Class 12 Physics simulations · Semiconductor Electronics

Half-wave rectifier

Use a diode to pass the positive part of an alternating voltage.

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What to notice

The diode conducts only when the input exceeds its forward drop. The unfiltered output is pulsating DC.

Key relation

Vout = max(0, Vin − VD)

Try this

Compare an ideal diode with a 0.7 V silicon model.

What you can change

• AC peak voltage: 5 to 20 V
• AC frequency: 0.5 to 2 Hz
• Diode forward drop: 0 to 1 V

More in Semiconductor Electronics

• Electrons and holes in doped silicon
• P–N junction diode
• Diode I–V characteristic
• LED colour and band gap
• Logic gates
• Rectifier with a smoothing capacitor
• Solar cell: I–V curve and maximum power
• Transistor as a switch
• Zener voltage regulator

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