整流器

在半波整流器中，交流波形的正半周或负半周其中之一会被消除。只有一半的输入波形会形成输出，对于功率转换是相当没有效率的。半波整流在单相供应时使用一个二极管，三相供应时使用三个二极管。

半波整流器的直流电压输出可以下列两个理想方程式计算之。

[编辑] 全波整流器

A full-wave rectifier converts the whole of the input waveform to one of constant polarity (positive or negative) at its output. Full-wave rectification converts both polarities of the input waveform to DC (direct current), and is more efficient. However, in a circuit with a non-center tapped transformer, four diodes are required instead of the one needed for half-wave rectification. (See semiconductors, diode). Four rectifiers arranged this way are called a diode bridge or bridge rectifier:

对于单相交流电， 如果变压器是中心抽头型的， then two diodes back-to-back (i.e. anodes-to-anode or cathode-to-cathode) can form a full-wave rectifier. Twice as many windings are required on the transformer secondary to obtain the same output voltage compared to the bridge rectifier above.

一般的真空管整流器包含一个阴极和一个与之对应的阳极，这些电极被封装在一个容器内；这样，两个二极管只需一个真空管。 The 5U4 and 5Y3 were popular examples of this configuration.