Term #1,940
rectifier
Claim Term
rectifier
Origin matter
PON-1PROV, 2PROV, 3PROV
Reference Case 1
—
Date Added
10/28/22
Created
10/28/22, 8:19 PM
Modified
10/28/22, 8:19 PM
Full Desc
"Rectifier" refers to an electrical device that converts electromagnetic waves, radio waves, and/or alternating current (AC), which can periodically reverse direction, to direct current (DC) or voltage, which flows in only one direction. The reverse operation is performed by an inverter. This process of converting alternating waves or alternating current is known as rectification, since it "straightens" the direction of current. Physically, rectifiers can take a number of forms, including vacuum tube diodes, wet chemical cells, mercury-arc valves, stacks of copper and selenium oxide plates, semiconductor diodes, diodes, silicon-controlled rectifiers and other silicon-based semiconductor switches. Rectifiers have many uses, but are often found serving as components of DC power supplies and high-voltage direct current power transmission systems. Rectification may serve in roles other than to generate direct current for use as a source of power. Detectors of radio signals can serve as rectifiers. Depending on the type of alternating current supply and the arrangement of the rectifier circuit, the output voltage may require additional smoothing to produce a uniform steady voltage. Many applications of rectifiers, such as power supplies for radio, television and computer equipment, require a steady constant DC voltage (as would be produced by a battery). In these applications the output of the rectifier is smoothed by an electronic filter, which may be a capacitor, choke, or set of capacitors, chokes and resistors, possibly followed by a voltage regulator to produce a steady voltage. (search "Rectifier" on Wikipedia. Oct. 13, 2022 Modified. Accessed Oct. 28, 2022.)
Applications using this term
| Matter | Usage | Notes | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| PON-1PROV, 2PROV, 3PROV | Defined | — | App terms |