Back to ElectricalHalf Wave Rectification
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.
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):
Average Voltage (VAVG):
RMS Voltage (VRMS):
| Transformer | T1 |
| Diode | D1 |
| Load Resistance | RL1 |
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.