ABSTRACT
A circuit that converts AC to DC is called a rectifier. Because this rectifier produces current only from the positive cycle, it is called a half-wave rectifier.
The circuit below rectifies AC by using a bridge of four diodes:
During the positive half-cycle, diodes D1 and D2 are forward biased, so they conduct. Diodes D3 and D4 are reverse biased and do not conduct. Current flows through the load as shown in the next diagram.
