# Fullwave rectifier using PN junctions

A half wave rectifier output depends on the filter capacitor for a long duration to provide DC output. This results in larger ripple and not suitable for higher current. A fullwave rectifier solves this by providing output for both negative and positive halfcycles. However it requires two out of phase AC inputs, generally provided by a transformer with a center tap.

# Objective

Make a full wave rectifier, using two diodes. Two AC waveforms, differing by 180 degree in phase, are provided by the WG and ‒WG outputs.

# Procedure

- Make connections on a breadboard
- Enable A1, A2 and A3
- Set WG to 1000Hz and adjust timebase to view 4 to 5 cycles

# Discussion

Adding capacitors to reduce the ripple is left as an exercise to the user. This experiment is only to demonstrate the working of a full wave rectifier, it cannot provide more than few milli amperes of current.

Why full-wave rectifier is superior to half-wave rectifier ?