Electronics · Semiconductor devices / Principles and inquiry
Rectification and smoothing experiment guide
Compare half-wave and full-wave outputs and the ripple reduction caused by a smoothing capacitor.
How does it work?
Full-wave rectification uses both half-cycles, while the capacitor holds voltage between peaks.
Key relationship
Vout = |Vin| (full-wave) · C dV/dt = −V/R (off)
Try this investigation
- Compare half-wave and full-wave outputs and the ripple reduction caused by a smoothing capacitor.
- Run and record each of the three baseline presets.
- Compare the changed variable and its result with the baseline records.
Interpreting your results
What is the output period for full-wave rectification of a 50 Hz input without smoothing?
10 ms
Assumptions and limitations
Diode voltage drops, inrush current and source resistance are omitted. RC discharge uses an exact segment solution. Experiment on screen; do not reproduce this with real power supplies, outlets or high voltage.