Center-tapped rectifier without diodes?

[sophiecentaur]

Yes sir, I have taken that comment on board. I understand that if we can make any other non-linear component work as a switch, it should work as a rectifier. However, my main concern was, with the original circuit diagram still in mind, why couldn't we use ANY component for the purpose?

Thankfully, my question has been answered for equal resistors. All the posts have been very informative, and I've been religiously following this thread for any new comments. :D

1.) these components have to be non-linear. If you use R' L' and C's, you will get nothing (if the bridge is balanced) or you will get AC (in some phase and amplitude or another) if it's not.

2.) you presumably want the rectification to be reasonably efficient, so just any old non-linear component wouldn't be a lot of use for the purpose. You need something that, ideally, has zero resistance for one half of the cycle and infinite resistance for the other half. A good diode does the job best.

 

[ViolentCorpse]

^ I understand these. My point was still related to the current path. I didn't understand why alternately working switches are necessary for producing a unidirectional current through the load, since my mistakes were leading me to believe that any component should be able to do the job based on the configuration and assembly of the circuit alone (which, I admit, is stupid). It was the third terminal, a.k.a the center-tap that caused all my confusion. It's the first time I've encountered a circuit involving three terminals.

 

[Studiot]

You should look at two port networks next.

http://web.eecs.utk.edu/~green/notes/Two port networks.ppt