How does a rectifier work?

One of the most common uses for rectifier diodes in electronics is to convert household alternating current into direct current that can be used as an alternative to batteries. The rectifier circuit, which is typically made from a set of cleverly interlocked diodes, converts alternating current to direct current. read more

In a rectifier, the AC power comes in to the first coil, creating a moving magnetic field which induces a current in the second coil. Current comes into the house at 120 volts, but most electrical appliances need about 1/10th that, so usually the transformer steps down the voltage. read more

The diodes conduct on alternate half cycles (the two ends of the secondary winding give a phase reversal), so that the circuit behaves like a full-wave rectifier with four diodes. It's a popular circuit, because it's cheaper to manufacture than one using a single winding secondary with a four diode bridge rectifier. read more

As with single-phase rectifiers, three-phase rectifiers can take the form of a half-wave circuit, a full-wave circuit using a center-tapped transformer, or a full-wave bridge circuit. Thyristors are commonly used in place of diodes to create a circuit that can regulate the output voltage. read more