ETE 2212: Sessional Based on ETE 2211 Prepared By: M. T.

Hassan

Lab Manual
Experiment 02: Experimental study of uncontrolled AC-DC converters with R, RL and motor load.

Objectives: The objectives of this experiment are to:

• To study the characteristics of uncontrolled AC-DC converters.
• To analyze the performance of converters with different types of loads (Resistive - R, Inductive -
RL, and Motor load).
• To observe the output voltage and current waveforms for each load.
Concept:
AC-DC Conversion and Rectifiers: An AC-DC converter (or rectifier) is a circuit that converts
alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). Rectification is commonly used in power supplies, where
the goal is to provide a stable DC output from an AC input. The process involves diode-based circuits,
which allow current to flow only in one direction, effectively blocking half of the AC waveform or
transforming both halves into positive values.
There are two main types of uncontrolled rectifiers:
• Half-Wave Rectifier: A simple rectifier circuit where only one half of the AC waveform is
allowed to pass through (either the positive or negative half, depending on diode orientation). The
output waveform is a pulsating DC signal with a significant amount of ripple.
• Full-Wave Rectifier: This circuit uses four diodes (bridge rectifier) to allow both halves of the
AC waveform to pass through, but each half is inverted in such a way that the output remains
positive. Full-wave rectification results in a smoother DC output compared to half-wave
rectification.
The output from these rectifiers is not pure DC; instead, it contains a ripple component, which is an
oscillation superimposed on the DC output due to the rectified AC input. This ripple can be reduced by
filtering circuits, but in this experiment, we study the raw output without any filters.
Diode Operation in Rectifiers: The operation of the rectifier circuit is based on diodes, which are
semiconductor devices that allow current to flow in one direction only.
• Forward-biased Diode: When the anode of the diode is at a higher potential than the cathode, the
diode conducts, allowing current to pass through.
• Reverse-biased Diode: When the cathode is at a higher potential than the anode, the diode blocks
current flow.

In rectifier circuits:

• For half-wave rectifiers, only one diode is used. It conducts during one half-cycle of the AC
waveform (positive or negative half-cycle) and blocks current during the other half.
• For full-wave rectifiers, a combination of four diodes is used to ensure that both halves of the AC
input are utilized, effectively doubling the frequency of the output ripple compared to a half-wave
rectifier.

Fig. 2.1: Half Wave Rectifier with Circuit Diagram [1].

Waveform Characteristics and Ripple: In both half-wave and full-wave rectifiers, the output waveform
is a pulsating DC signal. This signal is not a smooth constant DC value but contains ripple, which is the
result of the rectified AC input.
The ripple frequency depends on the type of rectifier:
• In a single-phase half-wave rectifier, the ripple frequency is equal to the AC frequency.

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ETE 2212: Sessional Based on ETE 2211 Prepared By: M. T. Hassan

• In a single-phase full-wave rectifier, the ripple frequency is twice the AC frequency.

Fig. 2.2: Full Wave Rectifier with Circuit Diagram [1].

The ripple factor (γ) is a measure of the amount of AC component (ripple) present in the DC output and
is given by:
𝑉
𝐹𝐹 = 𝑎𝑐 ……………………………….(1)
𝑉𝑑𝑐
2 − 𝑉2
𝑉𝑎𝑐 = √𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑑𝑐

where 𝑉𝑎𝑐 is the root-mean-square (RMS) value of the AC component, and 𝑉𝑑𝑐 is the DC output voltage.
The goal of most rectifier designs is to minimize the ripple for a smoother DC output.

Load Types and Their Effects on Rectifiers

The type of load connected to the rectifier has a significant impact on the output characteristics.
• Resistive Load (R): When the rectifier is connected to a purely resistive load, the current and
voltage waveforms are in phase, and the current waveform will resemble the rectified voltage
waveform. For a resistive load, the power dissipation is proportional to the square of the current
(𝑃 = 𝐼 2 𝑅).
• Inductive Load (RL): When an inductor is added to the load, the circuit's behavior changes due
to the inductor’s tendency to oppose changes in current. This causes a phase difference between
the voltage and current waveforms, with the current lagging the voltage. The inductor stores
energy in its magnetic field, which smooths out the current waveform, leading to reduced ripple
in the output current compared to a resistive load.
In an RL load, the energy is alternately stored and released by the inductor, which results in
continuous current even when the input voltage is zero (during the off-cycle of the AC input).
This is called freewheeling current, and it helps reduce the ripple but increases the current
duration through the load.
• Motor Load: A motor represents a dynamic load where both resistive and inductive components
are present. The motor draws current to create a rotating magnetic field, causing torque. Since a
motor has inductance (due to windings), the current waveform lags behind the voltage waveform
similar to the RL load. However, the motor load is also influenced by mechanical factors, such as
torque and inertia, which affect the current drawn from the rectifier.
In practice, when a motor is driven by a rectified DC supply, the current ripple causes
fluctuations in the torque, which can lead to vibrations or uneven motor performance unless
filtered.

Performance Parameters of Rectifiers: There are a few key parameters used to evaluate the
performance of rectifiers:
• Average DC Output Voltage: For a half-wave rectifier, the average DC output voltage, 𝑉𝑑𝑐 is
given by:
𝑉𝑚
𝑉𝑑𝑐 = ……………………………………(2)
𝜋

where 𝑉𝑚 is the peak AC voltage.

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ETE 2212: Sessional Based on ETE 2211 Prepared By: M. T. Hassan

For a full-wave rectifier, the average DC output voltage is:

2𝑉𝑚
• 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = ……………………………………(3)
𝜋
• Form Factor: This is the ratio of the RMS value of the output to the average value of the output:
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠
FF = …………………………………….(4)
𝑉𝑑𝑐

A lower form factor indicates a more stable output.

• Ripple Factor: It is a measure of the effectiveness of the rectifier in producing a pure DC signal.
Lower ripple factor indicates a smoother DC output. The ripple factor for a half-wave rectifier is
higher than that for a full-wave rectifier.

RF = √𝐹𝐹 2 − 1…………………………...(5)

Motor Control Using Rectified DC Supply: In motor control applications, rectifiers are often used to
supply DC voltage to motors. The DC motor load requires continuous current to produce a steady torque.
Uncontrolled rectifiers provide a basic solution, but the ripple in the rectified output can affect motor
performance. For high-performance motor applications, filtering circuits or controlled rectifiers (using
thyristors or MOSFETs) are preferred to provide a smoother DC output and better control over motor
speed and torque.
In this experiment, the uncontrolled rectifier provides an understanding of the basic rectification process
and how different load types influence the output characteristics of the rectified signal.

Key Takeaways:

• Uncontrolled rectifiers use diodes to convert AC to DC, but the output contains ripple.
• Different loads (R, RL, and motor) influence the rectifier's performance and output waveform.
• Inductive and motor loads smooth out the ripple due to energy storage, while resistive loads give
a more direct relationship between voltage and current waveforms.
• Motors driven by rectified DC suffer from ripple-induced torque variations, requiring smoothing
or filtering for efficient operation.

Required Components:
• AC Power Supply (single-phase or three-phase)
• Uncontrolled Rectifier Circuit (using diodes)
• Resistive Load (R)
• Inductive Load (RL)
• DC Motor
• Oscilloscope
• Multimeter
• Connecting Wires
• Breadboard or PCB for circuit assembly
• DC Voltmeter and Ammeter
• Load Bank (optional

Circuit Diagram:

Fig. 2.3: Half Wave Rectifier Circuit Diagram [2].

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ETE 2212: Sessional Based on ETE 2211 Prepared By: M. T. Hassan

Applications of Half Wave Rectifier: Here are a few common applications of half wave rectifiers:
• They are used for signal demodulation purpose
• They are used for rectification applications
• They are used for signal peak applications
Disadvantages of Half Wave Rectifier
• Power loss
• Low output voltage
• The output contains a lot of ripples

Fig. 2.4: Full Wave Rectifier Circuit Diagram [Book].

Fig. 2.5: Full Wave Rectifier Input Output Shape [Book].

Procedure:
Part 1: Uncontrolled Rectifier with Resistive Load (R)
1. Circuit Setup:
o Build a single-phase bridge rectifier circuit using diodes.
o Connect the resistive load (R) across the output of the rectifier.
o Ensure all connections are secure.
2. Measurements:
o Connect a multimeter across the load to measure DC voltage.
o Use an oscilloscope to observe the output voltage waveform.
3. Procedure:
o Turn on the AC power supply and measure the input AC voltage.
o Measure the output DC voltage across the resistive load.
o Observe and record the output waveform on the oscilloscope.
4. Analysis:
𝑉𝑚
o Compare the measured DC output voltage with the theoretical value using 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = for
𝜋
2𝑉𝑚
half-wave and 𝑉𝑑𝑐 = for full-wave rectification.
𝜋

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ETE 2212: Sessional Based on ETE 2211 Prepared By: M. T. Hassan

Part 2: Uncontrolled Rectifier with RL Load

1. Circuit Setup:
o
Modify the previous circuit by replacing the resistive load with a series RL load.
o
Connect the oscilloscope to observe both the voltage and current waveforms.
2. Measurements:
o
Measure the DC voltage and current across the RL load using a multimeter.
o
Observe the output voltage and current waveforms on the oscilloscope.
3. Procedure:
o
Turn on the AC power supply and measure the input AC voltage.
o
Measure the DC output voltage and current across the RL load.
o
Observe and record the output waveform (voltage and current).
4. Analysis:
o Compare the output characteristics with those of the resistive load.
o Explain the effects of inductance on the output voltage waveform and current ripple.

Part 3: Uncontrolled Rectifier with Motor Load

1. Circuit Setup:
o
Replace the RL load with a DC motor.
o
Connect a tachometer to measure the speed of the motor.
o
Use an oscilloscope to observe the output voltage waveform.
2. Measurements:
o
Measure the DC voltage and current supplied to the motor.
o
Record the motor speed using the tachometer.
o
Observe the output voltage waveform on the oscilloscope.
3. Procedure:
o
Turn on the AC power supply and measure the input AC voltage.
o
Measure the DC voltage and current across the motor terminals.
o
Record the motor speed and output waveform.
4. Analysis:
o Compare the output voltage and current with the previous loads.
o Analyze the performance of the motor under varying AC input.
o Explain the effect of motor load on the waveform shape and speed.

Observation:
Create a table to record the following values for each experiment:
Table 2.1: Observation Table.
Load Type Input AC Output DC Output Waveform
Voltage Voltage Current Shape
R
RL
Motor (If Available)

Waveform Analysis
• Sketch or capture the waveforms observed from the oscilloscope for each load type.
• Comment on the difference in waveforms between the R, RL, and motor loads.
• Discuss the ripple present in the DC output and how it varies between different loads.
Calculations:
Table 2.2: Calculation Table.
Category 𝑽𝒅𝒄 (V) 𝑽𝒓𝒎𝒔 (V) FF RF 𝜼 (%)
Half Wave
Full Wave

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ETE 2212: Sessional Based on ETE 2211 Prepared By: M. T. Hassan

Expected Results:

Fig. 2.6: Expected Half Wave Rectifier Input Output Shape.

Fig. 2.7: Expected Full Wave Rectifier Input Output Shape.

Discussion:
• Sketch or capture the waveforms observed from the oscilloscope for each load type.
• Comment on the difference in waveforms between the R, RL, and motor loads.
• Discuss the ripple present in the DC output and how it varies between different loads.

Conclusion:

• Discuss how the output characteristics of the rectifier are affected by the type of load.
• Summarize the differences in voltage, current, and waveform shape between the different types
of loads.
• Conclude the practical applications of each load type in real-world AC-DC conversion systems.

Safety Precautions:

• Ensure all connections are secure before turning on the AC power supply.
• Handle electrical components carefully to avoid shocks.
• Do not exceed the rated power of the resistors, inductors, or motor.
• Always use insulated tools and wires for making connections.

Probable Questions:
• What is a halfwave rectifier?
• Where is a halfwave rectifier used?
• How does a half-wave rectifier work?
• Is the half-wave rectifier better or the full-wave rectifier?
• What is the use of a filter in a half-wave rectifier?
• What is a full wave rectifier?
• Why do we use a capacitor in full wave rectifier circuit?
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• What is a center tapped full wave rectifier?

• Where is a full wave rectifier used?
• What are the disadvantages of full wave rectifiers?

References:

[1] https://www.physics-and-radio-electronics.com/electronic-devices-and-circuits.
[2] Rashid, M. H. (2013). Power Electronics: Circuits, Devices, and Applications. Pearson.

_________________________
Md. Tarek Hassan
Lecturer
Lab Instructor of ETE 2212
Dept. of ETE, RUET

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