gelijkrichten

Gelijkrichten is a process in electronics that converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). AC voltage or current periodically reverses direction, while DC voltage or current flows in only one direction. This conversion is essential for powering many electronic devices that require a stable, unidirectional current supply.

The most common components used for gelijkrichten are diodes. A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow primarily in one direction. In its simplest form, a half-wave rectifier uses a single diode to block one half of the AC waveform, allowing only the positive or negative half-cycle to pass through. This results in a pulsating DC output, which still varies in amplitude.

To achieve a smoother DC output, a full-wave rectifier is often employed. This method utilizes multiple diodes, typically arranged in a bridge configuration, to convert both halves of the AC waveform into a unidirectional current. A full-wave rectifier is more efficient than a half-wave rectifier because it utilizes more of the input AC power.

Further smoothing of the pulsating DC output can be achieved by using a filter, such as a capacitor or an inductor. A capacitor placed in parallel with the load will store charge during the peaks of the rectified waveform and discharge it during the dips, effectively reducing the ripple voltage and providing a more stable DC output. This combination of rectification and filtering is fundamental to most DC power supplies.