Fullwave Center Tap Transformer Rectifier

A single-phase, half-wave rectifier is not very practical due to its low average output voltage, poor efficiency, and high ripple factor. These limitations can be overcome by full-wave rectification. Full-wave rectifier are more commonly used than half-wave rectifier, due to their higher average voltages and currents, higher efficiency, and reduced ripple factor.

With Resistive Load

Figure 1(a) shows the schematic diagram of the full-wave rectifier using a transformer with a center-tapped secondary. The source voltage and load resistor are the same as in the half-wave case. During the positive half-cycle (Figure 1(b)), diode D₁ conducts and D₂ is reverse-biased. Current flows through the load causing a positive drop.

During the negative half-cycle (Figure 1(c)), diode D₂ conducts and D₁ turns off. Current flows through R, maintaining the same polarity for the voltage across the load (see Figure 1(d)). Therefore, the load voltage waveform consists of successive half-cycle of a sine wave, resulting in a higher average value and higher ripple frequency.

Average and RMS values are similar to those for the half-wave case:

V_o(avg) = (2 V_m) / π = 0.636 V_m

Note that the full-wave average is twice the half-wave average this is obvious by inspecting the two graphs of voltage versus time. Similarly, the average load current is given by the same factor.

I_o(avg) = (2 I_m) / π = 0.636 V_m / R

The RMS output current is given by

The graph of the voltage across the diode in Figure 1(d) shows that each diode must withstand a reverse voltage equal to 2V_m. the PIV rating for the diodes used in this circuit is therefore given by:

PIV rating for diodes ≥ 2 V_m

The average diode current is

I_D1(avg) = I_D2(avg) = I_m / π

The RMS diode current is

I_DRMS = I_m / 2

The average or DC power delivered to the load is given by

P_o(avg) = V_o(avg) X I_o(avg)

= (2Vm / π) X (2I_m / π)

= (4V_m X V_m) / (π X R)

= (4V²_m)/ (π² X R)

The AC power input is given by

With an Inductive Load (RL)

Adding an inductance in series with the load resistance changes the voltage and current waveform. Note that the load current continues to flow for a period after the diode is reverse-biased, and this results in a decrease in the magnitude of the average output voltage.

Figure shows a center tap full-wave rectifier with an inductive load and its associated voltage and current waveform.

The load current is at its maximum when the source voltage (V_S) is zero. When V_S increases in magnitude during the interval from 0 to π/2, the inductor opposes the flow of current and stores energy in its magnetic field. At π/2 when V_S has reached its maximum, the load current is at its minimum. In the interval between π/2 and π, where the source voltage decreases in magnitude, the induced voltage across the inductor opposes any decrease in the load current by aiding the source voltage. Therefore, the load current increases to a maximum value when V_S = 0. The process continues for every half-cycle of the rectified sine wave. The load current never reduces to zero since, the energy stored in the magnetic field maintains the current flow.

The equations are similar to those for the center-tap rectifier with a resistive load. The average value of the voltage is:

V_o(avg) = 2V_m / π = 0.636 V_m

The average value of the load current is

I_o(avg) = 2V_in / πR = 0.636 V_m / R

If the load inductance is sufficiently large, the load current is nearly constant, as shown in Figure 3

The RMS value of the load current is:

I_o(RMS) = I_o(avg) = V_o(avg) / R

I_D(RMS) = I_o(avg) / 2