FULL WAVE RECTIFIER
Submitted by: Sadhana Yadav
Roll Number: 28
School: Central Academy, Vikas Nagar, Lucknow
Subject Teacher: Mr. Ajeet Verma
Session: 2025–26
PHYSICS PROJECT REPORT
Aim
To study and construct a Full Wave Rectifier using diodes, and observe its working
and output waveform.
Theory
A Full Wave Rectifier is an electronic circuit that converts the entire input
alternating current (AC) signal into direct current (DC) signal. It utilizes both the
positive and negative half cycles of the AC input, unlike a half wave rectifier which
uses only one half cycle. This makes the full wave rectifier more efficient in
converting AC to DC.
Circuit Diagram
Below is a representation of the circuit diagram of a Full Wave Rectifier using a
center-tapped transformer and two diodes.
[Diagram Placeholder: Full Wave Rectifier Circuit]
Working
In a full wave rectifier, the AC supply is given to the center-tapped transformer.
During the positive half cycle, diode D1 conducts while D2 remains reverse-biased,
allowing current to flow through the load resistor. During the negative half cycle,
diode D2 conducts while D1 remains reverse-biased, again allowing current to flow
in the same direction through the load. Thus, both half cycles of the AC input are
used to produce a unidirectional current across the load.
Observation and Calculations
If Vm is the peak voltage of the secondary winding, then the average DC output
voltage of a full wave rectifier is given by: Vdc = 2Vm / π The RMS value of the
output voltage is given by: Vrms = Vm / √2 Ripple factor = √((Vrms/Vdc)² - 1) =
0.482 Efficiency (η) = 81.2%
Input and Output Waveforms
[Diagram Placeholder: Full Wave Rectifier Input and Output Waveform]
Advantages
1. Higher efficiency than half wave rectifier. 2. Utilizes both half cycles of AC. 3.
Smooth DC output. 4. Lower ripple factor. 5. Better transformer utilization factor.
Applications
1. Used in DC power supplies. 2. In battery charging circuits. 3. In signal
demodulation. 4. In DC motor controllers. 5. In power supply units of radios and
televisions.
Precautions
1. Check all connections properly before applying power. 2. Ensure diodes are
connected in correct polarity. 3. Use transformer of correct voltage rating. 4.
Handle all electronic components carefully.
Conclusion
The Full Wave Rectifier effectively converts AC voltage into DC voltage using two
diodes and a center-tapped transformer. It provides better efficiency and smoother
output compared to the half wave rectifier, making it highly suitable for practical
electronic circuits.
References
1. NCERT Physics Textbook Class XII 2. Electronic Devices and Circuits by
Boylestad & Nashelsky 3. [Link]