Discrete semiconductor devices

Rectification and smoothing

Rectification converts a.c. to d.c. using diodes, which conduct in one direction only. A single diode gives half-wave rectification: only alternate half-cycles pass. A bridge of four diodes gives full-wave rectification: both halves pass, in the same direction through the load. A capacitor in parallel with the load smooths the output: it charges near each peak and discharges slowly through the load in between. Larger $RC$ (compared with the time between peaks) means less ripple.