What is a single-phase full-wave bridge rectifier?
A single-phase full-wave bridge rectifier uses four diodes arranged in a bridge. During the positive half-cycle one diagonal pair conducts and during the negative half-cycle the other pair conducts, so the load always receives current in the same direction from both halves of the AC supply. The output is a series of positive humps at twice the supply frequency — much smoother than a half-wave rectifier and the workhorse of almost every DC power supply.
Output voltage & current equations (resistive load)
The average load current is Idc = 2Vm/(π·R) and the ripple appears at twice the supply frequency (100 Hz on a 50 Hz supply). This simulator does not plug numbers into these formulas — it integrates the real circuit and measures Vdc and Vrms from the samples, then compares them to the equations above in the accuracy panel.
Performance figures (resistive load)
| Average voltage Vdc | 2Vm/π = 0.637·Vm |
|---|---|
| RMS voltage Vrms | Vm/√2 = 0.707·Vm |
| Form factor | Vrms/Vdc = π/(2√2) ≈ 1.11 |
| Ripple factor | √(FF² − 1) ≈ 0.482 |
| Ripple frequency | 2f (100 Hz at 50 Hz) |
| Rectification efficiency | ≈ 81.2 % |
| Peak inverse voltage (bridge) | Vm |
Adding an output filter
Even full-wave output has ripple (ripple factor ≈ 0.48). A series inductor smooths the load current, a shunt capacitor holds the voltage near the peak and cuts ripple dramatically, and an LC filter combines both. Because the ripple is at 2f, filtering is far more effective than for a half-wave rectifier. The simulator integrates the real filter differential equations — try the Capacitor filter and LC filter presets and watch the Load ripple drop.
Advanced options in this simulator
- Diode model: add a forward drop
V_fand on-resistanceR_on; because the bridge conducts through two diodes in series the total drop is2·V_f + 2·R_on·i. The accuracy check stays locked to the ideal2Vm/πenvelope. - Transformer: a turns ratio scales the peak voltage
Vmapplied to the bridge. - Filter & protection: a series-L, shunt-C or LC output filter, an optional RC snubber, and a live protection-margin check of the diode PIV and average current against the ratings you enter.
- Harmonic spectrum analysis: a real FFT of the output voltage or load current with the ripple / THD figure — note the dominant 2nd harmonic (2f).
- Export & capture: download the full waveform data as CSV, a text report, or a PNG screenshot of the scope.
Half-wave vs full-wave
| Feature | Half-wave | Full-wave (bridge) |
|---|---|---|
| Diodes | 1 | 4 |
| Average voltage | Vm/π | 2Vm/π |
| Ripple frequency | f | 2f |
| Ripple factor | 1.21 | 0.48 |
| Efficiency | 40.6 % | 81.2 % |
See the half-wave rectifier simulator for comparison.
Bridge vs centre-tapped & applications
A bridge rectifier needs no centre-tapped transformer and has PIV = Vm; a centre-tapped full-wave rectifier uses only two diodes but needs a tapped transformer and has PIV = 2Vm. Full-wave bridge rectifiers are used in almost every DC power supply, battery charger, DC-motor drive and adapter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average output voltage of a full-wave bridge rectifier?
For a resistive load, Vdc = 2Vm/π ≈ 0.637·Vm and Vrms = Vm/√2 ≈ 0.707·Vm.
What is the ripple factor of a full-wave rectifier?
About 0.482 for a resistive load — much lower than a half-wave rectifier's 1.21, because both halves are used and the ripple is at 2f.
What is the rectification efficiency?
About 81.2 %, roughly double a half-wave rectifier.
What is the PIV of a bridge rectifier?
For a bridge the peak inverse voltage per diode is Vm; a centre-tapped rectifier has 2Vm.
Why does a full-wave rectifier filter better?
Its ripple is at twice the supply frequency, so a given inductor or capacitor removes far more ripple than in a half-wave rectifier.
What does the harmonic spectrum show?
An FFT of the output voltage (or load current). The bridge output is symmetric, so odd harmonics cancel and the ripple is dominated by the 2nd harmonic (2f), then the 4th, 6th, etc. Switch between the voltage and current spectra and choose how many harmonics to display.