4-6
Figure 4-4A.—Comparison of Epeak to E
avgin a half-wave rectifier. Epeak WAVEFORM.
The average value of a sine wave is 0 volts. View B of figure 4-4 shows how the average voltage
changes when the negative portion of the sine wave is clipped off. Since the wave form swings positive
but never negative (past the "zero-volt" reference line), the average voltage is positive. The average
voltage (Eavg) is determined by the equation:
Where:
Eavg = Epeak × .318
Thus:
Eavg = 162.6 × .318
Eavg = 51.7 volts
Figure 4-4B.—Comparison of Epeak to E
avgin a half-wave rectifier. Epeak WAVEFORM
Ripple Frequency
The half-wave rectifier gets its name from the fact that it conducts during only half the input cycle.
Its output is a series of pulses with a frequency that is the same as the input frequency. Thus when
operated from a 60-hertz line, the frequency of the pulses is 60 hertz. This is called RIPPLE
FREQUENCY.
Q5. What is the name of the simplest type of rectifier which uses one diode?
