What are types of rectifier

There are two types of rectifier:

These are –

(i) Half-wave rectifier

(ii) Full-wave rectifier

(i) Half-wave rectifier: The half wave rectifier is a type of rectifier which converts half of the AC input signal (positive half cycle) into pulsating DC output signal and the remaining half signal (negative half cycle) is blocked or lost. In half wave rectifier circuit, we use only a single diode.

Figure: Half-wave rectifier

(ii) Full wave rectifier: The full wave rectifier is a type of rectifier which converts the full AC input signal (positive half cycle and negative half cycle) to pulsating DC output signal. Unlike the half wave rectifier, the input signal is not wasted in full wave rectifier. The efficiency of full wave rectifier is high as compared to the half wave rectifier.

Figure: Full-wave rectifier