A full wave rectifier is one in which rectification is done for the complete (both) cycle of input Ac.
Working:
(i) During positive half cycle of input AC, A is +ve and B is-ve hence diode D₁ is forward biased and D₂ is reverse biased, D₁ only conducts current. Current flows through the load resistance in the direction D₁ RL T there will be output voltage across the load résistance.
(ii) During negative half cycle of input AC, A is -ve and B is +ve hence diode D₂ is forward biased and D₁ is reverse biased. Diode D₂ only conducts current. A current flows through the load resistance in the direction D2 RL T. There will be voltage across the load resistance.
In both the cases current flows in the same direction through the load resistance. Therefore output is DC and steady. This process is called as "full wave rectification".
