🎯 Introduction

This simulation models a single-phase full-wave uncontrolled rectifier using diodes in bridge or center-tap configuration. Uncontrolled rectifiers provide fixed DC output voltage and are simpler, more reliable, and cost-effective compared to controlled rectifiers.

🔧 Circuit Configurations

Two main configurations are supported:

• Bridge Rectifier: Uses 4 diodes in bridge configuration - no center-tap transformer required
• Center-Tap: Uses 2 diodes with center-tapped transformer - requires special transformer but uses fewer diodes

📐 Key Parameters & Formulas

• Average Output Voltage (Bridge): V_avg = (2V_m/π) - 2V_f
• Average Output Voltage (Center-tap): V_avg = (2V_m/π) - V_f
• RMS Output Voltage: V_rms = V_m/√2
• Form Factor: FF = V_rms/V_avg = 1.11 (ideal)
• Ripple Factor: RF = 0.48 (ideal full-wave)
• Peak Inverse Voltage: PIV = V_m (center-tap), PIV = V_m (bridge)

🔍 Advantages of Full-Wave over Half-Wave

• Higher Efficiency: 81.2% vs 40.6% for half-wave
• Better Transformer Utilization: 0.812 vs 0.287
• Lower Ripple: Ripple frequency = 2f (100Hz for 50Hz input)
• Better Regulation: Lower output impedance
• No Center-Tap Required: For bridge configuration

📊 Analysis Features

• Harmonic Analysis: Up to 100th harmonic with multiple window functions
• Power Quality: THD calculation with different methods
• Thermal Analysis: Junction temperature and thermal derating
• Efficiency Analysis: Component-wise loss breakdown
• Real-time Monitoring: Live performance parameters

🔍 Bridge vs Center-Tap Comparison

• Bridge: 4 diodes, no center-tap transformer, 2V_f voltage drop
• Center-tap: 2 diodes, center-tap transformer required, V_f voltage drop
• PIV Rating: Same for both configurations (V_m)
• Transformer Rating: Lower for bridge, higher for center-tap

💡 Design Considerations

• Choose fast recovery diodes for high-frequency applications
• Add filter components to reduce output ripple
• Consider thermal management for high-power applications
• Use snubber circuits for protection against voltage spikes
• Monitor junction temperature to prevent thermal runaway

⚠️ Important Notes

• Uncontrolled rectifiers have no output voltage control
• Output voltage varies with load and input voltage
• Full-wave rectifiers have twice the ripple frequency of input
• Bridge configuration is most commonly used in practice
• Filter components are essential for smooth DC output