The primary function of a rectifier in an alternating current (AC) circuit is to convert AC voltage into direct current (DC) voltage.

A rectifier is an electrical device that transforms alternating current, which periodically reverses its direction, into direct current, which flows consistently in one direction. This conversion is essential for numerous electronic devices that require a stable DC voltage for operation. Rectifiers are primarily constructed using diodes, which are semiconductor components that permit current to flow in a single direction only.

There are two main types of rectifiers: half-wave rectifiers and full-wave rectifiers.

• A half-wave rectifier employs a single diode to convert AC voltage into DC voltage. However, the output of a half-wave rectifier tends to be quite rough and exhibits significant ripple.

• In contrast, a full-wave rectifier utilizes four diodes to achieve the same conversion. The output from a full-wave rectifier is considerably smoother compared to that from a half-wave rectifier, resulting in reduced ripple.

Rectifiers play a crucial role in a variety of electronic devices, including power supplies, radios, televisions, and computers. Without rectifiers, these devices would be unable to operate effectively. Additionally, rectifiers are widely used in various industrial applications, such as welding, electroplating, and battery charging.