A full-wave rectifier operating from the 60 -Hz ac supply...

A full-wave rectifier operating from the 60 -Hz ac supply produces a 20-V peak rectified voltage. If a $200-\mu \mathrm{F}$ capacitor is used, calculate the ripple at a load of $120 \mathrm{~mA}$.

Key Concepts

Ripple Voltage Calculation

The calculation of ripple voltage in a capacitor-filtered rectifier circuit involves determining the voltage drop across the capacitor as it discharges through the load during the time between the rectified peaks. For a full-wave rectifier, the effective ripple frequency is twice the AC line frequency, and the ripple voltage can be approximated using the formula ?V ? I_load / (f * C), emphasizing the interplay between load, frequency, and capacitance.

Ripple Voltage

Ripple voltage refers to the residual periodic variation in the DC output that occurs after the rectification and filtering process. Its magnitude depends on the load current, the capacitance of the filter capacitor, and the effective ripple frequency, with higher load currents or lower capacitance resulting in larger ripple.

Full-Wave Rectifier

A full-wave rectifier converts both halves of the AC sine wave into unidirectional current, doubling the frequency of the output pulsating DC compared to the AC supply. This improved utilization of the input signal results in reduced ripple when compared to half-wave rectification and is crucial for more efficient power conversion.

Filter Capacitor

A filter capacitor is used in power supply circuits to smooth the pulsating DC output from the rectifier. It stores energy during the peaks of the rectified voltage and releases it during the troughs, thereby reducing fluctuations (ripple) in the output voltage and providing a more stable DC level.

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