If the forward voltage drop of each conducting diode is Vf, which expression gives the peak output voltage of a full-wave bridge rectifier in terms of the input peak voltage of the transformer secondary Vp(in)?
Vp(out) = Vp(in) − 2Vf
In a full-wave bridge rectifier, during each half-cycle current flows through two diodes in series with the load (D1 and D2 in one half-cycle, D3 and D4 in the other).
Each conducting diode drops Vf, so two drops appear in series in the current path during every half-cycle.
Applying KVL at the peak: \(V_{p(in)} = V_{p(out)} + 2V_f\), so \(V_{p(out)} = V_{p(in)} - 2V_f\) (with silicon diodes, \(V_{p(out)} \approx V_{p(in)} - 1.4\) V).
The other expressions fail: subtracting only one Vf applies to a half-wave or centre-tapped rectifier, where one diode conducts at a time; diodes can only reduce the output, so adding 2Vf is impossible; and the bridge does not double the secondary peak, so 2Vp(in) is wrong.
Hence, the answer is Vp(out) = Vp(in) − 2Vf.
Similar Questions
For a rectifier circuit, the form factor (Kf) is reduced while all other operating conditions remain unchanged. What is the effect on the ripple factor?
How does the peak inverse voltage requirement of a full-wave bridge rectifier compare to that of a center-tapped full-wave rectifier for a given transformer secondary voltage?
A center-tapped full-wave rectifier has a transformer secondary voltage of 200 VRMS per half winding. Which of the following minimum diode Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV) ratings should be selected for reliable operation?
Important Questions from Diodes and Its Applications
Which of the following statements is FALSE about LED lamps?
A Zener diode is used in _______ for voltage regulation.
Which of the following diodes can be used as Voltage Regulator if used in reverse bias?
What is it called when a diode exceeds the reverse voltage and then it fails and passes more current in the reverse direction?
Determine the resonant frequency of an IMPATT diode having the following specifications:
Carrier drift velocity: 2 × 107 cm/s
Drift-region length: 5 μm
Maximum operating voltage: 100 V
Maximum operating current: 250 mA
Efficiency: 20%
Breakdown voltage: 90 V
