1

INTRODUCTION
Most electronic equipment requires the use of dc voltage to operate properly.
Since most equipment is connected to the 240 ac power line, this ac voltage
must somehow be converted to the required dc voltage. This can be achieved
through the use of a rectifier circuit. There are two types of rectifier circuits,
namely the half-wave rectifier circuit and the full-wave rectifier circuit.
The unfiltered output from a rectifier circuit is a pulsating dc voltage.
For most applications, this dc voltage must be filtered or smoothed if it is to
be useful. One way to smooth out the pulsations in this dc voltage is to
connect a capasitor at the output of the rectifier circuit. The filtered output is a
ripple dc voltage whose degree of flatness depends on both the capasitance
of the capasitor and the resistance of the load.
In this experiment, we examine the half-wave rectifier circuit and the
bridge rectifier circuit ( a full-wave rectifier circuit ). For each, we investigate
the effect on the output of including capasitor in the rectifier circuit. We also
inspect the effect on the output of varying the capasitance of the capasitor and
resistance of the load.

THEORY OF RECTIFIER CIRCUIT AND

FILTERING

A) PRELIMINARIES

Before we proceed to the theory of rectifier circuit and filtering, we review

some fundamental facts about diode and capacitor.
DIODE
1. A diode is a near-unidirectional electronic device that allows current to
flow through it easily in one direction and impedes current to flow
through it in the opposite direction.
2. Fig. 1 shows the schematic symbol of a diode. Its two terminals are
known as anode and cathode respectively. The diode allows conventional
current to flow through it easily from anode to cathode but impedes
current to flow through it from cathode to anode.

Figure 1 Schematic symbol of a diode.

3. When the anode is maintained at a positive potential with respect to the

cathode, the diode is said to be in forward bias and current flow is easy.
When the cathode is maintained at a positive potential with respect to the
anode, the diode is said to be in reverse bias and current flow is difficult.
4. Fig. 2(b) shows the voltage-current characteristic of a diode where V and
I are defined as in fig. 2(a).

(a)
Figure 2 (a) Definition of Vand I.

(b)
(b) Voltage-current characteristic of a diode.

5. When analyzing diode circuit, we often model a diode as an ideal diode

defined by the voltage-current characteristic shown in fig. 3 and
summarized as below:
For all V 0, I = 0
For all I 0, V = 0
( Equation 1 )

(a)
Figure 3 (a) Ideal diode.

(b)
(b) Voltage-current characteristic of an ideal diode.

6. To facilitate our analysis and yet keep it quite accurate, we will model a
diode as shown in fig. 4 and summarized as below:
For all V VB, I = 0
For all I 0, V = VB
( Equation 2)
VB is known as the potential barrier of the diode.

Figure 4 (a) Second model of a diode.

(b) Voltage-current characteristic of the second model of a diode.

7. It is an immediate result that our model is equivalent to an ideal diode in

series with an ideal voltage source VB as shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 5 Equivalent of the second model of a diode.

CAPASITOR
1. A capasitor is formed by a pair of conductors seperated by an insulator (
also known as dielectric ). It can charge or discharge in a circuit when the
voltage across it varies.

2. Fig. 6 shows the schematic symbol of a capasitor.

Figure 6 Schematic symbol of a capasitor.

3. The capasitance C of a capasitor, refering to fig. 7 is defined as

C = Q / V AB
( Equation 3 )
where Q 0 is the net charge on one of the conductors.

Figure 7 Definition of capasitance. Q 0.

4.

A number n of capasitors in parallel, each with capasitance C1, C2, ... ,

Cn, are equivalent to a single capasitor with capasitance
n

C eq = Ci

( Equation 4 )

i=1

as shown in fig. 8.
Derivation:
Suppose Ci has charge Qi and voltage Vi. Since all the capasitors are
parallel, we have for all i, Vi = V i.e. Qi / Ci = V. Hence from the property
of fractions that if a / b = c / d = f, then ( a + c ) / ( b + d ) = f, we have
Qi / C i = V
Q / Ci = V
where Q = Qi
Ci = Q / V
From the last relation, we see that Ceq = Ci.

Fig 8 Equivalent capasitor for capasitors in parallel.

5.

In fig. 9(a), the capasitor has a voltage V0 initially. At time t = 0, the

switch is closed and the capasitor starts to discharge through the resistor
as in fig. 9(b). After time t, the voltage of the capasitor, V, is given by
V = V0exp[-t / (RC)]
( Equation 5 )
Derivation:
After a time t, we have Q = CV and V = IR.
Differentiating Q = CV with respect to t and substituting dQ / dt = - I
= - V / R, we have
- V / R = C dV / dt
i.e. dV / V = - dt / ( CR )
which upon integration from t = 0 to t = t and after some manipulation
gives
V = V0exp[-t / (RC)]

Figure 9 (a) The capasitor-resistor circuit before the switch is closed.

(b) The capasitor-resistor circuit after the switch is closed.

6. We call = RC the time constant or the relaxation time.

7. It is an immediate result from eq. 5 that the time constant or the
relaxation time is the time from t = 0 taken for the capasitor to discharge
to a voltage of 1/e of its original voltage V0.

(B) RECTIFIER CIRCUIT

HALF-WAVE RECTIFIER CIRCUIT
1. The circuit shown in fig. 10 is called a half-wave rectifier circuit.

Figure 10 Half-wave rectifier circuit.

T is a step down transformer with a turns ratio of Np : Nswhich transforms

the primary sinusoidal voltage of rms value Vp and frequency fp to the
secondary sinusoidal voltage of rms value Vs and frequency fs
according to the relations
Vs / Vp = Ns / Np
( Equation 6 )
and
f s = fp
( Equation 7 )
Vs is the value that would be measured if a ac voltmeter were placed
across the secondary.
The peak secondary voltage Vs(pk) is given by
3.
Vs(pk) = 2Vs
( Equation 8 )
4. Fig. 11 shows the waveform of the secondary voltage.
2.

Figure 11 Waveform of the secondary voltage.

5. During the positive alternation of the secondary voltage, the diode D is

forward biased and a current flows in the load R. Fig. 12 shows the
equivalent circuit of the circuit in fig. 10 at the instant the secondary
voltage is at its positive peak value Vs(pk).

Figure 12 Equivalent circuit of the half-wave rectifier circuit at the instant the secondary voltage
is at its positive peak value.

Using Kirchhoffs Voltage Law,

Vo(t)(pk) = Vs(pk) - VB
( Equation 9 )
6. During the negative alternation of the secondary voltage, the diode D is
reverse biased and no current flows in the load R. The diode acts like an
open switch. Hence Vo(t) = 0.
Therefore, the output voltage Vo(t) is a series of positive pulses as shown
7.
in fig. 13.

Figure 13 Waveform of the output voltage.

Note that the frequency of Vo(t), fo = fs = fp.

( Equation 10)
8. The average dc voltage across the load R is given by
VL(dc) = Vo(t)(pk) /
( Equation 11)
VL(dc) is the value that would be measured if a dc voltmeter were placed
across the load R.
9. The average dc current through the load R is given by
I L(dc) = VL(dc) / R
( Equation 12)
IL(dc) is the value that would be measured if a dc ammeter were placed in
series with the load R.
10. The average dc current through the diode D is given by
I D(dc) = IL(dc)
( Equation 13)
11. Fig. 14 shows the equivalent circuit of the circuit in fig. 10 at the instant
the secondary voltage is at its negative peak value -Vs(pk).

Figure 14 Equivalent circuit of the half-wave rectifier circuit at the instant the secondary voltage
is at its negative peak value.

Using Kirchhoffs Voltage Law, the peak inverse voltage

PIV = -Vs(pk)
( Equation 14 )
In order that the diode is not damaged, we must have
| PIV | < peak inverse voltage rating.

FULL-WAVE RECTIFIER CIRCUIT

1. The circuit shown in fig. 15 is called a bridge rectifier circuit.

Figure 15 Bridge rectifier circuit.

T is a step down transformer with a turns ratio of Np : Nswhich transforms

the primary sinusoidal voltage of rms value Vp and frequency fp to the
secondary sinusoidal voltage of rms value Vs and frequency fs
according to the relations
Vs / Vp = Ns / Np
( Equation 15)
and
f s = fp
( Equation 16)
Vs is the value that would be measured if a ac voltmeter were placed
across the secondary.
The peak secondary voltage Vs(pk) is given by
3.
Vs(pk) = 2Vs
( Equation 17)
4. Fig. 16 shows the waveform of the secondary voltage.
2.

Figure 16 Waveform of the secondary voltage.

5.

During the positive alternation of the secondary voltage, the diodes D2 and
D3 are forward biased and a current flows in the load R. Note that the
diodes D1 and D4 are reverse biased and act like open switches. Fig. 17
shows the equivalent circuit of the circuit in fig. 15 at the instant the
secondary voltage is at its positive peak value Vs(pk).

Figure 17 Equivalent circuit of the full-wave rectifier circuit at the instant the secondary voltage
is at its positive peak value.

Using Kirchhoffs Voltage Law,

Vo(t)(pk) = Vs(pk) - 2VB

5.

( Equation 18)

During the negative alternation of the secondary voltage, the diodes D1

and D4 are forward biased and a current flows in the load R in the same
direction as during the positive alternation of the secondary voltage. Note
that the diodes D2 and D3 are reverse biased and act like open switches.
Fig. 18 shows the equivalent circuit of the circuit in fig. 15 at the instant
the secondary voltage is at its negative peak value -Vs(pk).

Figure 18 Equivalent circuit of the full-wave rectifier circuit at the instant the secondary voltage
is at its negative peak value.

Using Kirchhoffs Voltage Law,

Vo(t)(pk) = Vs(pk) - 2VB

7.

( Equation 19)

Therefore, the output voltage Vo(t) is a series of positive pulses as shown

in fig. 19.

10

11

Figure 19 Waveform of the output voltage.

Note that the frequency of Vo(t), fo = 2fs = 2fp.

( Equation 20)
8. The average dc voltage across the load R is given by
VL(dc) = 2Vo(t)(pk) /
( Equation 21)
VL(dc) is the value that would be measured if a dc voltmeter were placed
across the load R.
9. The average dc current through the load R is given by
I L(dc) = VL(dc) / R

( Equation 22)

IL(dc) is the value that would be measured if a dc ammeter were placed in

series with the load R.
10. The average dc current through each of the diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 is
given by
I D(dc) = IL(dc) / 2
( Equation 23)
11. Fig. 20 shows the equivalent circuit of the circuit in fig. 15 at the instant
the secondary voltage is at its negative peak value -Vs(pk).

Figure 20 Equivalent circuit of the full-wave rectifier circuit at the instant the secondary voltage
is at its negative peak value.

Using Kirchhoffs Voltage Law, the peak inverse voltage

PIV1 = - ( Vs(pk) - VB )
( Equation 24)
PIV4 = - ( Vs(pk) - VB )
( Equation 25)
Likewise, for the negative alternation of the secondary voltage,the peak
inverse voltage
PIV1 = - ( Vs(pk) - VB )
( Equation 26)
PIV4 = - ( Vs(pk) - VB )
( Equation 27)
In order that the diodes are not damaged, we must have
| PIV | < peak inverse voltage rating.

11

(C) FILTERING
HALF-WAVE RECTIFIER CIRCUIT FILTERING
1. Fig. 21 shows a half-wave rectifier circuit with a capasitor filter connected
at the output.

Figure 21 Half-wave rectifier circuit with capasitor filter.

2. Fig. 22 shows the waveforms of the secondary voltage and the

corresponding output voltage beginning from the instant the secondary
voltage is applied. The waveform of the output voltage is known as ripple
voltage.

12

13

Figure 22 (a) Waveform of the secondary voltage since the instant it is applied.
(b) Waveform of the corresponding voltage since the instant the secondary voltage is
applied.

Initially,during the first half of the first positive alternation of the

secondary voltage, i.e. from t = 0 to t = 1 / (4fs), the diode D is forward
biased and a current flows in the load R. At the same time, the capasitor C
charges to a maximum voltage of
Vo(t)(pk) = Vs(pk) - VB
( Equation 28)
4. Next, during the second half of the first positive alternation of the
secondary voltage, i.e. from t = 1 / (4fs) to t = 1 / (2fs), the diode D is
reversed biased due to the voltage of the capasitor C. It continues to be in
reverse bias during the first negative alternation of the secondary voltage.
It remains so for a portion of the first half of the second positive
alternation of the secondary voltage due to the voltage of the capasitor C.
In short, the diode D stays in reverse bias from t =1 / (4fs) to t = t0 as
depicted in fig. 22(b). During this time, the capacitor C discharges
through the load R causing a current flow in the load R. The output
voltage Vo(t) for this time interval is, by eq. 5,given by
Vo(t) = Vo(t)(pk)exp{-[t- 1/(4fs)] / (RC)}
( Equation 29)
At time t = t0, the positive-going secondary voltage is equal to the voltage
5.
of the capasitor C. The diode is again forward biased and a current flows
in the load R. At the same time, the diode charges again to a maximum
voltage of Vo(t)(pk) = Vs(pk) - VB at t = 5 / (4fs).
6. Then the cycle begins again as in point 4 above.
Note that the output voltage has a frequency fo = fs.
7.
The peak-to-peak ripple voltage, Vr(pp) is given by
8.
Vr(pp) = Vo(t)(pk){1- exp[-T / (RC)]}
( Equation 30)
where T = 1 / fo = 1 / fs is the period of the ripple voltage.
Derivation :
From fig. 22(b), it is clear that
3.

13

Vr(pp) = Vo(t)(pk) - Vo(t)(pk)exp{-[t0 - 1/(4fs)] / (RC)}

Since t0 5/(4fs), the result follows by noting that T = 1/ fs.
9. If the time constant = RC is large which is usually the case, eq. 30
simplifies to
Vr(pp) = Vo(t)(pk)T / (RC)
( Equation 31)
Derivation :
If RC is large,
exp[-T/(RC)] = 1 - T/(RC) + T2/(2!R2C2)- T3/(3!R3C3) + ..
1 - T/(RC)
Substituting into eq. 30 yields the result.
10.The rms ripple voltage, Vr(rms) is given by
Vr(rms) = Vo(t)(pk)T / (23RC)
( Equation 32)
Derivation:
The rms value of a triangular pulse is A/(23) where A = amplitude of
the pulse.
Since the ripple voltage is quite close to a triangular pulse, the result
follows by noting that Vr(pp) is twice the amplitude.
11.The average dc voltage across the load R is given by
VL(dc) = Vo(t)(pk) - Vr(pp)/2
( Equation 33)
and when RC is large, by
VL(dc) = Vo(t)(pk)[1- T/(2RC)]
( Equation 34)
Derivation:
The first result is immediate from fig. 22(b).
The second result is a consequence of eq. 30.
12.From eq. 30 and eq. 31, we see that if R increases or C increases, then
Vr(pp) decreases.
13.From eq. 32, we see that if R increases or C increases, then Vr(rms)
decreases.
14.From eq. 33 and eq. 34, we see that if R increases or C increases, then
VL(dc) increases.

14

15

FULL-WAVE RECTIFIER CIRCUIT FILTERING

1. Fig. 23 shows a bridge rectifier circuit with a capasitor filter connected at
the output.

Figure 23 Bridge rectifier circuit with capasitor filter.

2. Fig. 24 shows the waveforms of the secondary voltage and the

corresponding output voltage beginning from the instant the secondary
voltage is applied. The waveform of the output voltage is known as ripple
voltage.

15

Figure 24 (a) Waveform of the secondary voltage since the instant it is applied.
(b) Waveform of the corresponding voltage since the instant the secondary voltage is
applied.
3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.
9.

Initially,during the first half of the first positive alternation of the

secondary voltage, i.e. from t = 0 to t = 1 / (4fs), the diodes D2 and D3 are
forward biased and a current flows in the load R. Note that diodes D1 and
D4 are reverse biased. At the same time, the capasitor C charges to a
maximum voltage of
Vo(t)(pk) = Vs(pk) - 2VB
( Equation 35)
Next, during the second half of the first positive alternation of the
secondary voltage, i.e. from t = 1 / (4fs) to t = 1 / (2fs), the diode D2 and
D3 are reversed biased due to the voltage of the capasitor C. Note that
diodes D1 and D4 are still reverse biased.
During a portion of the first half of the first negative alternation of the
secondary voltage, diodes D1 and D4 are reverse biased up to t = t0 due to
the voltage of the capacitor C. Note that diodes D2 and D3 are reverse
biased now.
In short, the all the diodes stays in reverse bias from t =1 / (4fs) to t = t0
as depicted in fig. 24(b). During this time, the capacitor C discharges
through the load R causing a current flow in the load R. The output
voltage Vo(t) for this time interval is, by eq. 5,given by
Vo(t) = Vo(t)(pk)exp{-[t- 1/(4fs)] / (RC)}
( Equation 36)
At time t = t0, the negative-going secondary voltage is equal to the voltage
of the capasitor C. The diodes D1 and D4 are forward biased and a current
flows in the load R.Note that the diodes D2 and D3 are still reverse biased.
At the same time, the diode charges again to a maximum voltage of
Vo(t)(pk) = Vs(pk) - 2VB at t = 3 / (4fs).
During the second half of the first negative alternation of the secondary
voltage, D1 and D4 are reverse biased due to the voltage of the capacitor
C. Note that diodes D2 and D3 are still reverse biased.
During a portion of the first half of the second positive alternation of the
secondary voltage, diodes D2 and D3 are reverse biased up to t =
t0 + 1 / (2fs) due to the voltage of the capacitor C. Note that diodes D1 and
D4 are reverse biased now.

16

17

10.In short, all the diodes stays in reverse bias from t =3 / (4fs) to t =
t0 + 1 / (2fs) as depicted in fig. 24(b). During this time, the capacitor C
discharges through the load R causing a current flow in the load R. The
output voltage Vo(t) for this time interval is, by eq. 5,given by
Vo(t) = Vo(t)(pk)exp{-[t- 3/(4fs)] / (RC)}
( Equation 37)
11.At time t = t0 + 1 / (2fs), the positive-going secondary voltage is equal to
the voltage of the capasitor C. The diodes D2 and D3 are forward biased
again and a current flows in the load R. Note that the diodes D1 and D4
are still reverse biased. At the same time, the diode charges again to a
maximum voltage of Vo(t)(pk) = Vs(pk) - 2VB at t = 3 / (4fs).
12.Then the cycle begins again as in point 4 above.
13.Note that the output voltage has a frequency fo = 2fs.
14.The peak-to-peak ripple voltage, Vr(pp) is given by
Vr(pp) = Vo(t)(pk){1- exp[-T / (RC)]}
( Equation 38)
where T = 1 / 2fo = 1 / 2fs is the period of the ripple voltage.
Derivation :
As above.
15.If the time constant = RC is large which is usually the case, eq. 29
simplifies to
Vr(pp) = Vo(t)(pk)T / (RC)
( Equation 39)
Derivation :
As above.
16.The rms ripple voltage, Vr(rms) is given by
Vr(rms) = Vo(t)(pk)T / (23RC)
( Equation 40)
Derivation :
As above.
17.The average dc voltage across the load R is given by
VL(dc) = Vo(t)(pk) - Vr(pp)/2
( Equation 41)
and when RC is large, by
VL(dc) = Vo(t)(pk)[1- T/(2RC)]
( Equation 42)
Derivation:
As above.
18.From eq. 38 and eq. 39, we see that if R increases or C increases, then
Vr(pp) decreases.
19.From eq. 40, we see that if R increases or C increases, then Vr(rms)
decreases.
20.From eq. 41 and eq. 42, we see that if R increases or C increases, then
VL(dc) increases.
21.Note that for the same secondary voltage, the discharge time for the
capasitor C of a half-wave rectifier circuit is nearly twice that for the

17

capasitor C of a bridge rectifier circuit. Note also that for the same
secondary voltage, Vr(pp) and Vr(rms) of half-wave rectifier circuit are
respectively greater than Vr(pp) and Vr(rms) of a bridge rectifier circuit
whereas VL(dc) of half-wave rectifier circuit is less than VL(dc) of a bridge
rectifier circuit.

EXPERIMENT : RECTIFIER CIRCUIT

OBJECTIVES

In this experiment, we investigate

1. the half-wave rectifier circuit
2. the bridge rectifier circuit
3. the similarities and differences between the half-wave rectifier
circuit and the bridge rectifier circuit
4. the effect of filtering on the output of the rectifier circuit
5. the effect of varying the resistance and capasitance on the output
of the rectifier circuit
6. the similarities and differences between the responses of the halfwave rectifier circuit and the bridge rectifier circuit to the
actions in 4 and 5

EQUIPMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Electronic universal trainer

Set of leads
Set of bridging plugs
Multimeter
Oscilloscope

18

19

(A) HALF-WAVE RECTIFIER CIRCUIT

PROCEDURES
1. The center and the lower part of the printed circuit board of module
SO 4201-8D are used. The circuit is as below

Circuit for the half-wave rectifier circuit.

2. An ac voltage 13 V is applied to the input of the half-wave rectifier

circuit.
3. The values required to complete table 1 are determined using multimeter
and oscilloscope.
4. The output voltages given above the graticules are displayed on the
oscilloscope and sketched in the graticules. The experiment record beside
the graticules are completed.
5. The accompanying exercises are completed.

19

RESULTS
Table 1 Ue = 13 V , 50 Hz (36.8 Vpp)
UaAV (V)
RL ()
Multimeter
No-load
0
8.40
Without CL
150
6.86
Without CL
330
6.91
Without CL
1500
6.96
150
4.83
CL = 47 F
330
3.33
CL = 47 F
1500
1.11
CL = 47 F
150
3.43
CL = 100 F
330
2.04
CL = 100 F
1500
0.57
CL = 100 F
150
2.69
CL = 147 F
330
1.50
CL = 147 F
1500
0.39
CL = 147 F

UaS (V)
Scope
18.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0

UBrpp (V)
Scope
18.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
14.5
10.0
3.0
10.5
6.0
1.5
8.5
4.5
1.0

IL (mA)
Multimeter
0.00
0.52
0.53
0.54
2.45
2.46
2.46
2.45
2.45
2.45
2.46
2.46
2.46

1. Explain the operation of the half wave rectifier circuit with charge
capasitor and load resistance in the on state with reference to the
measurement circuit.
Answer:
The half-wave rectifier circuit with charge capasitor and load resistance
can be represented by the cicuit below.

Half-wave rectifier circuit with charge capasitor and load resistance.

20

21

The input and output voltages are as below.

The input and output voltages.

Initially, during the first positive alternation of the input voltage Ue, the
diode D is forward biased and a current flows in the load R. The
capasitor C charges to a maximum voltage of UaS. Then the diode D is
reverse biased up to t = t0 due to at first the voltage of the capasitor C and
then the negative alternation of the of the input voltage Ue and then again
the voltage of the of the capasitor C. During this interval, the capasitor
discharges through the load R and the output voltage drops exponentially
up to t = t0. UBrpp is the difference between UaS and the value of the output
voltage at t = t0. At t = t0, the positive-going input voltage is equal to the
voltage of the capasitor C, the diode D is again forward biased and a
current flows in the load R.The capasitor C again charges to a maximum
voltage of UaS. Then the cycle repeats as above. UaAV is the average dc
voltage across the load L whereas IL is the average dc current through the
load L.

2.

Graticule 1 : Ua without CL, with RL = 1.5 k

21

3. Graticule 2 : Ua with CL = 47 F, with RL = 1.5 k

4. Graticule 3 : Ua with CL = 100 F, with RL = 1.5 k

22

23

5. Graticule 2 : UBrpp with CL = 147 F, with RL = 1.5 k

6. Interpret the measurement results from your completed table and the
voltages observed using the oscilloscope.
Answer :
From the table and the voltages observed using the oscilloscope,we see that
(1) Irrespective of the capasitance and resistance, the peak output voltage

23

UaS is always the same and is slightly less than that of the input voltage.
(2) For a fixed RL, when CL increases, the peak-to-peak ripple voltage UBrpp
decreases.
(3) For a fixed CL, when RL increases, the peak-to-peak ripple voltage UBrpp
decreases.

BRIDGE RECTIFIER CIRCUIT

1. The upper part and the lower part of the printed circuit board of module
SO 4201-8D are used. The circuit is as below

24

25

Circuit for the bridge rectifier circuit.

2. An ac voltage 13 V is applied to the input of the half-wave rectifier

circuit.
3. The values required to complete table 1 and table 2 are determined using
multimeter and oscilloscope.
4. The output voltages given above the graticules are displayed on the
oscilloscope and sketched in the graticules. The experiment record beside
the graticules are completed.
5. The accompanying exercises are completed.

RESULTS
Table 1 Ue=13.90 V, 50 Hz (39.3 Vpp)
without filter element (short-circuit R1 with B6)
U1 (V)
U1
U2 (V)
U2
(Vpp)
Multi(Vpp)
RL () Multimeter
Scope
meter
Scope
0
2.00
21.0
1.50
21.0
without
150
5.51
17.0
5.51
16.5
CL
330
5.56
17.0
5.57
17.0

25

UBrpp
(V)
Scope
21.0
16.5
17.0

IL (mA)
3.00
2.76
2.80

CL:
10 F

CL:
47 F
Table 2

CL:
100 F

CL:
200 F

3.

1500
0
150
330
1500
0
150
330
1500

5.60
0.00
5.02
4.18
1.79
0.00
3.02
1.86
0.54

17.0
17.5
16.5
17.0
17.0
17.5
17.0
17.0
17.0

5.60
0.00
5.02
4.18
1.79
0.00
3.02
1.86
0.54

17.0
17.5
16.5
17.0
17.0
16.5
17.0
17.0
17.0

Ue=13.90 V, 50 Hz (39.3 Vpp)

without filter element (short-circuit R1 with B6)
U1 (V)
U1
U2 (V)
U2
(Vpp)
Multi(Vpp)
RL () Multimeter
Scope
meter
Scope
0
0.00
18.0
0.00
18.0
150
1.51
17.0
0.99
15.0
330
0.83
17.0
0.56
16.0
1500
0.22
17.0
0.15
17.0
0
0
18.0
0.00
18.0
150
1.38
17.0
0.61
14.0
330
0.76
17.0
0.34
15.5
1500
0.21
17.0
0.10
17.0

17.0
0.0
14.5
12.0
10.5
0.0
9.0
6.0
2.0

UBrpp
(V)
Scope
0.0
4.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
2.0
1.0
0.5

Graticule 1 : UBrpp ;without CL ,without filter element, RL = 150

26

2.75
2.72
2.50
2.62
2.53
2.48
2.47
2.47
2.47

IL (mA)
2.51
2.51
2.52
2.52
2.52
2.51
2.51
2.51

27

4.

Graticule 2 : UBrpp ;with CL = 57 F, with filter element, Cs =200 F,

R L=150

5. Explain the operation of the bridge rectifier circuit with charge capasitor,
filter element and load resistance in the on state with reference to the
measurement circuit.
ANSWER :
The bridge rectifier circuit with charge capasitor ,fiiter element and load
resistance is represented by the circuit below

27

Bridge rectifier circuit with charge capasitor ,fiiter element and load resistance

The input and output voltages are as follows

The input and output voltages

During the positive half of the input voltage, the diodes D2 and D3 is forward
biases and a current flows in the filter element F and the load R. The capasitor
C is charged to a maximum voltage which is the peak value for U1 displayed
by the oscilloscope. Just beyond the peak of the input voltage , the diodes D2
and D3 are reverse biased due to the voltage across capasitor C. That means
all the diodes are now shut off and the capasitor C discharges through the
filter element and the load exponentially. A similar process occurs during the
negative half of the input voltage. U2 is the output across the load only and is
equal to RV/(R+F) where V is the output voltage across both the filter and the
load. UBrpp is the difference between the maximum value and minimum value
of the output voltage across the load.

28

29

DISCUSSIONS
The result of our experiment is in agreement with our theory of rectifier
circuit and filtering. For instance, the waveform of the output voltages for
both the half-wave rectifier circuit and bridge rectifier circuit are as predicted
by the theory. Moreover the differences of these output as stated in the theory
are verified by the display on the oscilloscope. We also find that as the load
resistance and capasitance increase, the ripple voltage become less
significant. This is consistent with equations 30, 31, 38 and 39 presented in
the theory.

29

CONCLUSIONS
In this experiment, we have looked at the half-wave rectifier circuit and the
bridge rectifier circuit. The importance of diode as a rectifier has been
understood. So is the role of capasitor in filtering the output voltage to
produce a smoother output. The differences between the two types of
rectifications and the influence of the filtering capasitor and load resistance on
them have also been explored.

REFERENCES
The following references have been used
Mitchel E. Schultz : Electronic Devices, Macmillan / McGraw-Hill, 1994
Savant, Roden, Carpenter : Electronics Design, Addison-Wesley Publisher
Donald A. Neaman : Electronic Circuit Analysis and Design, Times Mirror
International Publishers
Floyd : Electronic Fundamentals : Circuits, Devices and Applications,
Prentice Hall
Floyd : Electronic Devices , 5th edition, Prentice Hall, 1996
Malvino : Semiconductor Circuit Approximations, Tata McGraw-Hill
Publishing Company, 1993

30

31

B. L. Theraja, A. K. Theraja : A Text-Book Of Electrical Technology,

Nirja Construction & Development Co. (P) Ltd, 1994
W. H. Hayt, Jr. : Engineering Electromagnetics 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill

31