How do diodes convert AC electricity to DC electricity?

1 Answer
A08
Mar 10, 2016

Diodes conduct only when these are forward biased and therefore, rectify AC electricity and convert it in to pulsating DC electricity.

Explanation:

Diode as a half wave rectifier.

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When the forward bias voltage reaches the turn-on voltage for the diode current flows in the forward direction, as shown.Turn-on voltage is around 0.7 V for silicon diodes, and about 0.3 V for germanium diodes.
During the period voltage is less than the turn-on voltage of the diode no current flows. Larger swings of negative voltage result in the junction being reversed biased, the diode resistance will be significantly higher, and output waveform will be as shown below.

Input and output voltages of a half wave rectifier.

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Diodes as full wave rectifier.

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