Electronic Design Software

how can i build a rectifier?

i have a small ac generator, a ge diode and 2 si diodes, how can i build a low current rectifier with them? i also have 2 transformers with the center connection, i've heard they come in handy with rectifiers.All the parts i have are in that "Electronic lab 200 in one" electronics kits. thanx in advance

Public Comments

1. you could build one with just 2 diodes, but a bridge type rectifier (with four diodes) is almost standard. You don't need a transformer or a generator to make a rectifier. I don't have the time to make a diagram, but if you don't get a proper answer soon, you can e-mail me. You can also use your search engine or visit a local bookstore. Just ask for a textbook on basic electronics, skim through the pages and you got it. You could also be creative, I built my first rectifier without a single diagram. Just plain cold logic. Here's a clue, imagine you have four 1-way roads, connect them in such a way that you have four corners, two corners allow traffic to get in or out, one corner only allows traffic to go out, and one corner only allows traffic to get in. Give yourself a pat on the back if you can figure it out by yourself.
2. you tell how to build rectifier, rectifier means a device converting alternating current to direct current. this means you almost got the right component to rectify a alternating current. first lets start on your portable ac generator. it produce alternating currents but high voltages you need a transformer to reduce it to lower voltages then use your diode as rectifiying the current from ac to dc since you got a center top transformer you can creat a full wave dc using two diodes only any of them can be use. connect the diode at the both end of transformer to each diode, then connect the both end of diode together be sure that the diode has the same polarity check the line of diode it must be the same connection on other diode. it can be positve or negative polarity depends on how you connect the two diode the the other polarity is in the center top of transformer. you must search the web for circuit of basic power supply to guide you on how to connect your components. good luck not blow up your house while testing ☺ the given site is in pdf install acrobat reader you can find the circuit at pages 9
3. If you want to build a rectifier check out this site in the Power supplies and control schematics section http://www.capetronics.com/info/schematics.htm Check some of the power supply schematics and there should be an example of a bridge rectifier which is made using 4 diodes in a diamond or square pattern.