Half Wave Rectification
This is a transformer. It steps the voltage down as needed.
Eg: From 220V to 12V
This diode converts AC to pulsing DC.
The peak value is the highest voltage that the waveform will ever reach. An oscilloscope is used to read Peak Measurement of a wave
RMS voltage is the average voltage level of an electrical signal. A multimeter can be used to determine RMS.
Test it out
Tap the diagram for more information and click on the buttons to change a component and see what happens!
Diode in Positive Direction
Diode in Negative Direction
Remove Diode
Example calculations
In order to work with Half Wave Rectification, electrical engineers need to understand and work with a variety of calculations. Here are just a few:
Peak Voltage (VP):
VP=2×VRMSV_P = \sqrt{2} \times VRMS
Average Voltage (VAVG):
VA=VP2π=0.637VPV_A = V_P \frac{2}{\pi} = 0.637V_P
RMS Voltage (VRMS):
VRMS=12×VPVRMS = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \times V_P
TransformerT1
DiodeD1
Load ResistanceRL1
A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
Half wave rectifiers use only one diode, and allow only half the AC wave to pass through, while blocking the other half. They do this by allowing current to flow in only one direction. Depending on the direction the diode is inserted, either the positive or the negative half of the wave is allowed through to the rest of the circuit.
Rectifiers are usually placed after the transformer, and used inside the power supplies of most electrical equipment.
Practice Questions
Test your new knowledge on half-wave rectification by answering these questions.
1. What is the function of a rectifier?
2. What happens when a diode changes from a positive direction to a negative direction?
3. Calculate Peak Voltage if RMS Voltage is 120V.