What is a Bridge Rectifier?

A bridge rectifier is a type of rectifier that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). It is made up of four diodes connected in a bridge configuration. The bridge rectifier is the most common type of rectifier used in electronic devices.

How Does a Bridge Rectifier Work?

The bridge rectifier works by allowing current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the other direction. This is done by using four diodes in a bridge configuration. The diodes are connected in a way that allows current to flow from the AC input to the DC output, but not from the DC output to the AC input.

The following diagram shows how a bridge rectifier works:

  AC input -> |----|----|----|----| DC output
             |    |    |    |    |
             |    |    |    |    |
             |    |    |    |    |
             |----|----|----|----| AC input

In the diagram, the four diodes are represented by the symbols D1, D2, D3, and D4. The AC input is connected to the terminals labeled “AC input” and the DC output is connected to the terminals labeled “DC output”.

When the AC input is positive, diodes D1 and D3 are forward biased and diodes D2 and D4 are reverse biased. This allows current to flow from the AC input to the DC output.

When the AC input is negative, diodes D2 and D4 are forward biased and diodes D1 and D3 are reverse biased. This allows current to flow from the DC output to the AC input.

The bridge rectifier converts the AC input to a DC output by blocking the negative half-cycles of the AC input.