It is the most frequently-used circuit for electronic dc power supplies. It requires four diodes but the transformer used is not center-tapped and has a maximum voltage of V_SM. The full-wave bridge-rectifier is available in three distinct physics forms.

1. Four discrete diodes,
2. One device inside a four-terminal case,
3. As part of an array of diodes in an IC

Working of the circuit

During the positive input half-wave, terminal M of the secondary is positive and N is negative as shown in figure 2.

Diode D₁ and D₃ become forward-biased (ON) whereas D₂ and D₄ are reversed-biased (OFF). Hence, current flows along MEABCFN producing a drop across R_L.

During the negative input half-cycle, secondary terminal N becomes positive and M negative. Now, D₂ and D₄ are forward-biased. Circuit current flows along NFABCEM as shown in figure 3.

Hence, we find that current keeps flowing through load resistance R_L­ in the same direction AB during both half-cycles of the ac input supply. Consequently, point A of the bridge rectifier always acts as an anode and point C as cathode. The output voltage across R_L is as shown in figure. Its frequency is twice that of the supply frequency.

Related Topic

1. Average and RMS Value of bridge rectifier
   
2. Efficiency of bridge rectifier
3. Ripple Factor of bridge rectifier
4. Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV) of bridge rectifier
5. Peak Current of bridge rectifier
6. Transformer Utilization Factor of bridge rectifier
7. Advantage of bridge rectifier
8. Disadvantage of bridge rectifier