🎯 Introduction

This simulation models a single-phase half-wave uncontrolled rectifier using a single diode. It's the simplest form of rectifier circuit, providing unidirectional current flow and basic AC to DC conversion with no control over the output voltage.

🔧 Circuit Operation

The half-wave rectifier consists of:

• Single Diode: Conducts only during positive half-cycles
• Load: Receives pulsating DC current
• Transformer: Optional isolation and voltage level adjustment
• Filter: Optional smoothing components

📐 Key Parameters & Formulas

• Average Output Voltage: V_avg = V_m/π ≈ 0.318 × V_m
• RMS Output Voltage: V_rms = V_m/2
• Form Factor: FF = π/2 ≈ 1.57
• Ripple Factor: RF = 1.21
• Peak Inverse Voltage: PIV = V_m
• Rectification Efficiency: η = 40.6%
• Transformer Utilization Factor: TUF = 0.287

🔍 Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages:

• Simple and inexpensive circuit
• Requires only one diode
• Low component count
• Easy to understand and implement

Disadvantages:

• Low rectification efficiency (40.6%)
• High ripple content (121%)
• Poor transformer utilization (28.7%)
• Requires larger filter components
• DC saturation of transformer core

📊 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

🔍 Half-Wave vs Full-Wave Comparison

• Efficiency: 40.6% vs 81.2% (full-wave)
• Ripple Factor: 1.21 vs 0.48 (full-wave)
• TUF: 0.287 vs 0.812 (full-wave)
• Diodes Required: 1 vs 2 or 4 (full-wave)
• Ripple Frequency: f vs 2f (full-wave)
• PIV Rating: V_m (same for both)

💡 Design Considerations

• Use fast recovery diodes for high-frequency applications
• Add large filter capacitors to reduce output ripple
• Consider DC blocking capacitor in transformer primary
• Monitor diode temperature for thermal management
• Use appropriate PIV rating for diode selection

⚠️ Important Notes

• Half-wave rectifiers cause DC saturation in transformers
• Output contains significant AC ripple component
• Suitable only for low-power applications
• Filter requirements are much higher than full-wave
• Poor power quality compared to other rectifier types