Heaven’s light is our guide
NORTHERN UNIVERSITY BANGLADESH
Department of Computer Science & Engineering
Course No.: EEE 3218
Course Title: Electronic Engineering Lab Work
Experiment No.: 03
Experiment Title: Implementation of Full-Wave Rectifier.
Submitted by: Submitted to:
Name: Md. Mehedi Hassan Saikot Md. Anik Hasan
Roll: 41230301594 Lecturer
Section: 5F Dept. of Computer
Date of Experiment: 04-03-2025 Science & Engineering,
Date of Submission: 14-04-2025 NUB
Experiment No:03
3.1 Experiment Name: Implementation of Full-Wave Rectifier.
3.2 Objectives:
1. To learn how a full-wave rectifier works.
2. To convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) using two or more diodes.
3. To use an oscilloscope to view the output waveform of a full-wave rectifier.
4.To compare how well full-wave and half-wave rectifiers perform and how efficient they
are.
3.3 Components Required:
1. Diodes
2. AC Power Supply
3. Resistor
4. Oscilloscope
5. Breadboard and Connecting Wires
6. Multimeter
3.4 Theory:
A full-wave rectifier changes the AC signal into a pulsating DC output.
Unlike a half-wave rectifier, it uses both the positive and negative halves of the AC voltage,
which makes it more efficient and effective.
Working Principle:
• A full-wave bridge rectifier uses four diodes connected in a special way.
• When the AC input is in the positive half, diodes D1 and D2 turn on and let the current flow
through the resistor.
• When the AC input is in the negative half, diodes D3 and D4 turn on and again let the current
flow through the resistor—in the same direction.
• So, in both halves of the AC signal, the current flows one way through the load.
• This gives a pulsating DC output (like bumps all going in the same direction).
• The result is a unidirectional (pulsating) DC output for both halves of the input waveform..
3.5 Circuit diagram:
Fig.3.1: Circuit Diagram.
4.5 Experimental Setup:
Fig.3.2: Circuit Setup for Half Wave Rectifier in Breadboard.
4.6: Output Waveshape:
Fig.3.3: Input Wave Shape in AC signal.
Fig.3.4: Output of Full-Wave Pulsating DC waveform.
3.8 Discussion:
In this experiment, we successfully built and tested a full-wave rectifier circuit. Using an
oscilloscope, we were able to see how the circuit worked in real time. Unlike the half-wave
rectifier, the full-wave rectifier used both halves of the AC signal to produce a smoother and
more continuous DC output.
The oscilloscope showed peaks during both the positive and negative cycles of the input, which
means the circuit produced more power and was more efficient. One big benefit we noticed was
that the output ripple frequency was twice the input frequency. This makes it easier to filter and
gives a Smooth DC output, which is perfect for powering electronic devices.
Overall, this experiment helped us understand how a full-wave rectifier works, why it’s better
than a half-wave rectifier, and where it's useful. Because of its higher efficiency and smoother
output, the full-wave rectifier is commonly used in power supply circuits.
