Calculate DC output voltage, peak voltage, and ripple for a full-wave bridge rectifier.
Input Parameters
V
V
Hz
Calculation Results
Enter AC parameters to calculate
Quick Reference
V_peakV_rms * √2
V_drop2 * V_diode (approx 1.4V)
P.I.V.Peak Inverse Voltage = V_peak
Full WaveBoth halves of cycle used
Overview
A bridge rectifier is an arrangement of four diodes in a bridge circuit configuration that provides the same polarity of output for either polarity of input. It converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
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Pro Tips
Vrms is the common AC voltage rating (e.g., 120V or 230V).
Standard silicon diodes have a forward drop of about 0.7V each. Since two diodes conduct at a time, the total drop is 1.4V.
Vdc (no cap) is the average voltage. Adding a capacitor increases Vdc towards the peak voltage.
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Fun Facts
"A bridge rectifier allows both halves of the AC cycle to be used, making it more efficient than a half-wave rectifier."
"The output frequency of a full-wave rectifier is double the input frequency (e.g., 120Hz for a 60Hz input)."
"Power supplies in almost all household electronics start with a bridge rectifier."
