Draw the circuit diagram of a full-wave rectifier using the p-n junction diodes and explain thewaveforms at different points

Full-Wave Rectifier Circuit Diagram

1. Component Arrangement: A full-wave rectifier circuit can be constructed using two p-n junction diodes, a transformer, and a load resistor. The basic arrangement involves a center-tapped transformer.

                  +--------------+                     
        AC Input |              |                      
        ----------- Transformer ------+--- Load Resistor (R)   
          |       |         |        |        
          |       |         |        |        
        ---     -----      -----     |
         |       | |       | |      |
         -       D1       D2       -
         |                       |  
         -------------------------
   

   • D1 and D2 are the p-n junction diodes.
   • The transformer has a center tap, which provides two output terminals for the AC waveform to be rectified.

Waveforms at Different Points

2. Waveform Explanation:
   • Input Waveform: The AC input voltage to the transformer is a sinusoidal waveform.
   • After the Transformer: After stepping down or stepping up the voltage (depending on the transformer's characteristics), the output will still be sinusoidal, appearing across the secondary winding, with the center tap acting as the reference point.
   • After D1 (Positive Half Cycle):
     • During the positive half cycle of the AC input, D1 conducts (forward-biased), allowing current to flow through the load resistor (R). The output across the load resistor during this period will also follow the positive half of the input waveform.
   • After D2 (Negative Half Cycle):
     • During the negative half cycle, D1 is reverse-biased, but D2 becomes forward-biased and conducts. The output will now be the positive half of the negative input cycle across the load resistor.
   • Overall Output: The final output waveform across the load resistor will be a full-wave rectified signal, characterized by both halves of the input cycle being represented as positive pulses, effectively doubling the frequency of the waveform.

Summary

• The full-wave rectifier circuit uses two diodes and a center-tapped transformer to convert an AC input signal into a pulsating DC output.
• The waveforms at various points illustrate the transition of the input AC waveform into a continuous DC-like waveform through the action of the diodes.

Final Answer

The circuit diagram for a full-wave rectifier using p-n junction diodes has been presented, along with an explanation of the waveforms at different points in the circuit. The output is a full-wave rectified signal displaying only positive portions from the input waveform.