rectifier. | Forward Bias occurs where the diode terminal anode becomes +, and the cathode becomes -. | Reverse Bias occurs where the anode is – while the cathode is +. |
- Full-Wave Rectifier & Full Cycle Rectifier Current Flow
A Full-Wave Rectifier comprises more than one diode and provides a dual output voltage. In addition, it converts both positive and negative half-cycles AC to DC.
| POSITIVE (+) | NEGATIVE (-) | |
FULL-WAVE RECTIFIER HALF CYCLE |
A forward bias occurs with D1 & D2 and reverses discrimination with D3 & D4 during the input process. On the other hand, a Closed Loop is formed with D1 & D2. across the Load Resistor (RL) to give a positive output voltage. |
An exchange of bias happens with the diode pairings of the positive half cycle. The polarity remains the same and provides a positive output voltage across the RL. |
| POSITIVE (+) | NEGATIVE (-) | |
FULL-WAVE RECTIFIER HALF CYCLE |
A forward bias occurs with D1 & D2 and reverses discrimination with D3 & D4 during the input process. On the other hand, a Closed Loop is formed with D1 & D2. across the Load Resistor (RL) to give a positive output voltage. |
An exchange of bias happens with the diode pairings of the positive half cycle. The polarity remains the same and provides a positive output voltage across the RL. |
Subclassifcations of a Full Wave Rectifier
There are two more subclassifications for a Full Wave Rectifier which are explained below:
- Bridge Rectifier is a subclassification that uses four diodes to convert both half cycles and is connected in a specific form (see fig. 1).
- Center Tap Rectifier uses a center-tap transformer and two diodes from the name itself. It is a dual-voltage transformer characterized by two inputs (I1 & I2) and three-terminal outputs: T1 gives out a positive voltage, and T3 gives a negative voltage. T2 is referred to as the ‘Volt Reference‘ as it is connected to the center of the output coil (see fig. 2).
Figure 2. Center Tap Full-Wave Rectifier
Type of Input-Based Rectifiers
For this classification, it can only be a Single Phase or Three Phases.
A Single-Phase rectifier has four diodes, whereas a Three-Phase Rectifier uses six diodes. These diodes are designed and set in a particular form to be able to provide our desired output.
We may have already discussed a few of the many classifications of rectifiers. But remember that these input-based rectifiers are also classified as controlled or uncontrolled, just like the other rectifiers we have discussed above.
Where To Get a Good Rectifier Online?
This information may be overwhelming, but it will guide you in understanding the different classifications of rectifiers. Of course, there are many sub-classifications, but we may already leave them to experts, just like Diotec rectifier diodes suppliers.
To find quality diodes, you may check Diotec Electronics and its products. However, physical stores may not be available for everyone, so there are diodes stores online to help you. One of which is BD Electronics Ltd, a recognized distributor of Diotec products.
For BD Electronics’ assistance on the different DIOTEC products, you may reach out through the following channels.
