What is the ripple frequency of a full wave single phase bridge rectifier operated at 60Hz?

What is the ripple frequency of a full wave single phase bridge rectifier operated at 60Hz?

• A. 60 Hz
• B. 120 Hz
• C. 90 Hz
• D. 150 Hz

Answer: (B)

In a full wave single-phase bridge rectifier, the output voltage pulsates, producing a ripple frequency that is double the frequency of the AC supply. This is because a full wave rectifier inverts both halves of the AC waveform, effectively utilizing both the positive and negative cycles of the incoming AC signal. Given that the AC supply frequency is 60 Hz, when this frequency is doubled due to the full wave rectification process, the resulting ripple frequency becomes 120 Hz. This is a fundamental characteristic of full wave rectification, which increases the frequency of the ripples seen in the output compared to the input frequency. Understanding this principle is crucial for analyzing power supply circuits, as the ripple frequency can significantly affect the performance of filtering components designed to smooth out the output voltage.

In a full wave single-phase bridge rectifier, the output voltage pulsates, producing a ripple frequency that is double the frequency of the AC supply. This is because a full wave rectifier inverts both halves of the AC waveform, effectively utilizing both the positive and negative cycles of the incoming AC signal.

Given that the AC supply frequency is 60 Hz, when this frequency is doubled due to the full wave rectification process, the resulting ripple frequency becomes 120 Hz. This is a fundamental characteristic of full wave rectification, which increases the frequency of the ripples seen in the output compared to the input frequency.

Understanding this principle is crucial for analyzing power supply circuits, as the ripple frequency can significantly affect the performance of filtering components designed to smooth out the output voltage.