Transformers and Rectifiers

A transformer is a static electrical device that uses electromagnetic induction to convert voltage and current levels.
Essentially, transformers consist of two or more magnetically-coupled windings, or coils.
Transformers work on the principle of Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction which states that the amount of electrical energy induced in a coil is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic field.
When an alternating electrical current flows through the primary coil, it creates a changing magnetic field and induces a voltage in the secondary coil.
The turns ratio of a transformer is the ratio of the number of turns in the primary coil to the number of turns in the secondary coil. It determines the voltage transformation.
Step-up transformers have more turns on the secondary coil than the primary, increasing the voltage.
Step-down transformers have fewer turns on the secondary coil than the primary, reducing the voltage.
Transformers are typically used in power systems to step up the voltage for efficient transmission and then step down for safe usage.

A rectifier is an electrical component that converts alternating current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, into direct current (DC) that flows in only one direction.
The process of converting AC to DC is known as rectification.
Rectifiers can take many forms, including vacuum tube diodes, mercury-arc valves, solid-state diodes, silicon-controlled rectifiers and other silicon-based semiconductor switches.
In electronic circuits, the most common type of rectifier is the bridge rectifier.
A half-wave rectifier allows electricity to pass through only during the positive half of each cycle of AC. The output is pulsating DC.
A full-wave rectifier converts both positive and negative half cycles of AC into DC. It produces smoother DC output than a half-wave rectifier.
A key characteristic of rectifiers is their peak inverse voltage (PIV), the maximum voltage a rectifier can withstand in the reverse bias condition without breaking down.
Rectifiers are frequently used in power supplies to provide the DC electricity required for most electronic circuits.

Both transformers and rectifiers play key roles in providing the required voltages for electronic circuits and devices.
Transformers assist in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power in a safe and efficient way across different voltage levels.
Rectifiers, on the other hand, allow the conversion of externally supplied AC power into the DC power required by most electronic appliances.
Understanding the principles and workings of transformers and rectifiers is critical for grasping the broader electrical systems and power electronics concepts.