VollbrückenGleichrichtung

Vollbrückengleichrichter are a type of electrical circuit used to convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). This process is known as rectification. The term "Vollbrückengleichrichter" is German for "full-bridge rectifier." This circuit configuration utilizes four diodes arranged in a specific pattern, forming a bridge.

The key advantage of a full-bridge rectifier over simpler rectification methods, such as half-wave rectification, is its ability to utilize both the positive and negative halves of the AC input waveform. When the AC voltage is positive, two diodes conduct, allowing current to flow in one direction through the load. When the AC voltage reverses and becomes negative, the other two diodes conduct, again directing the current through the load in the same direction. This results in a pulsating DC output that has twice the frequency of the AC input and is more efficient.

Full-bridge rectifiers are commonly found in power supply circuits for electronic devices, battery chargers, and various other applications where a DC voltage is required from an AC source. The diodes used can be silicon diodes, Schottky diodes for higher efficiency, or even controlled rectifiers like thyristors for specific applications. The output of a full-bridge rectifier is typically smoothed using capacitors to reduce the ripple and provide a more stable DC voltage.