gleichgerichtete

Gleichgerichtete is a German adjective form used in technical contexts to describe signals, circuits, or devices in which alternating current (AC) is converted into direct current (DC). The term derives from Gleichrichtung, the process of rectification. In practice, gleichgerichtete Wellen are waveforms that have been transformed to predominantly one polarity.

In rectifier circuits, alternating voltage is passed through components that allow current to flow in only one direction. The simplest case is half-wave rectification, using a single diode; the output consists of positive pulses corresponding to the positive half-waves of the input. Full-wave rectification uses two diodes with a center-tapped transformer or four diodes in a bridge, producing pulses for both halves of the input cycle. The idealized output is pulsating DC; in real applications a smoothing capacitor (and sometimes an inductor) reduces ripple, yielding a steadier DC level.

Gleichgerichtete circuits are found in many devices, including linear power supplies, battery chargers, radio receivers, and consumer electronics. The choice of topology depends on efficiency, ripple requirements, transformer usage, and cost. Modern implementations often integrate rectification with regulation to deliver stable DC voltages.

In German-language technical writing, gleichgerichtete can modify nouns such as Wellen, Signale, or Schaltungen. The related noun is Gleichrichtung (rectification); in contrast, Wechselstrom refers to alternating current and Gleichstrom to direct current.

References to this term appear in textbooks on electronics, circuit theory, and power electronics.