Bridge Rectifier vs Full Wave Rectifier: Definition, Circuit, and Application

You often need to change AC power into DC power in electronics today. Both the bridge rectifier and the full wave rectifier can do this job, but their circuits are not the same. A bridge rectifier has four diodes. A full wave rectifier usually uses two diodes and a center-tapped transformer. You see rectifiers working every day in things like phones, cars, and machines in factories.

• Telecommunications: Rectifiers give power to base stations and routers.

• Automotive systems: They help electric cars charge their batteries.

• Industrial automation: Rectifiers make motors and sensors work.

• Consumer electronics: They give steady DC power to your devices.

Key Takeaways

• A bridge rectifier uses four diodes to change AC to DC. It does not need a center-tapped transformer. This makes it easier to use and often more efficient.

• Full wave rectifiers use both halves of the AC signal. This gives a smoother DC output. There is less ripple. This helps sensitive devices work better.

• When picking a rectifier, look at voltage and current ratings. Think about efficiency and what you need for your project. This helps you get the best performance.

• Both rectifiers are used in many things. They are in consumer electronics and industrial machines. This shows they are important in modern technology.

• Knowing the differences in circuit design and voltage drop helps. It lets you pick the right rectifier for your needs.

Rectifier Basics

What Is a Rectifier

A rectifier changes AC power into DC power. You find it in many electronic circuits. Its main job is to let electricity move one way. You see rectifiers in battery chargers and radios. They are also in your phone’s power supply. A rectifier uses a diode to control current flow. The diode works like a one-way door. It stops current from going backward. This keeps electricity moving in one direction. The rectifier helps make DC power steady. It stops the current from going back and forth. Using a rectifier protects your devices from damage. It also helps your devices work well.

Tip: To find a diode in a circuit, look for a small arrow with a line at the tip. This symbol shows which way the current can go.

Types of Rectifiers

There are different types of rectifiers in electronics. Each type uses diodes in its own way. Some rectifiers have one diode. Others use two or four diodes. The number of diodes changes how well it works. You can see the main types in the table below:

Main Category	Subcategory
Types based on input voltage	Single phase rectifiers
	Polyphase rectifiers
Period of conduction	Half-wave rectifiers
	Full-wave rectifiers
	Centre tapped full-wave rectifier
	Bridge full-wave rectifier

A half-wave rectifier is simple and uses one diode. It gives DC power, but it is not very smooth. A full-wave rectifier uses two or four diodes. It gives better DC output. The bridge rectifier uses four diodes. It does not need a center-tapped transformer. There are also controlled and uncontrolled rectifiers. Controlled rectifiers use special diodes. These let you change the output. Uncontrolled rectifiers use normal diodes.

• Common rectifier types:

  • Half-wave rectifier

  • Full-wave rectifier

  • Bridge rectifier

  • Center-tapped rectifier

You pick the rectifier type based on what you need. If you want high efficiency, choose a bridge rectifier. If you want a simple circuit, choose a half-wave rectifier. Diodes are important in every rectifier. They control how much current flows and how smooth the DC output is.

Full Wave Rectifier

Definition

A full wave rectifier changes both parts of an AC signal into DC power. It works better than a half-wave rectifier because it uses the whole AC wave. There are two main types you will see. One is the center tap full wave rectifier. The other is the bridge rectifier. Look at the table below to see how they are different:

Type of Rectifier	Definition
Full Wave Rectifier	A rectifier that converts both halves of the AC waveform into DC, typically using two diodes.
Bridge Rectifier	A type of full wave rectifier that uses four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration to convert AC to DC.

The bridge rectifier is a special kind of full wave rectifier. Both types give better DC power than a half-wave rectifier.

Circuit Diagram

A full wave rectifier needs some important parts. You need diodes, a transformer, and a load resistor. Sometimes, you add a filtering capacitor to make the DC smoother. The table below shows the main parts you need:

Component	Description
Diodes	Two or four diodes direct current flow during both halves of the AC input.
Load Resistor	This part uses the DC power made by the rectifier. Its value changes how much current flows.
Filtering Capacitor	This part smooths out the DC output and lowers voltage ripple.

You can build a full wave rectifier in two ways. The center tap full wave rectifier uses a transformer with a center tap and two diodes. The bridge rectifier uses four diodes in a bridge shape. It does not need a center tap. The table below explains these two types:

Type of Rectifier	Description
Center Tap Full Wave Rectifier	Uses a tapped transformer with two diodes connected to the upper and lower parts of the circuit.
Full-wave Bridge Rectifier	Uses four diodes in a bridge pattern, so you do not need a center-tapped transformer.
Advantages	Gives higher average DC output voltage and less ripple than a half-wave rectifier.

Tip: If you want a simple design, pick a bridge rectifier. You do not need a center-tapped transformer.

Working Principle

A full wave rectifier uses both halves of the AC input. When the AC signal is positive, one set of diodes lets current go to the load. When the AC signal is negative, the other set of diodes works. This makes current always move in the same way through the load resistor. The output is a pulsing DC. You get more power and less ripple than with a half-wave rectifier. The bridge rectifier works almost the same but uses four diodes. It controls the current for both halves of the AC cycle. This gives you steady DC power and helps your devices work better.

Bridge Rectifier

Definition

A bridge rectifier helps change AC power into DC power. It uses four diodes set up in a bridge shape. This type works for both halves of the AC cycle. You get steady DC power no matter how the AC comes in. The bridge rectifier is useful for many projects.

• Four diodes make up the bridge rectifier.

• It gives current during both halves of AC.

• The output stays the same even if the input changes.

You pick a bridge rectifier because it does not need a center-tapped transformer. This makes your circuit easier and can save money.

Circuit Diagram

In a bridge rectifier circuit, you see four diodes, a transformer, and a load resistor. The diodes connect to form a bridge. The transformer lowers the AC voltage before it goes to the rectifier. The load resistor uses the DC power.

Component	Description
Diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4)	Four diodes set up in a bridge to change AC to DC.
Load Resistor (RL)	Resistor that uses the DC output.
Transformer	A step-down transformer lowers AC voltage before it gets rectified.

You do not need a center-tapped transformer for this rectifier. This makes building your circuit easier than using a full wave rectifier with two diodes and a center tap.

Tip: Always check how each diode is placed in your bridge rectifier. This helps the current go the right way.

Working Principle

The bridge rectifier lets current move through the load resistor during both halves of the AC cycle. When the AC is positive, diodes D2 and D3 let current pass. Current goes through the load resistor, giving a positive output. When the AC is negative, diodes D1 and D4 let current pass. Current still moves through the load resistor in the same way. This keeps the output steady.

1. Positive half: D2 and D3 let current flow through the load.

2. Negative half: D1 and D4 let current flow through the load the same way.

The bridge rectifier uses four diodes. A full wave rectifier with a center tap uses only two. You do not need a center-tapped transformer for the bridge rectifier. This makes it cheaper and easier to build. You get full-wave rectification with a simple design.

Key Differences

Circuit and Diodes

You can tell these rectifiers apart by their circuits. The bridge rectifier has four diodes in a bridge shape. The full wave rectifier with a center-tapped transformer uses two diodes. This changes how you build the circuit and how current moves.

Here is a table to help you compare:

Feature	Bridge Rectifier	Center Tapped Full Wave Rectifier
Number of Diodes	4 (D1, D2, D3, D4)	2 (D1, D2)
Circuit Complexity	More complex	Simpler
Output Waveform	Full wave output	Full wave output

You use more diodes in a bridge rectifier. You do not need a center tap on the transformer. This makes the bridge rectifier popular for many projects.

Transformer Use

How each rectifier uses a transformer is different. The full wave rectifier needs a center-tapped transformer. The bridge rectifier works with a step-down transformer. This makes the bridge rectifier easier and cheaper to build.

Look at the table below to see the difference:

Rectifier Type	Transformer Type	Transformer Utilization Factor (TUF)
Center Tapped Full Wave Rectifier	Center-tapped transformer	0.692
Bridge Rectifier	Step-down transformer	0.8106

A higher TUF means the transformer works better. The bridge rectifier uses the transformer more efficiently. This helps save space and money.

Voltage Drop

The voltage drop across the diodes is important. In a bridge rectifier, two diodes conduct during each half of the AC cycle. This causes a voltage drop of about 1.4 to 1.5 volts. In a full wave rectifier with a center tap, only one diode conducts at a time. The voltage drop is lower.

• The voltage drop in a bridge rectifier is about 1.4 to 1.5 volts.

• This happens because two diodes are always in the path.

If your transformer gives 5V rms, you get about 7V peak with no load. After the bridge rectifier, the peak voltage drops to about 5.5V. When you use current, the average DC voltage drops more. This shows how voltage drop affects your output.

Electronics-tutorials.ws says the DC voltage from a full-wave rectified AC is usually 0.9 times the RMS value. The rectifier always lowers the output voltage a bit.

Output and Efficiency

You want your rectifier to give smooth DC power and work well. Both the bridge rectifier and the full wave rectifier give a full wave output. The ripple factor for both is about 0.48. This means the DC output is pretty smooth.

Here is a table to compare efficiency:

Rectifier Type	Ripple Factor	Efficiency Description
Full Wave Rectifier	0.48	Standard efficiency, needs center-tapped transformer.
Bridge Rectifier	0.48	Higher efficiency, better transformer use, and compact design.

The bridge rectifier is special because it uses the transformer better. It does not need a center tap. This is important if you want a small and efficient design.

Tip: If you want a simple and space-saving circuit, pick the bridge rectifier. It is often the best choice.

Pros and Cons

Bridge Rectifier Pros and Cons

A bridge rectifier has many good points. It uses both halves of the AC signal. This means you get full-wave rectification. The DC output is more stable. Your circuit does not need a center-tapped transformer. This makes it smaller and simpler. You can use a bridge rectifier in lots of projects.

But there are some downsides too. Two diodes work at the same time. This causes a voltage drop of about 1.4 volts. Your output voltage can be lower. The design is harder than using one diode. If you use high current, heat can build up.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Gives full-wave rectification and better efficiency	Voltage drop of about 1.4V from two diodes
Works with both AC polarities	More complex than a single diode rectifier
Output voltage stays steady	Heat problems in high-current circuits

Tip: Pick a bridge rectifier if you want a reliable and efficient choice for most projects.

Full Wave Rectifier Pros and Cons

A full wave rectifier also has many benefits. It works better than a half-wave rectifier. The efficiency can reach up to 81%. You get more output power. The ripple factor is lower, so the DC is smoother. You can filter the output easily. Your devices get steady power.

There are some drawbacks to think about. You need more parts, like a center-tapped transformer and two diodes. The design is harder than a half-wave rectifier. Your circuit can be bigger and tougher to build.

Pros	Cons
Higher efficiency (81% vs 40%)	Needs more parts
More output power (4x)	Design is more complex
Lower ripple factor (0.48 vs 1.21)
Easier to filter the output

Note: Choose a full wave rectifier if you want smooth DC power and do not mind a harder circuit.

Applications

Bridge Rectifier Uses

You can find the bridge rectifier in many devices. It is popular because it gives steady DC power. It does not need a center-tapped transformer. Here are some ways people use it:

• Power supplies for computers and TVs. The bridge rectifier changes AC from the wall into DC for your device.

• Battery chargers. It helps charge batteries by turning AC into DC.

• Welding equipment. The bridge rectifier gives a steady DC output for smooth welding.

• Wind turbines. It changes the AC from the generator into DC for storage or use.

• Signal detection circuits. The bridge rectifier helps measure how strong AC signals are.

Tip: If you want an easy way to get DC power from AC, use a bridge rectifier.

Full Wave Rectifier Uses

You also see the full wave rectifier in many places. It works well when you need smooth DC power. Here are some common uses:

• Consumer electronics like TVs, radios, and computers.

• Power supply units for lights and server rooms.

• Industrial machines such as motor controllers and conveyor belts.

• Renewable energy systems, like solar panels and wind turbines.

• Automotive electronics for charging batteries and running systems.

• Audio amplifiers and DC motors, where steady DC voltage is important.

The full wave rectifier works better and has less ripple than a half-wave rectifier. This makes it good for sensitive devices.

Choosing the Right Rectifier

You should think about a few things before picking a rectifier. Use this table to help you choose:

Factor	What to Check
Voltage Rating	Make sure the rectifier can handle the highest AC voltage in your circuit.
Current Rating	Check that the rectifier matches your current needs.
Frequency	Confirm the rectifier works with your AC frequency.
Efficiency and Power Loss	Pick a rectifier with low power loss for better efficiency.
Application Needs	Choose a bridge rectifier for stable output or a full wave rectifier for simple designs.

You should also look at these things:

1. Voltage and current ratings. Pick a rectifier that can handle your circuit’s needs.

2. Switching speed. Fast diodes work better for high-frequency circuits.

3. Power dissipation. Make sure your rectifier can handle heat.

4. Package type. Think about the size and how you will mount it.

5. Environmental conditions. Choose parts that can survive heat, humidity, or chemicals.

Note: Always pick a rectifier that fits your project’s needs. This helps your device work safely and last longer.

Bridge rectifiers use four diodes. They need a higher voltage drop to work. Full wave rectifiers use two diodes and a center-tapped transformer. Bridge rectifiers make your circuit easier and cheaper. But they can get hotter and waste more power. Full wave rectifiers have lower voltage drops. They work better but are harder to set up.

• People often forget about voltage drop, heat, and circuit design.

• Always pick a rectifier that matches your project, parts, and how well you want it to work.

1. Keep your circuit cool.

2. Do not use too much power.

3. Check all the wires.

4. Add surge protection.

5. Follow the maker’s rules.

Pick the rectifier that works for your design. This keeps your electronics safe and working well.

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.

 

AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic   components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.

 

We mainly source and distribute integrated circuit (IC) products of brands such as Broadcom, Microchip, Texas Instruments, Infineon, NXP, Analog Devices, Qualcomm, Intel, etc., which are widely used in communication & network, telecom, industrial control, new energy and automotive electronics. 

 

Empowered by AI, Linked to the Future. Get started on AIChipLink.com and submit your RFQ online today!