A

David

Darling

rectifier

A rectifier is a device such as an electron tube or semiconductor junction which converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) by allowing more current to flow through it in one direction than another. A half-wave rectifier transmits only one polarity of the alternating current, producing a pulsating direct current; two such devices are combined in full-wave rectification, giving a continuous pulse train which may be smoothed by a filter.