Rectifier Trainer

NV6503

Operating Manual
Ver 1.1

141-B, Electronic Complex,

Pardeshipura, Indore- 452 010 India
Tel.: 91-731- 4211500
email: info@nvistech.com
Toll free : 1800-103-5050
NV6503

Rectifier Trainer
NV6503
Table of Contents

1. Introduction 3
2. Features 3
3. Technical Specifications 4
4. Theory 5
5. Experiments
Experiment 1 30
Study of Half-wave Rectifier
Experiment 2 34
Study of Full-wave Center-tapped Rectifier
Experiment 3 37
Study of Full-wave Bridge Rectifier
Experiment 4 40
To calculate the Ripple Factor and Efficiency of various Rectifiers
6. Datasheet 44
7. Warranty 45
8. List of Accessories 45

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Introduction
Rectifier Trainer NV6503 is a compact system designed to explain students very
first block of low voltage DC power supply. This board is useful for students to
understand Half-wave, Full-wave Center Tap, Full-wave Bridge Rectifier circuits and
their working.
This system includes various sections like Transformer section, Rectifier section,
Filter section and Load Section and is represented in such an easy way so that each
section can be studied individually and easily. The transformer section steps down the
voltage from 230 to 9 volt. Students can easily observe this transformation themselves
using test points provided. They can understand how step-down transformer works.
Rectifier section is converting this low AC to DC voltage. Here also students can
observe the change. They can understand two types of rectifiers- 1. Half-wave 2. Full-
wave (Center-Tap and Bridge Rectifiers) which are the main blocks of DC supplies.
Next is the Filter Section. Filter will remove AC component from rectifier output.
Next is the Load Section that contains a resistance required to calculate the DC load
current.

Features
Real time appearance of components
Test points are provided in different sections of power supply
Designed by considering all the safety standards
Provided with a briefly described manual
Low cost kit including many experiments
Two years warranty

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Technical Specifications

Mains Supply : 230V 10%, 50Hz

Transformer Rating : 9 V center tapped (300mA) approximately

Half-wave Rectifier Output
Center-Tapped Rectifier Output
Bridge Rectifier Output
Filter
Load
: +4V DC approximately
: +8V DC approximately
: +8V DC approximately
: LC Type
: Resistive
220 ohms, Watt

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Theory
It is a well known fact, that all the electronic devices (i.e. diodes, transistors,
integrated circuits etc.) and circuits require a constant DC voltage for their operation.
The DC voltage supplied from dry cells or batteries. But these are expensive as
compared to conventional regulated DC power supplies. The regulated DC power
supply is made by converting the domestic AC supply to DC supply. The essential
elements, which constitute a regulated DC power supply, are given below :
1. Transformer : Step-down transformer is used to step-down the high voltage
domestic AC supply to low voltage AC Secondly, AC power source is
electrically isolated from the rectifier circuit. It reduces the chances of getting a
shock.
2. Rectifier : A rectifier is a circuit, which uses one or more diodes to convert AC
voltage into pulsating DC voltage. It may be broadly categorized in the
following two types:
a. Half-wave Rectifier
b. Full-wave Rectifier : Full-wave Rectifier is again subdivided into
i. Center-tapped Rectifier
ii. Bridge Rectifier
3. Filter : The output of a rectifier contains DC component as well as an AC
component. The presence of an AC component is most undesirable and
therefore must be removed from the rectifier output. It is achieved by a circuit
called filter.
4. Voltage Regulator : The DC output voltage fluctuates (or changes) whenever
the AC input voltage or the load resistance varies above or below the normal
values.
This fluctuating DC voltage is removed by a voltage regulator. The voltage
regulator is connected between the filter and the load.

Block Diagram of a Regulated Power Supply system

Figure 1
Now firstly, a brief theory of transformer is given to understand its fundamental.
Transformers convert AC electricity from one voltage level to another with little loss
of power. Transformers work only with AC and this is one of the reasons why mains
electricity is AC.

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Step-up transformers increase voltage, step-down transformers reduce voltage. Most

power supplies use a step-down transformer to reduce the dangerously high mains
voltage (230V in India, UK and 110V in USA) to a safer low voltage. Secondly, we
require low volt DC i.e. 5, 9, 24 volt to operate an electronic device. So, it is required
to step down it into low value.
The input coil is called the primary and the output coil is called the secondary. There
is no electrical connection between the two coils, instead they are linked by an
alternating magnetic field created in the soft-iron core of the transformer. The two
lines in the middle of the circuit symbol represent the core.

Step down Transformer

Figure 2
Transformer waste very little power so the power out is (almost) equal to the power
in. Note that as voltage is stepped down current is stepped up.
The ratio of the number of turns on each coil, called the turns ratio or voltage
transformation ratio, determines the ratio of the voltages. A step-down transformer
has a large number of turns on its primary (input) coil which is connected to the high
voltage mains supply, and a small number of turns on its secondary (output) coil to
give a low output voltage.
Vs Ns
Turns Ratio = K
Vp Np
Vp = Primary (input) Voltage Vs = Secondary (output) Voltage
Np = Number of turns on Primary Coil Ns = Number of turns on Secondary Coil
Ip = Primary (input) Current Is = Secondary (output) Current

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This constant K is known as voltage transformation ratio.

i. If NS >NP i.e. K>1, then transformer is called step-up transformer.
ii. If NS <NP i.e. K<1, then transformer is called step-down transformer.
Again, for an ideal transformer,
Input Power = Output Power
VP IP = VS NS or
Vp Is 1
Vs Ip K
Hence, currents are in the inverse ratio of the (voltage transformation ratio).
Now the rectifier is explained in detail which will help you to understand the
Rectifier Trainer NV6503.
The rectifier is a circuit or a component, which is used in the initial stages of a DC
power supply. The DC power supply is essential for the operation of many electronic
devices and circuits. It converts AC into DC, but the DC output is varying. One or
more diodes are used for rectification. There are several ways of connecting diodes to
make a rectifier to convert AC to DC. The bridge rectifier is the most important and it
produces full-wave varying DC. There are three ways of connecting the diodes which
categorized the rectifier as shown below :

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Half-wave Rectifier:
Figure 3 (b) shows the half-wave rectifier circuit. It consists of a single diode in a
series with a load resistor. The input to the half-wave rectifier is an AC waveform as
shown in Figure 3 (a). The working of a half-wave rectifier circuit may be studied by
considering separately the positive and negative half cycles of the AC input voltage.

(a) (b)

(c)
Figure 3
During the positive half-cycle of the AC input voltage, the diode is forward biased
and conducts for all instantaneous voltages greater than the threshold voltage (0.7 V
for silicon and 0.3 V for germanium diodes). However, for all practical purposes, we
assume that the diode is forward biased, whenever the AC input voltage goes above
zero. While conducting, the diode acts as a short- circuit, so that the circuit current
flows and produces a voltage across the load resistor (RL). The voltage produced
across the load resistor has the same shape as that of the positive input half cycle of
AC input voltage as shown in Figure 3 (c). The waveform of diode current (which is
equal to load current) is also shown in Figure 3 (c).
During negative half-cycle, the diode is reverse biased and hence it does not conduct.
Thus, there is no current flow or voltage drop across load resistor (RL) i.e. iD = 0 and
VO=0. The net result is that only the positive half cycle of the AC input voltage
appears across RL. It means that only the positive half cycle of the AC input voltage is
utilized for delivering AC power. It is evident that output voltage (VO) is not a steady

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DC But it is pulsating DC wave having a ripple frequency equal to the input voltage
frequency. The waveform of output voltage can be seen on an cathode ray
oscilloscope (CRO) connected across RL. If we measure the output voltage (or output
current) by a multimeter, it will indicate some average positive value for both voltage
and current.
It is evident from the above discussion that as the circuit uses only one-half cycle of
the AC input voltage, therefore it is popularly known as a half-wave rectifier.
Average Values of Output Voltage and Load Current in a Half-Wave Rectifier :
Consider a half-wave rectifier circuit with a sinusoidal AC input voltage. We know
that instantaneous value of the sinusoidal AC input voltage is given by the relation,

V = Vmsin t Vm sin ... Q = t

Where Vm = Maximum value of the AC input voltage
It may be noted that in case of a transformer coupling, the equation of AC input
voltage would remain the same as given above. However, the maximum value of AC
input voltage (Vm) will represent the maximum voltage across the secondary winding
of the transformer.
Now let Im = Maximum value of diode current or load current. It is the current through
resistor RL.
Vdc =Average or DC value of output (or load) voltage across the load resistor,
and
Idc = Average or DC value of load current.

(a) (b)
Average values of output voltage and load current in a half-wave rectifier
Figure 4
Figure 4 (a) shows the waveform of an output voltage of a half-wave rectifier. It
indicates that there is an output voltage (varying sinusoidally) for a period from 0 to
and nothing for a period from to The average or DC value of the output voltage
is given by the relation,

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Area under the curve over the full cycle

Vdc
Base

v.d 1
0
= = Vm .sin.d
2 2 0
Vm V
= (-cos) 0 = m ( 1-(-1))
2 2
V
= m = 0.318Vm

The above expression indicates that the average or DC value of the output voltage is
31.8 percent of the maximum AC input voltage. This value is indicated by a broken
horizontal line in Figure 4(a).
The average or DC value of load current may be found by dividing the DC value of
output voltage (Vdc) by the value of load resistor (RL). Mathematically, the average or
DC value of load current,
Vdc Vm Im Vm
Idc ... . . . Im
RL . RL RL
0.318 Im
.

The above expression indicates that the average or DC value of the load current is
31.8 percent of the maximum load current. This value is indicated by a broken
horizontal line in Figure 4 (b).
Peak Inverse Voltage of a Diode in Half-wave Rectifier :
We know that during negative half-cycle of the AC input voltage, the diode in a half-
wave rectifier of Figure 3 is reverse biased. And it does not conduct. As a result of
this, there is no current in the circuit and hence no voltage drop across the load
resistance RL. Now, if we apply Kirchoff's Voltage Law to the circuit, then we find
that whatever be the voltage at the input, the same amount appears as a reverse voltage
across the diode. The maximum value of reverse voltage occurs at the peak of the
negative alternation of the input cycle, which is equal to Vm. This maximum reverse
voltage is called peak-inverse voltage (abbreviated as PIV). Thus, peak inverse voltage
of a diode in a half- wave rectifier,
PIV = Vm

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Full - wave Rectifier :

A full-wave rectifier is a circuit, which allows a unidirectional current to flow through
the load during the entire input cycle as shown in Figure 5. The result of full-wave
rectification is a DC output voltage that pulsates every half-cycle of the input. On the
other hand, a half-wave rectifier allows the current to flow through the load during
positive half-cycle only.

(a)

(b)

(c)
Full wave Rectifier, with input and output voltage waveforms
Figure 5

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There are two types of full-wave rectifiers namely center-tapped and bridge rectifier.
These are discussed in detail as follows.
Center-tapped Full-wave Rectifier :

Center-tapped Full-wave Rectifier

Figure 6
Figure 6 shows the circuit of a center-tapped full-wave rectifier. The circuit uses two
diodes, which are connected to the center-tapped secondary winding of the
transformer. The input signal is applied to the primary winding of the transformer. The
center-tap on the secondary winding of a transformer is, usually, taken as the ground
or zero voltage reference point. It may be noted that the voltage between the center-
tap and either end of the secondary winding is half of the secondary voltage, i.e,
V2
VS =
2
The operation of a center-tapped full-wave rectifier circuit may be studied as follows :
During the positive input half-cycle, the polarities of the secondary voltage are as
shown in Figure 7(a) this forward biases the diode D1and reverse-biases the diode D2.
As a result of this, the diode D1 conducts some current whereas the diode D2 is Off.
The current through load RL is as indicated in the figure.

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Operation of center-tapped full-wave rectifier

Figure 7
During the negative input half-cycle, the polarities of the secondary voltage are as
shown in Figure 7(b). This reverse-biases the diode D1 and forward-biases the diode D2.
As a result of this, the diode D1 is Off and the diode D2 conducts some current. The
current through the load RL is as indicated in the figure.
It may be noted that current through the load flows in the same direction, during both
the positive and negative portions of the input cycle. Therefore, the output voltage
developed across load RL is full-wave rectified DC voltage as shown in Figure 7(b).

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Ways of Drawing Full-wave Rectifier Circuit :

There are two ways of drawing the center-tapped full-wave rectifier circuit as shown
in Figure 8 and 9.
In Figure 8, the load resistor (R L ) is connected to the center-tap as indicated.

First way of drawing centertapped full-wave rectifier

Figure 8
Figure 9 shows another way of drawing the full-wave rectifier circuit. In this
circuit, the load resistor (R L ) is connected to the center-tap via the ground.

Second way of drawing center-tapped full wave rectifier

Figure 9

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Effect of Turns Ratio on Full wave Rectifier Output Voltage :

In a center-tapped full-wave rectifier, the voltage between center tap and either end
of secondary winding is half of the secondary voltage. However, the value of
secondary voltage depends upon the turns ratio (i.e., N2/N1) of the transformer. Thus,
if the transformer turns ratio is ' 1' (i.e., N2 = N1 =1), the primary and secondary
voltages are equal. Therefore, output voltage is equal to half of the primary voltage
(or secondary voltage).
Average Values of Output Voltage and Load Current in a Full-wave Rectifier :
Consider a center-tapped full-wave rectifier with a sinusoidal AC input voltage.
Let Vm = Maximum value of the voltage across each half of the secondary
Winding,
VS = The r.m.s. value of the voltage across each half of the secondary
winding,
Im = Maximum value of the load current,
Vdc = Average or DC value of the output voltage across the load resistor,
and
Idc = Average or DC value of the current through the load resistor (RL).

We know that the equation for the voltage across each half of the secondary winding
VS = Vm sin wt = Vm sin Q = t

Where VS = Instantaneous value of the voltage across each half of the secondary
winding.
We also know that the average or DC value of the output voltage,
Area under the curve over a half-cycle
Vdc =
Base

v . d Vm sin d
= 0 s = 0

1
= Vm . sin d
0
Vm V
Vdc = = (-cos) 0 = m + 1 - ( -1)

2 Vm
= = 0.636 Vm

It is evident from the above relation that the average value of a full-wave rectifier is
0.636 Vm and is shown in Figure 10. It may be noted that this value is twice that of a
half-wave rectifier.

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Average value of output voltage in a full-wave rectifier

Figure 10
We also know that the average or DC value of load current,
Vdc 2 Vm 2 Im
Idc
RL . RL
0.636 Im
It is evident from the above relation that average value of load current is 0.636 Im and
is as shown in Figure 11. It may be noted that this value is twice that of a half-wave
rectifier.

Average value of load current in a full-wave rectifier

Figure 11
Peak Inverse Voltage of a Diode in Center-tapped Full-wave Rectifier :
We know that each diode in a full-wave rectifier is alternately forward biased and
reversed biased. The maximum value of reverse voltage, which each diode must
withstand, is equal maximum secondary voltage (i.e., 2 Vm).
Consider the circuit of a center-tapped full-wave rectifier as shown in Figure 12.

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Peak-inverse voltage of a diode in center-tapped full-wave rectifier

Figure 12
It may be noted that when the secondary voltage (vs) has the polarity as shown in the
figure, the anode of the diode D1 is + Vm (where Vm is the maximum half secondary
voltage) and the anode of D2 is -Vm. Since D1 is forward biased, its cathode is at the
same voltage as its anode (neglecting barrier potential) i.e, + Vm. This is also the
voltage on the cathode of the diode D2. Therefore the total reverse voltage across the
diode D2
= Vm-(-Vm) = 2 Vm
Peak-inverse voltage of each diode in a center-tapped full-wave rectifier,
PIV= 2 Vm
Advantages and Disadvantages of Center-tapped Full-wave Rectifier :
A center-tapped full-wave rectifier has the following advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages :
1. The DC output voltage and load current values are twice than those of a half-
wave rectifier.
2. The ripple factor is much less (0.482) than that of a half-wave rectifier.
3. The efficiency is twice that of half-wave rectifier. For a full-wave rectifier,
the maximum possible value of efficiency is 81.2%, while that of half-wave
rectifier is 40.6%.
Disadvantages :
1. The output voltage is half of the secondary voltage.
2. The peak-inverse voltage (PIV) of a diode is twice that of the diode used in the
half-wave rectifier.
3. It is expensive to manufacture a center-tapped transformer, which produces equal
voltages on each half of the secondary winding.

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Full-wave Bridge Rectifier :

It uses four diodes connected across the main supply, as shown in Figure 13 (a). The
operation of the circuit may be studied as follows :

Bridge Rectifier Operation

Figure 13
When the input voltage is positive as shown in Figure 13 (b), the diodes D1 and D2
are forward biased and conduct some current in the direction as indicated in the
figure. A voltage is developed across the resistance R L due to the current flow
through it. The voltage looks like the positive half of the input cycle. At this time
the diodes D3 and D4 are reverse biased.
When the input voltage is negative as shown in Figure 13(c), the diodes D3 and D4
are forward biased and conduct some current in the same direction through R L
as during the positive half- cycle. During this time, the diodes D1 and D2 are
reverse biased. As a result of this action, a full-wave rectified output voltage is
developed across the resistance RL.
The bridge rectifier shown in Figure 13(a) is directly connected across the mains
supply. But in actual practice, the mains supply is applied through a transformer as
shown in Figure 14.

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Bridge rectifier with step-down transformer

Figure 14
Ways of Drawings a Bridge Rectifier Circuit :
There are two ways of drawing a bridge rectifier circuit as shown in Figure 15 and
Figure 16.
In Figure 15, the load resistor (RL) is connected to the points B and C of the diode
bridge as indicated.

First way of drawing bridge rectifier circuit

Figure 15
Figure 16 shows another way of drawing the bridge rectifier circuit. In this circuit, the
load resistor (RL) is connected to the point C of the diode bridge via the ground.

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Second way of drawing bridge rectifier circuit

Figure 16
Average Values of Output Voltage and Load Current in a Bridge Rectifier :
The average values of output voltage and load current are the same as for a center-
tapped full wave rectifier. The average values of voltage and load current for bridge
rectifier are :
2 Vm 2 Im 2 Vm
Vdc = and Idc
. RL

where Vm = Maximum value of secondary voltage.

Peak Inverse Voltage of a Diode in a Bride Rectifier :
Consider a bridge rectifier circuit as shown in Figure 17. The polarities of primary
and secondary windings correspond to the positive half cycle of the input. Under this
condition, the diodes D1 and D2 are forward biased. Therefore these diodes are
shown as shorted points in the figure.

Peak-inverse voltage of a diode in bridge rectifier

Figure 17
On the other hand, the diodes D3 and D4 are reverse biased and have a maximum
reverse voltage equal to the maximum secondary voltage (Vm). Thus, peak-inverse
voltage of a diode in a bridge rectifier,
PIV = Vm

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Bridge Rectifier :

A bridge rectifier has the following advantages and disadvantages :
Advantages :
1. It can be used, with advantage, in applications allowing floating output terminals
i.e., no output terminal is grounded.
2. The transformer is less costly as it is required to provide only half the voltage of an
equivalent center-tapped transformer used in a full wave rectifier circuit.
3. No center-tap is required on the transformer.
Disadvantages :
It has only one disadvantage that it uses four diodes as compared to two diodes
for center-tapped full-wave rectifier. But ready availability of low cost silicon diodes
has made it more economical despite its requirement of four diodes. Besides this, PIV
rating required of the diodes, in a bridge rectifier, is only half of that for a center-
tapped full-wave rectifier. This is a great advantage, which offsets the disadvantage of
using four diodes instead of two in a full-wave rectifier circuit.
Note : These days, the bridge rectifiers are so common that manufacturers are packing
them as a single unit with bakelite or some otter plastic encapsulation with external
connections brought out.
Frequency of Output in Half-wave and Full-wave Rectifiers :
Figure 18 (a) shows the waveform of an AC input voltage while Figure 18 (b) and (c)
shows the waveforms of a half-wave and full-wave rectifiers respectively.

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Frequency of output in half-wave and full-wave rectifier

Figure 18
It may be noted that frequency of half-wave rectifier output is the same as of its input,
i.e., fout = fin.
However, the frequency of full-wave rectifier is twice that of input, i.e., fout = 2fin.
Thus, in power supply applications, the AC power line voltage is of 50 Hz
frequency. Therefore, DC output voltage of a half-wave rectifier is 50 Hz. But DC
output voltage of a full-wave rectifier is 100Hz.

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Ripple Factor :
The output voltage (or load current) of a rectifier consists of two components namely]
DC component and AC component. The AC component present in the output is called a
ripple. As a matter of fact, the ripple is undesirable and accounts for pulsations in the
rectifier output. The effectiveness of a rectifier depends upon the magnitude of ripple in
the output. Smaller the ripple, more effective will be the rectifier. Mathematically, the
ripple factor,
The r.m.s. value of a.c. component of output voltage
=
The d.c. component of output voltage
V I
= r (rms) = r(rms)
Vdc Idc

where Vr (rms) = The r.m.s. value of the AC component of the output voltage.
Vdc = The average or DC value of the output voltage.
Ir(rms) = The r.m.s. value of the AC component of current, and
Idc = The average or DC value of the load current.
We know that the r.m.s. value of the rectified load current,
2 2
Irms = Idc + Ir(rms)

Dividing the above equation on both sides by Idc.

Id2 c + Ir(rms)
2 2
I rms I r(rms)
= = 1
Idc Idc I dc

Squaring and rearranging the above expression,

Ir(rms ) Irms
2

= 1
Idc I dc

Or
2
Irms
= 1
I dc
Now we will find out the ripple factor for half-wave and full-wave rectifier circuits
using the above relation.

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Ripple Factor of a Half-wave Rectifier :

We know that the average value of load current in a half- wave rectifier,
I
Idc = m ( i )

Where Im is the maximum value of load current
The r.m.s. value of the load current for a half-wave rectifier is given by,
Im
Irms = ( ii )
2
Substituting these values of Idc and Irms in the expression for ripple factor,
2
Irms 2 Im
= _1 = 2 _ 1 = 1.21
I dc Im

If ripple factor is expressed in terms of a percentage, its value is 121%. This indicates
that the amount of AC component present in the output of a half-wave rectifier is
121% of DC output voltage. Hence the half-wave rectifier is not very successful
in converting the current from AC to DC.
Ripple Factor of a Full-wave Rectifier :
We know that the average value of load current in a full-wave rectifier (either center-
tapped or bridge rectifier) is given by the relation,
I
Idc = 2 rms ( i )

The r.m.s. value of the load current for a full-wave rectifier is given by,
Im
Irms = ( ii )
2
Substituting these values of Idc and Irms in the expression for ripple factor,
2
2 Im 2
Irms _1 _ 1 = 0.482
= =
I dc 2Im

From the above result it is evident that the ripple factor of a full-wave rectifier is
0.482 and is much smaller than that of a half-wave rectifier. Because of this reason,
full-wave rectifier is used more commonly in actual practice.

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Efficiency of a Rectifier :
It may be defined as the ratio of DC power delivered to the load to the AC input
power from the secondary winding of the transformer. Mathematically, the rectifier
efficiency,
D.C. Power delivered the load
=
A.C. input power from the transformer secondary
(i)
P
= dc
Pac
where Pdc = Idc2 x RL
Pac = Irms2 (Rf + RL)
Where RL = Load Resistance, and
Rf = Forward resistance of a diode.
Substituting the values of Pdc and Pac in equation (i),
2
I R
= dc L
2
Irms ( Rf + RL)

Efficiency of a Half-wave Rectifier:

We know that the efficiency of a rectifier is given by the expression,
2
I R
= dc L (i)
2
Irms ( Rf + RL)
We also know that for a half-wave rectifier,
I I
Idc = m and Irms = m
2
Substituting the values of Idc and Irms in equation (i),
2
Im RL
=
2 Rf + RL
Im 2

4 RL
=
2 Rf + R L

0.406
=
R
1+ f
RL

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Now efficiency will be maximum, if RL >> Rf

= 0.406 or 40.6 %.
It shows that efficiency of a half-wave rectifier is 40.6% under the condition that the
value of load resistance is very large as compared to the forward resistance of a
diode (i.e., RL >> Rf). However, in actual practice, the efficiency is always less then
40.6 %.
Efficiency of a Full-wave Rectifier:
As we know that rectifier efficiency is given by the relation,
2
I R
= dc L (i)
2
Irms ( Rf + RL)

We also know that for a full-wave rectifier,

I Im
Idc = 2 m and Irms =
2
Substituting the values of Idc and Irms in equation (i),
2
2Im RL
=
2 Rf + RL
Im
2

8 RL
=
2 Rf + R L

0.812
=
R
1+ f
RL

Now efficiency will be maximum if RL >> Rf. Thus,

max = 0.812 or 81.2 %.
It shows that maximum efficiency of a full-wave rectifier is twice that of half-wave
rectifier. It means that a full-wave rectifier is twice as effective as a half-wave
rectifier.

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Comparison of Rectifiers :
The characteristics of the three rectifiers, which we have discussed previously are
summarized in the table below :
S. No. Item Half-wave Full-wave Rectifier
Rectifier

Center- Bridge
tapped
1. Number of diodes 1 2 4

2. Peak-inverse Vm 2 Vm Vm
voltage of diode

3. DC output 0.318 Vm 0.636 Vm 0.636 Vm

voltage

4. Ripple Factor 1.21 0.482 0.482

5. Ripple Frequency fin 2 fin 2 fin

Filters :
The output of a rectifier contains DC component as well as an AC component. The
presence of an AC component is most undesirable and therefore must be removed
from the rectifier output. It is achieved by a circuit called filter.

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Filter with Rectified Input and Filtered Output Waveforms

Figure 19
Figure 18 shows the concept of a filter, where the full-wave rectified output voltage is
applied at its input. The output of a filter is not exactly a constant DC level. But it
contains a small amount of AC component as well. Thus, a filter circuit may be
defined as a circuit, which removes (or minimizes) the unwanted AC component of
the rectifier output and allows only the DC component to reach the load.

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A filter circuit consists of passive circuit elements i.e. inductors, capacitors, resistors
and their combination. The filtering action depends upon the basic electrical
properties of passive circuit elements. An inductor allows the direct current to pass
through it but it blocks the alternating current. On the other hand, a capacitor allows
the alternating current to pass through it but it blocks the direct current. Some of the
important filters used in the field of electronics are as given below:
1. Inductor Filter
2. Capacitor Filter
3. Inductor-Capacitor or LC Filter
4. Filter
In NV 6503 Rectifier Trainer we have used LC Filter which is a combination of L
and C Filter as shown in Figure 20.

Figure 20
In an inductor filter, the ripple factor is directly proportional to the load resistance. On
the other hand in a capacitor filter, it is varying inversely with the load resistance.
Hence, if we combine inductor (L) and the capacitor (C), the ripple factor will
become almost independent of the load resistance. The LC filter is also known as
inductor input filter, choke input filter, L input filter or L-C Section.

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Experiment 1
Objective :
Study of Half-wave Rectifier.
Equipments Needed :
1. CRO
2. Digital Multimeter (DMM)
3. 2mm Patch cords
Procedure :
1. Make the connections on the Rectifier Trainer NV6503 as shown in Figure 21.

Figure 21

a. Connect output of transformer (0-9 Vrms) to the input of half-wave rectifier

i.e. connect TP1 and TP2 across TP4 and TP5 using 2mm patch cords.
b. Directly connect the output of rectifier to load i.e. connect TP6 and TP7
across TP19 and TP20.

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For using Filter, make the connections as shown in Figure 22.

Half-wave Rectifier with LC Filter

Figure 22
c. For using filter, connect output of half-wave rectifier to the input of filter i.e.
connect TP6 to TP15 and TP7 to TP16.
d. Now connect the output of filter to the load i.e.connect TP17 and TP18
across TP19 and TP20.
2. Connect the mains cord to the Rectifier Trainer and switch on the mains supply.
3. Now switch On the power switch of the trainer.
4. Connect CRO across TP1 and TP2 and observe the step down output of
transformer.

Waveform of Transformer Output

Figure 23
5. Connect CRO across TP19 and TP20 and observe the output which is a rectified
voltage waveform or pulsating DC.

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Waveform of Half-wave Rectifier

Figure 24
6. Measure output frequency on CRO and you will observe that in half-wave
rectifier, the output frequency is same as that of input.
fout = fin (50 Hz)
Calculation of Vdc:
7. With the help of CRO, you can also measure the maximum value of AC input
voltage,Vm.
Vm for half-wave rectifier can also be calculated by the formula,
Vm =Vrms x 2
(Note here Vrms is just half of Vm for the half wave rectifier case.)
8. Now calculate the average or DC value of the output voltage ,Vdc which is given
by
Vm
Vdc = = 0.318Vm

The above expression indicates that the average or DC value of the output
voltage is 31.8 percent of the maximum AC input voltage.
9. To measure DC output voltage(Vdc), you can also connect Digital
multimeter(DMM) across TP19 and TP20.
Note : Set the DMM at DC position of voltage.

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Calculation of I dc:
10. Now you can calculate the average or DC value of load current, Idc which is
given by
Vdc
Idc =
RL
where RL is the value of load resistor.
Vm Im
Idc = = = 0.318 Im
R L
The above expression indicates that the average or DC value of the output
current is 31.8 percent of the maximum load current .
11. To measure Idc you can also connect Digital multimeter(DMM) at TP6 or TP7
and TP19 or TP20.
Note :
To calculate Idc, remove the patch cord from TP6 or TP7 and TP19 or
TP20.
Set the DMM at DC position of current.

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Experiment 2
Objective :
Study of Full-wave Center-tapped Rectifier.
Equipments Needed :
1. CRO
2. Digital Multimeter (DMM)
3. 2mm Patch Cords
Procedure :
1. Make the connections on the Rectifier Trainer NV6503 as shown in Figure 25.

Full-wave Center-Tapped Rectifier

Figure 25
a. Connect output of transformer (9-0-9 Vrms) to the input of center-tapped
full-wave rectifier i.e. connect TP1 and TP3 across TP8 and TP9 using
2mm patch cords.
b. Directly connect output of center-tapped rectifier, TP10 and center-tap of
transformer TP2 across load i.e. TP19 and TP20.

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For using Filter, make the connections as shown in Figure 26.

Full-wave Center-Tapped Rectifier with LC Filter

Figure 26
c. For using filter, connect output of center-tapped rectifier to the input of
filter i.e. connect TP10 to TP15 and TP2 to TP16.
d. Now connect the output of filter to the load i.e.connect TP17 and TP18
across TP19 and TP20.
2. Connect the mains cord to the Rectifier Trainer and switch on the mains supply.
3. Now switch On the power switch of the trainer.
4. Connect CRO across TP19 and TP20 and observe the output which is a rectified
voltage waveform or pulsating DC.

Waveform of Center-tapped Rectifier

Figure 27
5. Measure output frequency on CRO and you will observe that in center-tapped
rectifier, the output frequency is double as that of input.
fout = 2fin (100 Hz approximately)

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Calculation of Vdc:
6. With the help of CRO, you can also measure the maximum value of AC input
voltage,Vm.
Vm for full-wave rectifier can also be calculated by the formula,
Vm = Vrms x 2
7. Now calculate the average or DC value of the output voltage ,Vdc which is given
by
2Vm
Vdc = = 0.636Vm

It may be noted that this value is twice that of a half-wave rectifier.
The above expression indicates that the average or DC value of the output
voltage is 63.6 percent of the maximum AC input voltage.
8. To measure DC output voltage(Vdc), you can also connect Digital
Multimeter(DMM) across TP19 and TP20. Note that it is half of the secondary
voltage(which is around 18V).
Note : Set the DMM at DC position of voltage.
Calculation of I dc :
9. Now you can calculate the average or DC value of load current, Idc which is
given by
Vdc
Idc =
RL
where RL is the value of load resistor.
2Vm 2I m
Idc = = = 0.636Im
R L
It may be noted that this value is twice that of a half-wave rectifier.
The above expression indicates that the average or DC value of the output
current is 63.6 percent of the maximum load current.
10. To measure Idc you can also connect Digital multimeter(DMM) at TP2 or TP10
and TP19 or TP20.
Note :
To calculate Idc, remove the patch cord from TP2 or TP10 and TP19 or
TP20.
Set the DMM at DC position of current.

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Experiment 3
Objective :
Study of Full-wave Bridge Rectifier.
Equipments Needed :
1. CRO
2. Digital Multimeter (DMM)
3. 2mm Patch Cords
Procedure :
1. Make the connections on the Rectifier Trainer NV6503 as shown in Figure 28.

Full-wave Bridge Rectifier

Figure 28
a. Connect output of transformer (0-9 Vrms) to the input of bridge rectifier
i.e.connect TP1 and TP2 across TP11 and TP14 using 2mm patch cords.
b. Connect the output of rectifier to the load i.e. connect TP13 and TP12
across TP19 and TP20.
For using Filter, make the connections as shown in Figure 29.

Full-wave Bridge Rectifier with LC Filter

Figure 29
c. For using filter, connect output of bridge rectifier to the input of filter i.e.,

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connect TP13 to TP15 and TP12 to TP16.

d. Now connect the output of filter to the load i.e.connect TP17 and TP18
across TP19 and TP20.
2. Connect the mains cord to the Rectifier Trainer and switch On the mains
supply.
3. Now switch On the power switch of the trainer.
4. Connect CRO across TP19 and TP20 and observe the output which is a rectified
voltage waveform or pulsating DC.

Waveform of Bridge Rectifier

Figure 30
5. Measure output frequency on CRO and you will observe that in bridge rectifier,
the output frequency is double as that of input.
fout = 2fin (100 Hz approximately)
Calculation of Vdc :
6. With the help of CRO, you can also measure the maximum value of AC input
voltage,Vm.
Vm for full-wave rectifier can also be calculated by the formula,
Vm = Vrms x 2
7. Now calculate the average or DC value of the output voltage ,Vdc which is given
by
2Vm
Vdc = = 0.636Vm

It may be noted that this value is twice that of a half-wave rectifier.
The above expression indicates that the average or DC value of the output

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voltage is 63.6 percent of the maximum AC input voltage.

8. To measure DC output voltage(Vdc), you can also connect Digital

multimeter(DMM) across TP19 and TP20.
Note : Set the DMM at DC position of voltage.
Calculation of I dc:
9. Now you can calculate the average or DC value of load current, Idc which is
given by
Vdc
Idc =
RL
where RL is the value of Load Resistor.
2Vm 2I m
Idc = = = 0.636Im
R L
It may be noted that this value is twice that of a half-wave rectifier.
The above expression indicates that the average or DC value of the output
current is 63.6 percent of the maximum load current.
10. To measure Idc, you can also connect Digital multimeter(DMM) at TP12 or
TP13 and TP19 or TP20.
Note :
To calculate Idc, remove the patch cord from TP12 or TP13 and TP19 or
TP20.
Set the DMM at DC position of current.

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Experiment 4
Objective:
To calculate the Ripple Factor and Efficiency of various Rectifiers.
Equipments Needed :
1. CRO
2. Digital Multimeter (DMM)
3. 2mm Patch cords
Ripple Factor of a Half-wave Rectifier :
Procedure :
1. Make the connections on the Rectifier Trainer NV6503 as shown in Figure 31.

Half-wave Rectifier
Figure 31
a. Connect output of transformer (0-9 Vrms) to the input of half-wave
rectifier i.e. connect TP1 and TP2 across TP4 and TP5 using 2mm patch
cords.
b. Now connect output of rectifier to the load i.e.connect TP6 and TP7 across
TP19 and TP20.
2. Connect the mains cord to the Rectifier Trainer and switch on the mains supply.
3. Now switch on the power switch of the trainer.
4. Connect CRO across TP19 and TP20.
5. Now by the formula of ripple factor, calculate its value.

Vrms 2
= 1
Vdc
6. Calculate Vrms for half-wave rectifier by the formula,

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Vm
Vrms =
2

(Note here Vrms is just half of Vm for the half wave rectifier case.)
7. Calculate Vdc as explained in experiment 1 under the topic Calculation of Vdc.
8. Now by formula of ripple factor, we can calculate ripple factor which will be
approximately 1.21.
Hence, ripple factor of half-wave rectifier expressed in terms of percentage is 121%.
Ripple factor of Full -wave Center-tapped Rectifier :
Procedure :
1. Make the connections on the Rectifier Trainer NV6503 as shown in Figure 32.

Figure 32
a. Connect output of transformer (9-0-9 Vrms) to the input of center-tapped
full-wave rectifier i.e. connect TP1 and TP3 across TP8 and TP9 using
2mm patch cords.
b. Now connect output of rectifier TP10 and center-tap of transformer TP2
across load i.e. TP19 and TP20.

2. Connect the mains cord to the Rectifier Trainer and switch on the mains supply.
3. Now switch on the power switch of the trainer.
4. Connect CRO across TP19 and TP20.
5. Now by the formula of ripple factor, calculate its value.

Vrms 2
= 1
Vdc

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6. Calculate Vrms for full-wave rectifier by the formula,

Vm
Vrms =
2
7. Calculate Vdc as explained in experiment 2 under the topic Calculation of Vdc.
8. Now by formula we can calculate ripple factor which will be approximately
0.482.
Hence, ripple factor of center-tapped expressed in terms of percentage is 48.2%.
Ripple factor of Full-wave Bridge Rectifier :
Make the connections on the Rectifier Trainer NV6501as shown in the Figure 33
and apply same procedure as for full-wave center- tapped rectifier.

Full-wave Bridge Rectifier

Figure 33
Now by formula we can calculate ripple factor of full-wave rectifier which will be
approximately 0.482.
Hence, ripple factor of bridge rectifier expressed in terms of percentage is 48.2%.
Conclusion :
It is concluded from the above result that the amount of AC component present in the
output of a half-wave rectifier is 121% of DC output voltage and that of a full-wave
rectifier is 48.2%. So ripple factor of full-wave rectifier is much smaller than that of a
half-wave rectifier. Hence, the half-wave rectifier is not very successful in converting
the current from AC to DC that is why, full-wave rectifier is used more commonly in
actual practice.

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Efficiency of various Rectifiers :

Efficiency of Half-wave Rectifier :
It is given by the formula
0.406
Equation ( i )
Rf
1
RL
where Rf = Forward resistance of a diode
RL= Load Resistance
Put the value of Rf and RL in the equation ( i ) given above.
Efficiency will be maximum, if RL >> Rf
Thus, max = 0.406 or 40.6 %.
It shows that efficiency of a half-wave rectifier is 40.6% under the condition that the
value of load resistance is very large as compared to the forward resistance of a diode
(i.e. RL >> Rf ). However, in actual practice, the efficiency is always less than 40.6%.
Efficiency of Full-wave Rectifier :
It is given by the formula
0.812
Equation ( ii )
Rf
1
RL
Where Rf = Forward resistance of a diode
RL= Load Resistance
Put the value of Rf and RL in the equation (ii) given above.
Efficiency will be maximum, if RL >> Rf.
Thus, max = 0.812 or 81.2%.
It shows that efficiency of a full-wave rectifier is 81.2% under the condition that the
value of load resistance is very large as compared to the forward resistance of a diode
(i.e. RL >> Rf). However, in actual practice, the efficiency is always less than 81.2%.
Conclusion :
It is concluded from the above result, that maximum efficiency of a full-wave rectifier
is twice that of half-wave rectifier. It means that a full-wave rectifier is twice as
effective as a half-wave rectifier.

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Data Sheet

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Warranty
1) We guarantee the product against all manufacturing defects for 24 months from
the date of sale by us or through our dealers. Consumables like dry cell etc. are
not covered under warranty.
2) The guarantee will become void, if
a) The product is not operated as per the instruction given in the operating
manual.
b) The agreed payment terms and other conditions of sale are not followed.
c) The customer resells the instrument to another party.
d) Any attempt is made to service and modify the instrument.
3) The non-working of the product is to be communicated to us immediately giving
full details of the complaints and defects noticed specifically mentioning the
type, serial number of the product and date of purchase etc.
4) The repair work will be carried out, provided the product is dispatched securely
packed and insured. The transportation charges shall be borne by the customer.

List of Accessories
1. Mains Cord....1 No.
2. Patch cord (2mm).8 Nos.
3. Operating Manual......1 No.
4. Accessories Bag.1 No.

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