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Feb27-12, 03:44 PM   #2
 
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Quote by dnyberg2 View Post
Is it true that a full wave rectifier is more efficient than a half wave and if so why?
In simple terms, in the half-wave rectifier you throw away half of the AC signal by only usiing conduction in one polarity. The advantage is using fewer components (lower cost). The disadvantage is that for a given output voltage the diode must be able to conduct a larger load current (heat).