Full-Wave Rectification and Filtering

Unlike half-wave rectification, full-wave rectification makes use of both halves of the AC waveform. The negative half-cycle is effectively redirected so that load current has the same direction during both halves. The resulting output is still pulsating but has more frequent pulses than half-wave output. A common full-wave circuit uses a diode bridge. Different pairs of diodes conduct during alternate half-cycles, keeping load current in the same direction.

A capacitor can be connected across the load. The capacitor: charges when rectified voltage rises; stores charge near a peak; discharges through the load when input voltage falls. This reduces output variation. The remaining variation is called *ripple**.

Conceptual chain: **AC → full-wave rectifier → pulsating DC → filter → smoother DC**