What does a rectifier do?

What does a rectifier do?

• A. Converts DC into AC
• B. Regulates current
• C. Converts AC into DC
• D. Smooths voltage

Answer: (C)

Rectification is converting alternating current to direct current. A rectifier uses diodes arranged to pass current in one direction, turning the AC waveform into DC that can charge the battery and feed DC power buses in an aircraft. The other functions belong to different components: an inverter would turn DC back into AC; a regulator maintains the DC output at a set voltage; and smoothing (to reduce ripple) is done by a filter stage (often capacitors) after rectification. So the rectifier’s primary job is AC to DC conversion.

Rectification is converting alternating current to direct current. A rectifier uses diodes arranged to pass current in one direction, turning the AC waveform into DC that can charge the battery and feed DC power buses in an aircraft. The other functions belong to different components: an inverter would turn DC back into AC; a regulator maintains the DC output at a set voltage; and smoothing (to reduce ripple) is done by a filter stage (often capacitors) after rectification. So the rectifier’s primary job is AC to DC conversion.