Täysjänniterectifieri

Täysjänniterectifieri, also known as a full-wave rectifier, is an electronic circuit that converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). Unlike half-wave rectifiers, which only utilize one half of the AC waveform, a full-wave rectifier converts both the positive and negative halves of the AC input into a pulsating DC output. This results in a more efficient conversion and a smoother output waveform.

There are two common types of full-wave rectifiers: the center-tapped rectifier and the bridge rectifier. The center-tapped rectifier uses a transformer with a center tap and two diodes. The bridge rectifier, which is more common, uses four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration and does not require a center-tapped transformer. In both configurations, when the AC input voltage is positive, one or two diodes conduct, allowing current to flow in one direction. When the AC input voltage is negative, the other diodes conduct, again directing the current flow in the same direction through the load.

The output of a full-wave rectifier is a pulsating DC, meaning it still varies in voltage but always remains positive. To achieve a smoother, more stable DC voltage, a filter capacitor is typically added in parallel with the load. This capacitor charges up during the peaks of the rectified waveform and discharges slowly when the voltage drops, effectively smoothing out the pulsations. Full-wave rectifiers are fundamental components in power supply circuits for a wide range of electronic devices, including radios, televisions, computers, and chargers.