A rectifier is an electrical device used to convert

alternating current (AC) which periodically reverses

direction, to direct current (DC) which flows in only

one direction. Bourns offers a wide variety of rectifier

products including bridge rectifiers and discrete

rectifiers. Bourns® bridge rectifiers perform with higher

forward current and low forward voltages for use in

low voltage and high efficiency designs. Fast response

rectifier diodes support fast reverse recovery time with

high forward current capability for high speed switched-

mode power supply applications. Standard rectifier

diodes provide high forward current capability with low

reverse leakage current, and Schottky rectifier diodes

can perform with high forward current and low forward

voltage for low heat dissipation. AC to DC and DC to DC

converters are common applications of rectifier diodes.

• Bridge Rectifier Diodes

• Schottky Bridge Rectifier Diodes

• Fast Response Rectifier Diodes

• Standard Rectifier Diodes

• Schottky Rectifier Diodes

A bridge rectifier diode or four discrete rectifier diodes

connected in a closed loop “bridge” configuration provide

full-wave rectification from AC input into a DC output. The

bridge rectifier diode blocks the current in the reverse

direction and allows the current in the forward direction

to keep the output current in one direction. During the

positive half cycle of the supply, diodes D

and D

conduct in

series while diodes D

and D

are reverse biased and the current

flows through the load. During the negative half cycle of the

supply, diodes D

and D

conduct in series, but diodes D

and

switch “OFF” which are reverse biased. The current flowing

through the load.

Introduction

Bourns® Rectier Diodes Bourns® Rectier Diode Product Oering

AC to DC Converter

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Load

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