What (who) is half-wave rectifier - definition
![Twelve pulse bridge rectifier using [[thyristor]]s as the switching elements. One six-pulse bridge consists of the even-numbered thyristors, the other is the odd-numbered set.](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/12 pulse bridge.png?width=200 "Twelve pulse bridge rectifier using [[thyristor]]s as the switching elements. One six-pulse bridge consists of the even-numbered thyristors, the other is the odd-numbered set.")
![Controlled three-phase half-wave rectifier circuit using [[thyristor]]s as the switching elements, ignoring supply inductance](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/3 phase half wave rectifier.png?width=200 "Controlled three-phase half-wave rectifier circuit using [[thyristor]]s as the switching elements, ignoring supply inductance")
![Controlled three-phase full-wave rectifier circuit using [[thyristor]]s as the switching elements, with a center-tapped transformer, ignoring supply inductance](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/6 phase half wave rectifier.png?width=200 "Controlled three-phase full-wave rectifier circuit using [[thyristor]]s as the switching elements, with a center-tapped transformer, ignoring supply inductance")
![Controlled three-phase full-wave bridge rectifier circuit (B6C) using [[thyristor]]s as the switching elements, ignoring supply inductance. The thyristors pulse in order V1–V6.](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/6 pulse bridge without inductance.png?width=200 "Controlled three-phase full-wave bridge rectifier circuit (B6C) using [[thyristor]]s as the switching elements, ignoring supply inductance. The thyristors pulse in order V1–V6.")
![A variety of silicon diodes of different current ratings. At left is a [[bridge rectifier]]. On the 3 center diodes, a painted band identifies the cathode terminal](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Dioden.JPG?width=200 "A variety of silicon diodes of different current ratings. At left is a [[bridge rectifier]]. On the 3 center diodes, a painted band identifies the cathode terminal")
![Full-wave rectifier using a [[center tap]] transformer and 2 diodes.](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Fullwave.rectifier.en.svg?width=200 "Full-wave rectifier using a [[center tap]] transformer and 2 diodes.")
![alternator]], showing the six diodes that comprise a full-wave three-phase bridge rectifier.](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Getting behind the tridge rectifier.jpg?width=200 "alternator]], showing the six diodes that comprise a full-wave three-phase bridge rectifier.")
![Two of three high-power thyristor valve stacks used for long-distance transmission of power from [[Manitoba Hydro]] dams. Compare with mercury-arc system from the same dam-site, above.](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Manitoba Hydro-BipoleII Valve.jpg?width=200 "Two of three high-power thyristor valve stacks used for long-distance transmission of power from [[Manitoba Hydro]] dams. Compare with mercury-arc system from the same dam-site, above.")
![vibrator]] battery charger from 1922. It produced 6 A DC at 6 V to charge automobile batteries.](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Vibrator rectifier battery charger.jpg?width=200 "vibrator]] battery charger from 1922. It produced 6 A DC at 6 V to charge automobile batteries.")
Wikipedia
A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, to direct current (DC), which flows in only one direction. The reverse operation (converting DC to AC) is performed by an inverter.
The process is known as rectification, since it "straightens" the direction of current. Physically, rectifiers take a number of forms, including vacuum tube diodes, wet chemical cells, mercury-arc valves, stacks of copper and selenium oxide plates, semiconductor diodes, silicon-controlled rectifiers and other silicon-based semiconductor switches. Historically, even synchronous electromechanical switches and motor-generator sets have been used. Early radio receivers, called crystal radios, used a "cat's whisker" of fine wire pressing on a crystal of galena (lead sulfide) to serve as a point-contact rectifier or "crystal detector".
Rectifiers have many uses, but are often found serving as components of DC power supplies and high-voltage direct current power transmission systems. Rectification may serve in roles other than to generate direct current for use as a source of power. As noted, rectifiers can serve as detectors of radio signals. In gas heating systems flame rectification is used to detect presence of a flame.
Depending on the type of alternating current supply and the arrangement of the rectifier circuit, the output voltage may require additional smoothing to produce a uniform steady voltage. Many applications of rectifiers, such as power supplies for radio, television and computer equipment, require a steady constant DC voltage (as would be produced by a battery). In these applications the output of the rectifier is smoothed by an electronic filter, which may be a capacitor, choke, or set of capacitors, chokes and resistors, possibly followed by a voltage regulator to produce a steady voltage.
More complex circuitry that performs the opposite function, that is converting DC to AC, is called an inverter.
