Bridge rectifier is an electronic component which converts an input AC current into a DC current as an output. Electronic devices, and particularly portable electronic devices such as portable computers, cellular phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) typically make use of alternating current to direct current adapters (AC adapters) either as a direct source of power, or as a source of power to charge on-board batteries. Bridge rectifiers are used to rectify current output from alternative current sources, such as an alternating current generator. Three-phase bridge rectifiers have been provided for rectifying a three-phase alternating current to convert it to a corresponding direct current. The rectifiers generally comprise a three-phase rectifier circuit including six three-phase bridge-connected diodes and a smoothing capacitor connected between DC output terminals of the rectifier circuit. The six pulse bridge phase controlled rectifier is a widely used type of solid state power converter which is used in industry for converting a three phase ac input voltage to a variable dc voltage. The six pulse bridge phase controlled rectifier uses six thyristors as controllable power devices. Bridge rectifiers for motor vehicle alternators generally include two metal parts used as heat sinks that are electrically insulated from each other. The Bridge Rectifier When four diodes are connected as shown in figure 4-8, the circuit is called a BRIDGE RECTIFIER. The input to ...
