egyenirányító

Egyenirányító, in electrical engineering, is a device or circuit that converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) by allowing current to flow predominantly in one direction. The unidirectional operation is achieved mainly with nonlinear elements such as diodes, which conduct in one direction and block in the opposite direction.

There are several common rectifier configurations. A half-wave rectifier uses a single diode and conducts during only one half-cycle of the AC input, producing pulsating DC. A full-wave rectifier converts both halves of the AC waveform into a pulsating DC output; this can be implemented with a center-tapped transformer and two diodes or with a bridge of four diodes (the Graetz bridge). All of these produce a ripple on the DC output unless filtered.

Controlled rectifiers use active switching devices, such as thyristors (SCRs) or other controllable switches, to regulate the output voltage or current. By gating the devices, the rectifier can provide adjustable DC levels, which is important in power supplies, motor drives, and industrial applications. Modern systems often combine diodes and thyristors or use transistor-based arrangements for improved efficiency and control.

Applications of egyenirányítók include power supplies for electronics, battery charging, electroplating, welding, and high-voltage DC transmission. Output smoothing is typically achieved with capacitors, inductors, or integrated filter networks to reduce ripple and produce a steadier DC voltage. In Hungarian usage, egyenirányító generally refers to rectifier devices that convert AC to DC, with diode-based rectifiers being the most common type.