Executive Summary
Rectifier systems are integral in converting alternating current to direct current. In a bid to understand the impact of rectifier systems in a circuit, it is integral to consider the functionality of diodes in different circuits. In this laboratory experiment, the functionality of diodes in a basic limiting circuit, half-wave rectifier circuit, and full-wave rectifier circuit was explored. From the experiment, it was deduced that diodes rectified the circuits by allowing current to flow exclusively in one direction.
Introduction
A rectifier system is a device that converts alternating current to direct current. The notable difference between alternating and direct current is the directionality of the current flow. In an alternating current system, the direction of the flow of current changes periodically, while the current flows in one direction in a direct current setup. The process of converting current is called rectification. The objective of this laboratory experiment is familiarizing learners with the functionality of diodes in a circuit. In a bid to deduce the functionality of a diode, both a rectifying and limiting circuits will be used. This laboratory experiment also seeks to enlighten students on how to use Labview, which is an automated measurement program.
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Procedure
The labView program was used to obtain the characteristics of diode to be used in the experiment. A basic limiting and half-wave rectifier circuits were then built and a voltmeter and an ammeter were used to measure voltage and current of the diode respectively. Subsequently, a full-wave rectifier circuit was built, and the current and voltage were measured using the aforementioned equipment. A capacitor was added to the full-wave rectifier circuit in a parallel configuration to the 1k resistor. The peak-to-peak voltage was then measured and recorded. The step was repeated for capacitors 100µ, 10µ, 1µ, and when there was no capacitor in the circuit. Lastly, a voltage-regulated power supply was built, and the AC voltage at the zener terminals was measured using a voltemeter. A resistor was then connected parallel to the zener. A big resistor that has a resistance of 220k was connected first and the resistance was reduced systematically in the subsequent tests until a DC voltage of 90% of the value before the load was introduced is obtained. The value of the resistor at this point was record.
Conclusion
From the lab results, it was deduced that rectifiers had the capacity to convert alternating current to direct current. Typically, the use of multiple circuits in an experiment is instrumental in enabling accurate determination of the characteristic of the independent variable, diode, in different conditions.
