The main comparison between a center-tapped rectifier and a bridge rectifier is that one uses a center-tapped transformer while the other they do not require a center-tapped transformer. both of these types of full-wave rectifiers but their method of converting AC input into DC is different by employing a different number of diodes. So here this article gives the difference between center-tapped rectifier and bridge rectifier to better understand this topic.
What is a center-tapped rectifier?
In this rectifier, the anodes of the diode are connected with a center-tapped secondary winding, and the cathodes of the diode are connected with the load resistor. Thus it is called a center-tapped rectifier. In this diode firstly it converts one-half of the AC cycle into DC voltage and then it converts another half of the AC cycle into DC voltage.
What is a bridge rectifier?
The bridge rectifier converts the complete cycle of AC into pulsating DC, but it is conversion manner is different from the center-tapped rectifier. In this rectifier, all four diodes are connected in the form of a Wheatstone bridge.
Difference between center-tapped rectifier and bridge rectifier:
- The Center tapped rectifier as its name suggests is center-tapped, its secondary winding is center-tapped. While there is no center tapping in the case of the bridge rectifier.
- The Center tapped rectifier uses only two diodes while the bridge rectifier uses four diodes in its circuit.
- The magnitude of peak inverse voltage of the bridge rectifier is half of that of the center-tapped rectifier. These features of the bridge rectifier make it appropriate for high voltage applications.
- The transformer utilization factor is 0.692 in the center-tapped rectifier, while 0.812 in the bridge rectifier.
- Circuit complexity is less in the Center tapped rectifier, while circuit complexity is more in the bridge rectifier.
- The voltage drop is low in the Center tapped rectifier, while the bridge rectifier voltage drop is high due to the presence of four diodes.