• summary_type: application
• word_count: 150

Rectifiers convert AC to DC using diode's one-way property. Half-wave: single diode passes one half-cycle. V_DC = V_0/pi = 0.318V_0. Output frequency = input frequency. Ripple factor = 1.21 (high ripple). Full-wave (center-tap): two diodes, each conducting alternate halves. V_DC = 2V_0/pi = 0.637V_0. Output frequency = 2*input frequency. Ripple factor = 0.48. Bridge rectifier: four diodes, no center tap needed. Same performance as full-wave. A capacitor filter across the output smooths the ripple. Larger C gives smoother DC but slower response to load changes. With filter: V_DC ≈ V_0 - I_DC/(2fC). The key metric is ripple factor = V_ac_rms/V_DC — lower is better. For JEE: know the circuit diagrams, output waveform sketches, and the doubling of output frequency in full-wave rectification. The diode drops ~0.7 V per junction in the output path.