Hello, readers welcome to the new post. In this post, we will discuss What is a Rectifier Diode. The rectifier diode is a device that is used for the conversion of ac to dc current. There are different types of applications of rectifier diodes like power supplies, chargers, welding machines, etc. Diode comes with two pinouts anode and a cathode. An anode is positive and the cathode is negative. So let’s get started with a diode rectifier.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Rectifier Diode
- Working Principle of Rectifier Diode
- Types of Rectifier Diodes
- Half-wave Rectifier Diode
- Full-wave Rectifier Diode
- Bridge Rectifier Diode
- Symbol of Rectifier Diode
- Applications of Rectifier Diode
- Power Supplies
- Battery Chargers
- Welding Machines
- Audio Equipment
- Voltage Multipliers
- Voltage Regulators
- Advantages of Rectifier Diode
- Disadvantages of Rectifier Diode
- Which rectifier is used most
- Forward Biased Diode
- Reverse Biased Diode
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction to Rectifier Diode
- The rectifier diode is a semiconductor component used to convert ac to dc current. During ac to dc, the conversion negative half cycle of ac is blocked, and the positive converted into dc
- The rectifier diode has a Pn junction which helps the current flow in one direction. These diodes are the main parts of power sources, rectifier circuits, and switching applications
Working Principle of Rectifier Diode
- The working principle of the rectifier diode is based on features of PN Junction to allow current flow in one direction and block current in a reverse direction
- If AC voltage is given to the diode current flows in one direction for a positive half cycle and is blocked for a negative half cycle. That results in dc voltage at the output of a diode
Types of Rectifier Diodes
- There are three types of rectifiers
- Half Wave Rectifier
- Full Wave Rectifier
- Bridge Rectifier
1. Half-wave Rectifier Diode
- It is a simple type of half wave rectifier circuit. That consists of one diode which operates during the positive half of ac cycle and blocks it during the negative half cycle
- The output voltage of half wave rectifier is pulsating dc volts which has a frequency of half input ac volts
2. Full-wave Rectifier Diode
- The full wave rectifier diode consists of four diodes and converts the complete ac wave to dc. Two of its diode operate during the positive half and the other two for the negative half.
- The output full wave rectifier is smooth dc volts which have a frequency equal to the input of ac volts
Bridge Rectifier Diode
- The bridge diode is a very commonly used rectifier circuitry. It comprises four diodes which are configured in a bridge-like structure. The bridge rectifier transforms complete AC volts to dc volts and the output is smooth dc volts which has a frequency equal to the input ac volts
Symbol of Rectifier Diode
- The symbol of the rectifier diode consists of the arrow that directs the direction of the current flow. The arrow is normally lies at the anode side
What are the Applications of Rectifier Diodes?
- Some common applications of rectifier diode are listed here
1.Power Supplies
- The common application of diode in power supply. Ac voltage transformed dc voltage with use of rectifier circuitry that uses one or more rectifier diodes
2. Battery Chargers
- These diodes are also used in battery charges to ac to dc conversion that is used for battery charging
3. Welding Machines
- These diodes are also part of welding machines for rectification that provides the power to welding devices
4. Audio Equipment
- This diode is part of audio devices to make dc voltage for amplifier circuits
5. Voltage Multipliers
- These diodes are also part of voltage amplifier circuits that can help to increase the voltage magnitude
6. Voltage Regulators
- Voltage regulators also use rectifier diodes to regulate of the output level of the power source
Advantages of Rectifier Diode
- Some advantages of rectifier didoes are listed here
- It is a highly efficient diode
- It is the less expensive diode
- It uses less power
- Its construction is simple and easy
Disadvantages of Rectifier Diode
- Some disadvantages are explained here
- It has a high value of ripple voltage
- it has limited current and voltage ratings
- It has limited operating temperature values
Which Rectifier is Used Most?
- A Silicon rectifier diode is a commonly used rectifier diode. This diode has high ratings and low power leakage current than other types of rectifier diodes.
- Silicon rectifier diode has high temperatures tolerance and larger working life so it is the best option for different applications
What Does the Diode Rectifier Symbol Do?
- The diode rectifies symbol is used for representing the diode in circuits. The symbol has a triangle pointing to the line that denotes the direction of the current flow.
- The line tat end of the triangle denotes the anode of the diode and the line at the other end denotes the cathode. The symbol has important since it helps engineers to define the location of the diode in the circuit.
Ratings of a Rectifier Diode
- There are different values of rating of rectifier diodes that define their features and other parameters. So rating parameters are explained here
- Peak inverse voltage (PIV): It is the maximum voltage that can be provided in the reverse direction before the diode gets to break down. It is also known as maximum reverse voltage.
- Average forward current (IF(AV)): It is the average current that which diode can easily carry in a forward direction without getting overheating
- Surge current (IFSM): It is the highest current that which diode can handle for a short time interval without getting damaged. It is also called peak forward surge current
- Forward voltage drop (Vf): It is voltage loss about the diode when it is conducting current in the forward direction. Its value is about 0.5V to 1.5V in the case of the silicon rectifier diode
- Junction temperature (Tj): It is the highest temperature that the junction of the diode can handle
- Reverse recovery time (trr): It is time taken by the diode to witch forward a biased state to reverse a biased state. This parameter is considered for high-frequency switching applications
Forward Biased Rectifier Diode
- In forward biased circuit diode is connected in the forward direction and dc volts are applied to it. This voltage is known as biased voltage or forward voltage.
- The forward bias voltage causes the diode to flow current in the forward direction and voltage drop across it.. The value of forward voltage loss depends on the diode type and the current flowing across it
Reverse Biased Diode
- In the reverse biased circuit, the diode is connected in the reverse direction which means the positive of the diode is with the negative of the battery and the negative of the diode with the positive of the battery.
- The voltage applied in this state is called reverse bise voltage. That causes the diode to block current in the reverse direction and store charge in the junction. The value of revere bias voltage depends on the diode connected
What are the Popular Rectifier Diodes?
- The popular rectifier diodes are explained here
| Diode | Maximum Voltage | Maximum Current | Maximum Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4001 | 50V | 1A | 1MHz |
| 1N4002 | 100V | 1A | 1MHz |
| 1N4003 | 200V | 1A | 1MHz |
| 1N4004 | 400V | 1A | 1MHz |
| 1N4005 | 600V | 1A | 1MHz |
| 1N4006 | 800V | 1A | 1MHz |
| 1N4007 | 1000V | 1A | 1MHz |
| 1N5400 | 50V | 3A | 100kHz |
| 1N5401 | 100V | 3A | 100kHz |
| 1N5402 | 200V | 3A | 100kHz |
| 1N5404 | 400V | 3A | 100kHz |
| 1N5406 | 600V | 3A | 100kHz |
| 1N5408 | 1000V | 3A | 100kHz |
| 1N5820 | 20V | 3A | 1MHz |
| 1N5821 | 30V | 3A | 1MHz |
| 1N5822 | 40V | 3A | 1MHz |
| 1N5824 | 60V | 3A | 1MHz |
| 1N5825 | 80V | 3A | 1MHz |
| 1N5829 | 120V | 3A | 1MHz |
How to Test a Rectifier Diode?
- The testing process of the diode is important and needs some steps that are explained here
- First off the power supply from the circuitry and remove the diode from the board
- Adjust the digital multimeter to diode testing mode. If your multimeter does not have diode testing mode then set it to measure resistance
- Connect the positive terminal of the multimeter with the positive of the diode and the negative with the cathode of the diode
- Now record the values on the multimeter. If the diode is operating well reading should be 0.5 and 0.8 volts for silicone and for germanium 0.2 and 0.4 volts
- Reverse the leads on the meter and again note the reading. Now values should be infinite which shows that there is no reverse current flowing
- If readings are not lie in above mentioned readings then the diode can be faulty.
Conclusion:
Rectifier diodes are very important components in electronic devices and circuits. They are used for the conversion of ac to dc current. Its circuit learning and understanding of its working is important for electronic projects
Related Posts
Difference between normal Rectifier Diode and Schottky diode
FAQs
Write the Purpose of a Rectifier Diode.
It uses or ac to dc conversion by blocking negative half cycles of the ac waveform.
What is the symbol of a rectifier diode?
The symbol of the rectifier diode is a triangle having a line at the base. The line at the base denotes a cathode that is the negative pin of the diode
What are the types of rectifier diodes?
There are two main types of rectifier diodes half-wave and full-wave rectifiers.
What are the advantages of rectifier diodes?
The main advantages of rectifier diodes are their low cost, small size, and easy structure.
