Rectifier – Explanation, Working, Types, Applications

Rectifiers are mainly classified into two types as:

Uncontrolled Rectifiers

The type of rectifier whose voltage cannot be controlled is known as an uncontrolled rectifier. Uncontrolled rectifiers are further divided as follows:

• Half Wave Rectifier
• Full Wave Rectifier

The type of rectifier that converts only the half cycle of the alternating current into the direct current is known as a half-wave rectifier. Likewise, a full-wave rectifier converts both positive and negative half cycles of the AC. An example of this is a bridge rectifier. A bridge rectifier uses 4 diodes that are connected in the form of a Wheatstone bridge.

Controlled Rectifiers

A type of rectifier whose voltage can be varied is known as the controlled rectifier. We use SCRs, MOSFETs and IGBTs to make an uncontrolled rectifier a controlled one. These rectifiers are preferred over their uncontrolled counterparts. There are two types of controlled rectifiers, and they are Half Wave Controlled Rectifier and Full Wave Controlled Rectifier. Half-wave controlled rectifier has the same design as the half-wave uncontrolled rectifier except we replace the diode with an SCR.
Related Links

• Full Wave Rectifier
• Half Wave Rectifier

What Are Some Applications of Rectifiers?

Some common applications of rectifiers are:

• Rectifiers are used in electric welding to provide polarized voltage
• Half-wave rectifiers are used as a mosquito repellent
• Half-wave rectifiers are used as a signal peak detector in AM radio
• Rectifiers are used in modulation, demodulation and voltage multipliers

Stay tuned to BYJU’S and fall in love with learning! Subscribe BYJU’S app for more such information and science and math concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is a rectifier?

A rectifier is an electronic device that converts an alternating current into a direct current by using one or more P-N junction diodes.

What are the types of rectifiers?

• Uncontrolled Rectifier
• Controlled Rectifier

The following are the types of rectifiers:

What is a half-wave rectifier?

The type of rectifier that converts only the half cycle of the alternating current into the direct current is known as a half-wave rectifier.

State true or false: Half-wave rectifiers are used as a mosquito repellent.

True.

List three applications of rectifiers.

Rectifiers are used in modulation, demodulation and voltage multipliers.

Half-wave rectifiers are used as a signal peak detector in AM radio.

Rectifiers are used in electric welding to provide polarized voltage.

Test your Knowledge on Rectifier

Q

5

Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs. Click ‘Start Quiz’ to begin!

Select the correct answer and click on the “Finish” button
Check your score and answers at the end of the quiz

Congrats!

Visit BYJU’S for all Physics related queries and study materials

Your result is as below

0

out of

0

arewrong

0

out of

0

are correct

0

out of

0

are Unattempted