The diode and rectifier both semiconductor device but are used in different application due to their different functioning. A diode is a device that allows the flow of current in one direction only while in rectifier is a diode that is able to convert the current from AC to DC. Here this post gives the difference between diode and rectifier to better understand this topic.
Definition:
Diode: A diode is a semiconductor device which conducts when it is forward biased and becomes open circuit when it is reversed biased.
Rectifier: Rectifier is a circuit which consists of a diode, step down transformer and filter circuit which collectively converts AC into pulsating DC.
The main key difference between diode and semiconductor are listed below:
- The diode is a semiconductor device but a single element or entity in an electronics circuit, While in rectifier itself is an electronics circuit which consists of several elements as its components among which diode holds a crucial place.
- A diode is a device that allows the flow of current in one direction only, a rectifier is a diode that able to convert from AC to DC.
- A diode is a semiconductor device which conducts uni-directionally and acts as a switch, while the rectifier is the semiconductor device which converts alternating current into pulsating direct current.
- Current carrying capability of the diode in low, while rectifier has higher current capability than the conventional diode.
- Diode example like tunnel diode, PIN diode, Photodiode, Zener diode, etc while the rectifier is basically divided into two categories that are single phase and 3 phase rectifier and single phase is also further subdivided into half wave rectifier and full wave rectifier.
- A diode is used in switches, clippers and clampers, etc while the rectifier is used in computers, battery, chargers, modulators, demodulators, DC motors, etc.
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