Bridge Rectifiers

When building electronic circuits, DC voltage is typically required for everything to operate properly. Bridge rectifiers are discrete semiconductors that convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) and are positioned within circuits to ensure the correct form of voltage is supplied. By positioning a rectifier diode like a bridge rectifier within any required circuits, you can be sure everything will function as it should.

We carry an extensive range of top-quality bridge rectifiers from the leading brands within the industry, including Vishay, SEMIKRON, and HVCA, to ensure you can get the exact components you need.

What is a rectifier?

A rectifier is an electrical device that converts AC into a DC by using one or more P-N junction diodes. There are a few different types of rectifier diodes that you can get to perform this function - one of those being a bridge rectifier.

Rectification is one of the most crucial applications of P-N junction diodes, changing AC into DC for operation within circuits. P-N junction diodes only allow the electric current to flow in the forwarding bias condition and blocks the current when in the reverse bias condition.

Because of this property where electric current can only move in one direction, it can act as a rectifier within a circuit. It's also why within circuit diagrams diodes are drawn with an arrow-shaped symbol that denotes the direction the current will flow in.

What is a bridge rectifier?

Bridge rectifiers are diode bridge circuits that convert AC into DC using four or more diodes arranged in the bridge circuit configuration. This conversion of current is a basic requirement for most electronic devices, with bridge rectifiers being a popular solution for this.

Bridge rectifiers are in the same class of electronics as half-wave rectifiers and full-wave rectifiers, and may sometimes be referred to as full-bridge rectifiers due to the fact they allow for full-wave rectification. When used within a diode rectifier circuit, the output wave generated by a bridge rectifier is of the same polarity regardless of the polarity at the input.

Looking closer at how to bridge rectifiers are set up, they operate with a two-wire AC input and have two diode drops within their design. These are both areas of consideration when designing a circuit, especially when factoring in the voltage drop as you may need to consider including a heat sink within your design.

What are the benefits of bridge rectifiers?

When you're working with high voltage, you need components that can stand up to it. Bridge rectifiers have a high peak inverse voltage (PIV) that makes them well suited to these applications.

Bridge rectifiers can be constructed with transformers if required. If you won't need to step up or step down the voltage, you can even remove the transformer requirement from your bridge rectifier. This can eliminate unnecessary components and keep costs down.

You can also purchase discrete semiconductors like bridge rectifiers as an affordable means of prototyping circuit designs within engineering to ensure everything functions as intended.

What are the drawbacks of bridge rectifiers?

Using bridge rectifier components can be more costly than other rectifiers because they make use of four diodes within their design.

When only a small voltage is needed to be rectified, using a bridge rectifier may be an inefficient use of components as other forms of rectifier would achieve the same effect.

As bridge rectifiers are discrete semiconductors, you may need to purchase additional devices for your circuit to achieve the full functionality for your intended use.

What are bridge rectifiers used for?

You will usually find bridge rectifiers within power supplies to provide the necessary DC voltage to run electronic components or devices. They can be found within a variety of home appliances and white goods, ensuring they can function properly.

Electronic hobbyists also find that bridge rectifier are a popular piece of circuitry when constructing their own devices or circuits.

Other than being used to rectify current within circuits, bridge rectifiers are also used for:

• Detecting the amplitude of modulated radio signals.
• Converting the power from wind turbines or wave power generators into DC.
• Supplying steady, polarized DC voltage for welding applications.

Supplying all the circuit components you need

Whether it's different types of diodes or the wire you'll be using to connect everything, we've got everything you need to build the circuits you're designing. RS has been a distributor of top-quality electrical components and electromechanical products serving North America for over 90 years, providing our customers with what they need whenever they need.

You can take a look at our expert advice hub if you have any queries or get in touch with one of our sales offices for more specific questions.

We can also give you a part quote if you are considering a bulk order of components, which we can then discuss with you to ensure you're as satisfied as possible.