Transformers in Multisim: Building a 240V to 15V Full Wave Rectifier

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of transformers in Multisim for building a full wave rectifier that converts 240V AC to 15V AC or DC. Participants explore the requirements for transformers, rectifiers, and the implications of using center-tapped versus non-center-tapped transformers in circuit design.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the availability of a non-center-tapped transformer in Multisim for building a full wave rectifier.
  • Another participant clarifies that a rectifier is not needed to transform AC to AC and suggests that the secondary winding should produce a sine wave with a peak voltage of 15 volts.
  • Some participants discuss the necessity of a center tap for a full wave rectifier using two diodes, while others argue that a bridge rectifier with four diodes does not require a center tap.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of using a bridge rectifier, particularly regarding the grounding issues that may arise when connecting to oscilloscopes.
  • One participant mentions successfully building a circuit with a bridge rectifier using a center-tapped transformer without connecting the ground to the center tap but expresses a desire to find a normal transformer in Multisim.
  • Another participant questions the need for a center tap with a bridge rectifier, suggesting that a single secondary winding is sufficient.
  • Discussions arise about the differences between using a center-tapped transformer with the center tap disconnected and a transformer without a center tap, with some participants emphasizing that they need to adhere to assignment requirements.
  • A suggestion is made to research creating a custom component in Multisim to address the assignment's requirements.
  • One participant draws an analogy to using a potentiometer with a disconnected wiper, questioning the relevance of the assignment's constraints.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of using a center-tapped transformer versus a non-center-tapped transformer for the assignment. Some agree that both configurations yield similar results, while others emphasize the importance of following the assignment's specifications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to meet the assignment's requirements.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential confusion surrounding the use of center-tapped transformers and bridge rectifiers, as well as the implications of grounding in circuit design. There are also mentions of the limitations of Multisim in terms of available components.

nnis13
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Is there a normal transformer(not the center tapped transformer) in multisim that i can use to built a full wave recifier that will transform 240V @ 60Hz AC to 15V @ 60Hz AC.I am not very familiar with analog circuits and multisim and i cannot seem to find one.

If anyone can help, he/she is welcomed.
 
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You don't need a rectifier to transform AC to AC. You probably mean 240 AC rms to 15 Volts DC. If this is the case then your secondary winding should produce a sine wave whose peak voltage is 15 volts or equivalently, a sine wave whose rms voltage is 15 divided by the square root of 2.

I think a center tap is necessary for a full wave rectifier using 2 diodes. Unless you want to use a bridge rectifier requiring 4 diodes. In this case you do not need a center tap. If all you have is a transformer with a center tap then use that transformer without anything connected to the center tap.
 
Live2Learn said:
You don't need a rectifier to transform AC to AC. You probably mean 240 AC rms to 15 Volts DC. If this is the case then your secondary winding should produce a sine wave whose peak voltage is 15 volts or equivalently, a sine wave whose rms voltage is 15 divided by the square root of 2.

I think a center tap is necessary for a full wave rectifier using 2 diodes. Unless you want to use a bridge rectifier requiring 4 diodes. In this case you do not need a center tap. If all you have is a transformer with a center tap then use that transformer without anything connected to the center tap.

I am sorry i mean a full wave bridge rectifier and not a full wave rectifier.
I tried putting a center tapped without connecting the ground but it doesn't work.
 
The disadvantage with using a bridge full wave rectifier is that the negative side of the bridge is a "hot ground" relative to the AC ground (neutral) and these two grounds cannot be connected. You could be inadvertantly connecting these two grounds through an oscilloscope connection. If this is the case than you'll have to use two separate scopes with separate ground connections. I know it would be convenient to use only one scope to probe the AC input to the bridge on channel A and probe the rectified full wave signal on channel B but I don't see an easy way to do this.
 
Live2Learn said:
The disadvantage with using a bridge full wave rectifier is that the negative side of the bridge is a "hot ground" relative to the AC ground (neutral) and these two grounds cannot be connected. You could be inadvertantly connecting these two grounds through an oscilloscope connection. If this is the case than you'll have to use two separate scopes with separate ground connections. I know it would be convenient to use only one scope to probe the AC input to the bridge on channel A and probe the rectified full wave signal on channel B but I don't see an easy way to do this.

I have builded the circuit(bridge rectifier) with the center-tapped transformer without connecting the ground to the center tap and is working, but is there a normal transformer in multisim that i can use in order to achive the same result.

I haven't found any so far.
If anyone can help , he is welcomed.

By the way thanks Live2Learn for the info
 
Why do you want to use a centre tap with a bridge rectifier? It's not necessary. Just use a single secondary winding, connect it correctly to the bridge and you will get what you need.
 
sophiecentaur said:
Why do you want to use a centre tap with a bridge rectifier? It's not necessary. Just use a single secondary winding, connect it correctly to the bridge and you will get what you need.

Yes that is exactly what i want to do, but i can't find one in multisim.
I you know the reference code of one please post it here.
Thanks for replying by the way.
 
Multisim should be able to cope with just not connecting the centre tap (as suggested above). Why not try that?
 
sophiecentaur said:
Multisim should be able to cope with just not connecting the centre tap (as suggested above). Why not try that?

Yes i already said that i have done that, but i have to do the circuit with a normal transformer in order to show the difference in circuit design between the 2 circuit models.
(It's an assignement)
 
  • #10
You miss my point. What is the difference between a centretap transformer with the centre tap disconnected and a transformer without a centre tap?
 
  • #11
sophiecentaur said:
You miss my point. What is the difference between a centretap transformer with the centre tap disconnected and a transformer without a centre tap?

I think it's you the one who is missing the point. I know there is no difference ,but i have to make this assingment with a normal transformer, do you understand now or not.
 
  • #12
I understand - and so should any teacher who has given you the assignment, that they are the same so why should you need to include a 'special' transformer that has no centre tap? Leaving out the centre tap produces just what you want. Have a bit of confidence and, if necessary, explain what you have done. The result will be correct. Who could complain?
Simulations are supposed to be there as our servants- not as our masters.

If that's not good enough then do the full analysis without the simulation. It 'used to be' quite possible.
 
  • #13
I think the assignment may be challenging you to research the procedure for creating a custom component within multisim.

Check out:

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3173"

I would approach this by copying the information of the existing transformer (the one with the center tap) and seeing what changes I can make to create the custom transformer.

Perhaps a quick and dirty solution is to edit the symbol information to get rid of the center tap.

Let me know how it goes, I too am interested in learning how to do this because many real world transformers have more than two windings and several taps.
 
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  • #14
Would we be having the same conversation if the task were to use a potentiometer with the wiper disconnected in place of a fixed resistor? How would we deal with a multitap transformer of the kind that used to be used to adjust for various European mains voltages?
As an exercise in electrical theory it is pretty trivial and not worth getting worried about so, I agree, it may be meant as a programming challenge.
 

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