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Introduction
The Central Semiconductor CBRDFA4-100 features the most groundbreaking technology in any discrete rectifier.
This full-wave bridge rectifier utilizes Central’s low profile surface-mount BR DFN-A package, which both saves space and
offers remarkable thermal efficiency. Bridge rectifiers are lower cost and lighter in weight as compared to center-tapped
full-wave rectifiers, and despite these benefits, do not sacrifice performance. Additionally, a diode bridge minimizes the
ripple voltage that results from rectification compared to a less expensive half-wave rectifier, resulting in increased energy
efficiency. With a forward voltage of 1V or less, Central’s CBRDFA4-100 wastes less power than competitors’ devices, and
the 1000V, 4A rating makes it ideal for high power circuits.
Low Profile Power Supply
Switched-mode power supplies have largely replaced older linear power supplies due to their lower profile and
lighter weight. These advantages are derived from the implementation of a transformer (a requirement of any power
supply). In linear power supplies, the transformer steps down the voltage directly from the mains (60Hz in the US), which
requires a heavy iron core. Switched-mode power supplies, however, take advantage of pulse-width modulation (PWM) to
create a much higher frequency AC signal (typically above 20kHz), and voltage can be stepped down with a much smaller,
lighter weight transformer. Central’s CBRDFA4-100 provides the initial rectification before the signal is passed through the
PWM-controlled power MOSFET. The optocoupler provides feedback to the PWM controller, adjusting the duty cycle (and
therefore the output voltage) as needed to produce a constant voltage at the load.
Figure 1:
Low Profile Switched-Mode Power
Supply
CBRDFA4-100 Ideal Applications
Low Profile Power Bridge Rectifier
Application Note
Application Note
Nicholas Fortunato, Technical Marketing Specialist