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DIY Bridge Rectifier

A bridge rectifier is an electronic circuit that converts AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current). Four diodes (or "rectifiers") are used to convert the voltage from the entire alternating voltage cycle (the voltage swings in a sine wave pattern from positive to negative). Typically, the four-diode configuration will be connected to the output of a transformer, such as one that steps down 120 volts from a wall outlet to 6 or 12 volts that can be used for powering many common solid state devices.

Things You'll Need

AC transformer
4 semiconductor diodes
Electronic hobbyist "breadboard" or soldering iron

Instructions

- 1
  Label one wire of the transformer's output "A" and the other wire "B."
- 2
  Label four diodes "A," "B," "C" and "D," respectively.
- 3
  Connect the cathode of diode "A" and the anode of diode "B" to wire "A" on the transformer.
- 4
  Connect the cathode of diode "C" and the anode of diode "D" to wire "B" on the transformer.
- 5
  Connect the anodes of diodes "A" and "C" together.
- 6
  Connect the junction of the anodes of diode "A" and "C" to the negative or "ground" bus of the circuit you will be powering.
- 7
  Connect the cathodes of diodes "B" and "D" together.
- 8
  Connect the junction of the cathodes of diode "B" and "D" (which is the positive, or "B+," power supply feed) to the circuit you will be powering.

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