The main key difference between a center tap full-wave rectifier and bridge rectifier is that one uses a center-tapped transformer while another does not require a center-tapped transformer. Both these types are used full-wave rectifier but their method of converting AC input into DC is different by employing a different number of diodes. Let us have to deep inside the information about the difference between center tap full wave rectifier and bridge rectifier to better understand this topic.
Center tap full wave rectifier vs bridge rectifier:
- Center tap full wave rectifier need for center-tapped transformer while Bridge rectifier does not need the required center-tapped transformer.
- Both have an efficiency of 81.2%.
- Both have a 0.48 ripple factor.
- The peak inverse voltage rating of the diode in a bridge rectifier is half than that needed in a center-tapped full-wave rectifier. The voltage coming across each diode is twice the maximum across the half of the secondary winding is the center-tapped full-wave rectifier.
- In center tap, full-wave rectifier peak inverse voltage of diode in center-tapped full-wave rectifier is twice the secondary terminal voltage, while in bridge rectifier the PIV of the diode is equal to the transformer secondary voltage. Thus this type of rectifier can be used for high voltage applications.
- In the center tap, full-wave rectifier there is two number of the diode are required while four diodes are required for the bridge rectifier.
- In center-tapped full-wave rectifier transformer utilization factor must be equal to 0.672 while the Bridge rectifier transformer utilization factor must be equal to 0.810.
- The transformer size i.e kVA rating required for center-tapped rectifier is more, while the bridge rectifier transformer size requirement is less.
- The transformer utilization factor for a center-tapped full-wave rectifier is 0.693 while 0.812 in the case of a bridge rectifier.
- The ripple factor for both of them is the same as 0.48. The form factor for both of them also same as 1.11. The peak factor for both of them is the same as √2.