Bridge Rectifier Calculator

Our bridge rectifier calculator is the perfect tool to obtain every parameter used in a bridge rectifier, such as current, DC voltage output, RMS current, and ripple factor.

We've paired this full wave bridge rectifier calculator with a brief description of key concepts regarding this topic, such as:

• What a bridge rectifier is;
• How to calculate the output voltage of a bridge rectifier;
• The ripple factor formula and definition;
• More!

A full wave bridge rectifier is a type of electrical circuit that converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). It consists of four diodes arranged in a closed-loop configuration, with each side of this arrangement connected to a different side of the AC supply. As the current passes through the circuit, it experiences minimal ripple effects and produces a relatively stable output voltage.

During the positive half cycle, the diodes D1 and D3 are forward-biased, while D2 and D4 are reverse-biased.

The opposite happens during the negative half cycle: diodes D1 and D3 are reverse-biased, while D2 and D4 are forward-biased.

The result is a unidirectional load current.

We can then reduce the pulsating nature of this current by placing a capacitor in parallel with the resistor.

To calculate the output voltage of a bridge rectifier, you can either use this bridge rectifier calculator or use the following formula:

where:

• $V_{DC}$ is the average output voltage; and
• $V_{M}$ is the AC peak voltage.

Likewise, you can obtain the load current, ripple factor, and RMS current using this bridge rectifier calculator or by hand using their formulas.

Ripple factor:

where $I_{RMS}$ is the RMS current and $I_{DC}$ is the average load current.

Load current:

where:

• $R_L$ is the load resistance;
• $R_F$ is the forward resistance of the diodes; and
• $V_{DC}$ is the output voltage.

RMS current:

where $I_{M}$ is the peak load current.