Växelströmsrecifierare

Växelströmsrecifierare, often translated as AC-to-DC converters or rectifiers, are electronic devices that convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). This conversion is fundamental in many electronic applications where devices require a stable, unidirectional power supply, but the available power source is AC, such as from the mains electricity grid.

The most basic form of rectification is half-wave rectification, which utilizes a single diode. This diode allows current to flow in only one direction, effectively blocking or "cutting off" half of the AC waveform. While simple, this method is inefficient as it only utilizes half of the power and results in a pulsating DC output.

Full-wave rectification offers a more efficient conversion by utilizing both halves of the AC waveform. This can be achieved using either a center-tapped transformer with two diodes or, more commonly, a bridge rectifier configuration employing four diodes. The bridge rectifier arrangement is widely used due to its efficiency and the fact that it does not require a center-tapped transformer.

The output of even a full-wave rectifier is not a perfectly smooth DC voltage but rather a pulsating DC. To obtain a more stable DC output, filters are typically employed. Common filters include capacitors, which store charge when the voltage is high and release it when the voltage drops, smoothing out the ripples. Inductors can also be used in conjunction with capacitors to further reduce ripple. For applications requiring very precise and stable DC voltages, voltage regulators are often incorporated after the filtering stage. Rectifiers are essential components in power supplies for countless electronic devices, from small chargers to large industrial equipment.