Diode Applications and Rectifiers

Flashcards covering key concepts about diode applications, including rectifiers and clippers.

What is a half-wave rectifier?

A circuit that removes one-half of the input AC signal to establish a DC level.

During which interval is the diode in the ON-State for a half-wave rectifier?

From t = 0 to T/2 when the applied voltage is positive.

What happens during the interval T/2 to T in a half-wave rectifier?

The diode is in the OFF-State, resulting in zero output voltage.

How is DC voltage (Vdc) calculated for an ideal half-wave rectifier?

Vdc = 0.318 * Vm, where Vm is the peak input voltage.

What is the Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV) and why is it important?

The maximum reverse-bias voltage a diode can withstand; it must not be exceeded to avoid breakdown.

For a silicon diode in a half-wave rectifier, how is Vdc modified?

Vdc ≈ 0.318(Vm - VT), where VT is the forward voltage drop of the diode.

What process is referred to as full-wave rectification?

A method of rectification that improves the DC output from a sinusoidal input by using both halves of the waveform.

What is the average DC output voltage (Vdc) for an ideal full-wave rectifier?

Vdc = 0.636 * Vm for ideal diodes.

In a bridge rectifier, which diodes conduct during the positive half-cycle?

D2 and D3 conduct while D1 and D4 are in the OFF state.

For practical diodes in a full-wave bridge rectifier, how is Vdc calculated?

Vdc ≈ 0.636(Vm - 2VT), accounting for the voltage drop across the diodes.

What characterizes a centre-tapped transformer full-wave rectifier?

It uses two diodes with a centre-tapped transformer to provide output during both halves of the AC input.

How can clippers be defined?

Diode networks that 'clip' portions of the input signal without distorting the rest of the waveform.

What are the two general categories of clippers?

Series clippers, where the diode is in series with the load, and parallel clippers, where the diode is in a branch parallel to the load.