PROJECT REPORT ON

RECTIFIER
 INTRODUCTION
Although in our daily life we use A.C. current devices. But rectifier is
an ‘Electronic device which converts A.C. power into D.C. power’.
The study of the junction diode characteristics reveals
that the junction diode offers a low resistance path, when forward
biased, and a high resistance path, when reverse biased. This feature
of the junction diode enables it to be used as a rectifier.
The alternating signals provide opposite kind of biased
voltage at the junction after each half-cycle. If the junction is forward
biased in the first half-cycle, it gets reverse biased in the second
half. It results in the flow of forward current in one direction only and
thus the signal gets rectified.
In other words, we can say, when an alternating e.m.f.
signal is applied across a junction diode, it will conduct only during
those alternate half cycles, which biased it in forward direction.

TYPES OF RECTIFIER
Mainly we have two types of rectifier:
1. Half wave rectifier.
2. Full wave rectifier.

JUNCTION DIODE AS HALF WAVE

RECTIFIER
When a single diode is used as a rectifier, the rectification of only
one-half of the A.C. wave form takes place. Such a rectification is
called half-wave rectification.
The circuit diagram for a half-wave rectifier is shown in Fig.
Principle:
It is based upon the principle that junction diode offers low
resistance path when forward biased, and high resistance when reverse
biased.

Arrangement:
The A.C. supply is applied across the primary coil(P) of a
stepdown transformer. The secondary coil(S) of the transformer is
connected to the junction diode and a load resistance RL. The output
D.C. voltage is obtained across the load Resistance (RL).

Theory:
Suppose that during the first half of the input cycle, the junction diode
gets forward biased the conventional current will flow in the direction
of the arrow-heads. The upper end of RL will be at positive potential
with respect to the lower end. During the negative half cycle of the
input A.C. voltage, the diode is reverse biased. No current flows in the
circuit, and therefore, no voltage is developed across (RL). Since only
the positive half cycle of the input appears across the load, the A.C.
input is converted into pulsating direct current (D.C.).

Disadvantage of Half-Wave-Rectifier:
1. Half wave rectification involves a lot of wastage of energy and
hence it is not preferred.

2. A small current flow during reverse bias due to minority

charge carriers. As the output across (RL) is negligible.

3. The resulting D.C. voltage is not steady enough for some

purpose. The following device is used when a very steady
D.C. voltage is required.
 JUNCTION DIODE AS A FULL WAVE
RECTIFIER
A rectifier which rectifies both waves of the A.C. input is called a full
wave rectifier.

Principle:
It is based upon the principle that a junction diode offers low resistance
during forward biased and high resistance, when reverse biased.

Difference from half-wave-rectifier:

The main difference is that is full wave rectifier we use two diodes. For
this when we apply A.C. current to the rectifier then the first half wave
gets forward biased due to first diode. And when the second half wave
comes. Then at that time the second diode comes in action and gets
forward biased. Thus, output obtained during both the half cycles of the
A.C. input.
Arrangement:
The A.C. supply is applied across the primary coil(P) of a
stepdown transformer. The two diodes of the secondary coil(S) of the
transformer are connected to the P-sections of the junction diodes (D1)
and (D2). A load resistance (RL) is connected across the n-sections of
the two diodes and at centre of the secondary coil. The D.C. output will
be obtained across the load resistance (RL).

Theory:
Suppose that during first half of the input cycle, upper end of (S)
coil is at positive potential. And lower end is at negative potential. The
junction diode (D1) gets forward biased, while the diode (D2) gets
reverse biased. When the second half of the input cycle comes, the
situation will be exactly reverse. Now the junction diode(D2) will
conduct. Since the current during both the half cycles flows from right
to left through the load resistance (RL) the output during both the half
cycles will be of same nature.
Thus, in a full wave rectifier, the output is continuous but
pulsating in nature. However, it can be made smooth by using a filter
circuit.

REVERSE BIASING ON A JUNCTION

DIODE
A P-n junction is said to be reverse biased if the positive terminal of the
external battery B is connected to n-side and the negative terminal to
p-side of the p-n junction. In reverse biasing, the reverse bias voltage
supports the potential barrier VB. Now the majority carriers are pulled
away from the junction and the depletion region become thick. There
is no conduction across the junction due to majority carriers. However,
a few minority carriers (holes in n-section and electrons in p-section)
of p-n Junction diode cross the junction after being accelerated by high
reverse bias voltage. Since the large increase in reverse voltage shows
small increase in reverse current, hence, the resistance of p-n junction
is high to the flow of current when reverse biased.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: -

1. www.google.com
2. www.yahoo.com
3. www.live.com
4. www.rediffmail.com
5. Ncert book
6. Support guide