Topological materials open a new pathway for exploring spin hall materials

A recent discovery in spintronics could potentially transform future electronics. A group of researchers have revealed the key role of cobalt-tin-sulfur in reducing energy consumption, unlocking new possibilities for high-speed, low-power spintronic devices.

Electrons take flight at the nanoscale

A study showing how electrons flow around sharp bends, such as those found in integrated circuits, has the potential to improve how these circuits, commonly used in electronic and optoelectronic devices, are designed.

Researchers unveil new flexible adhesive with exceptional recovery and adhesion properties for electronic devices

A research team has developed novel crosslinkers utilizing m-xylylene diisocyanate (XDI) or 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane (H6XDI) as hard segments along with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) groups serving as soft segments.

Engineers grow full wafers of high-performing 2D semiconductor that integrates with state-of-the-art chips

Researchers have grown a high-performing 2D semiconductor to a full-size, industrial-scale wafer. In addition, the semiconductor material, indium selenide (InSe), can be deposited at temperatures low enough to integrate with a silicon chip.

Scientists develop method to detect deadly infectious diseases

Researchers have developed a way of detecting the early onset of deadly infectious diseases using a test so ultrasensitive that it could someday revolutionize medical approaches to epidemics. The test is an electronic sensor contained within a computer chip. It employs nanoballs -- microscopic spherical clumps made of tinier particles of genetic material -- and combines that technology with advanced electronics.

Atomic layer deposition route to scalable, electronic-grade van der Waals Te thin films

A research team has made a significant breakthrough in thin film deposition technology.

Groundbreaking soft valve technology enabling sensing and control integration in soft robots

A research team has developed groundbreaking 'soft valve' technology -- an all-in-one solution that integrates sensors and control valves while maintaining complete softness.

Improving transistor performance through perovskite-cation incorporation

A team advances transistor performance through perovskite-cation incorporation.

Analog and digital: The best of both worlds in one energy-efficient system

We live in an analog world of continuous information flow that is both processed and stored by our brains at the same time, but our devices process information digitally in the form of discrete binary code, breaking the information into little bits (or bites). Researchers have revealed a pioneering technology that combines the potential of continuous analog processing with the precision of digital devices. By seamlessly integrating ultra-thin, two-dimensional semiconductors with ferroelectric materials, the research unveils a novel way to improve energy efficiency and add new functionalities in computing. The new configuration merges traditional digital logic with brain-like analog operations.

New material offers more durable, sustainable multi-level non-volatile phase change memory

Researchers scientists have unlocked a new realm of possibilities for non-volatile phase change memory, a type of electronic memory capable of retaining data even without power. Traditionally, researchers have relied on chalcogenides, materials with reversible electrical properties during transitions between crystalline and amorphous states. But an exciting alternative has emerged in the form of layered nickelates, complex oxide materials composed of nickel ions. These nickelates, with their unique layered structure and thermally reversible switching of room-temperature electrical resistivity, offer superior performance and sustainability potential.

Better cybersecurity with new material

Digital information exchange can be safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly with the help of a new type of random number generator for encryption. The researchers behind the study believe that the new technology paves the way for a new type of quantum communication.

Diode Bridge: How Four Diodes Can Convert From AC to DC

The diode bridge is a simple circuit used to convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). In this guide, you’ll learn how it works, what it’s used for, and how you can build your own.

Even though you may not notice it, the diode bridge is everywhere. When you charge your phone or laptop, or you turn on the TV, you directly engage the diode bridge. How? All these devices rely on a diode bridge to transform the AC voltage from your wall outlet into a DC voltage that your device can use.

Suggested reading: AC vs DC: The difference between alternating and direct current

The Rectifier Diode

The diode bridge circuit is a very simple circuit made up of just four rectifier diodes connected in a square shape. A diode allows current to flow in one direction only (from the anode and to the cathode), which makes it perfect for converting from AC to DC.

Below you can see how an AC voltage waveform is converted when connected through a diode. An AC signal alternates between positive and negative values. When this AC signal passes through the diode only the positive half-cycle remains.

The circuit above is also known as a Half-Wave Rectifier, and it is a crucial concept to grasp before diving into the Diode Bridge, which is a Full-Wave Rectifier.

The Diode Bridge Circuit

The diode bridge consists of four diodes that are connected together in a square:

You can see how D1 and D4 share the same cathode, while D2 and D3 are connected by the anode. These two points make up the output.

You can also see that the cathode of D3 is attached to the anode of D1, and the cathode of D2 is connected to the anode of D4. These two points make up the input.

When you apply an AC input to this circuit, you get a rectified output as shown below:

The half-wave rectifier from the previous section used only the positive half-cycles, and the negative half-cycles were wasted.

The four diodes connected as a bridge rectifier solve this issue by letting the positive half-cycles flow while the negative half-cycles are converted into positives. Thereby making use of the entire AC waveform.

How it works: Current flow during the positive half-cycle

During the positive half-cycle of the power supply, diodes D1 and D2 can conduct, while diodes D3 and D4 cannot because they are reverse-biased. With this arrangement, the positive half-cycle gives you a current that flows through the circuit, like so:

How it works: Current flow during the negative half-cycle

During the negative half-cycle, diodes D3 and D4 conduct, while diodes D1 and D2 do not. Even though the circuit now receives the negative half-cycle, you can see in the picture below how the current flows through the load (output) in the same direction as before. That’s how this circuit turns the negative half-cycles into positives.

Pre-built Diode Bridge Modules

Despite the fact that the diode bridges comprise just four diodes, sometimes it can be tedious to build one every time you want to rectify an AC signal. Fortunately, there are pre-built diode bridge modules ready to use that already incorporate the necessary diodes and circuit configuration for efficient AC-to-DC conversion.

Here you have some examples of diode bridge modules with different packings:

Pre-built modules ensure consistent performance, are compact in size, and simplify integration. When using one of these modules, you only have to make sure it can safely handle the AC voltage and current you want.

Diode Bridge vs Center-Tapped Bridge Rectifier

The diode bridge is not the only Full-Wave rectifier, there exists another common circuit called “Center-Tapped Bridge”. It allows the positive half-cycles of an AC signal to flow and also converts the negative half-cycles into positives.

As you can see below, the center-tapped rectifiers use only two diodes and a center-tapped transformer to achieve full-wave rectification.

Compared to diode bridges, the center-tapped bridge exhibits lower efficiency, limited voltage ratings, increased component count, larger size, higher cost, and reduced flexibility due to its specific configuration.

Applications

The most common application of the diode bridge is in DC power supplies. Here’s an example of a 5V DC linear power supply circuit:

If you’re interested in building this circuit, check out the simplest power supply circuit project.

Questions

Do you have any questions or any feedback you want to share? Let me know in the comment field below!

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