Why Does Fullwave Bridge Rectification Raise Voltage by 1.41?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rytmenpinne
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Bridge Voltage
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of fullwave bridge rectification and its effect on voltage, specifically why it raises the voltage by a factor of approximately 1.41. The scope includes conceptual understanding of AC voltage, RMS values, and transformer ratings.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why fullwave bridge rectification raises voltage by 1.41, noting a lack of clear explanations found online.
  • Another participant explains that AC voltage is typically expressed in RMS values, relating this to the equation \(\sqrt{2}V_{rms}=V_p\), where \(\sqrt{2}\) is approximately 1.41.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether transformer secondary ratings are given in RMS rather than peak values.
  • A later reply confirms that transformer secondary ratings are indeed given in RMS and adds that a bridge rectifier will result in a voltage drop of approximately 1.4 volts due to the current passing through two diodes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relationship between RMS voltage and peak voltage, as well as the implications for transformer ratings. However, the discussion does not resolve the initial question regarding the factor of 1.41 in the context of fullwave bridge rectification.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations or assumptions regarding the specific conditions under which the voltage factor applies, such as the characteristics of the load or the specific configuration of the rectifier circuit.

rytmenpinne
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
..fullwave bridge rectification raise the voltage *1.41? I scanned the net but I can't find an explanation as to why, only that it does..
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Remember, ac voltage is really regarding RMS voltage, and hence,
\sqrt{2}V_{rms}=V_p
where
\sqrt{2}=1.41...
 
Aah, so basically what's going on here is that the secondary ratings on transformers is given in RMS? and not peak?
 
rytmenpinne said:
Aah, so basically what's going on here is that the secondary ratings on transformers is given in RMS? and not peak?
That's correct. Also note that a bridge rectifier will have the current passing through two diodes, so the output voltage will be 1.4 volts less than the peak.
 
Good! thank you both! the world now makes sense again
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
5K
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K