What is the formula for Full-Wave Rectifier DC Output?

The Full-Wave Rectifier DC Output formula is Vdc = 2 × Vpeak / π = 0.637 × Vpeak, where Vdc—Average DC output voltage (V); Vpeak—Peak of the rectified AC (V).

What does Vdc mean in the Full-Wave Rectifier DC Output formula?

Vdc is Average DC output voltage (V).

Full-Wave Rectifier DC Output

Q: How do you calculate Full-Wave Rectifier DC Output?

Use the formula Vdc = 2 × Vpeak / π = 0.637 × Vpeak. A full-wave rectifier (bridge or centre-tapped) inverts the negative half-cycles instead of blocking them, so its average DC output is twice that of a half-wave circuit—about 64% of the peak. Enter the values you know in the calculator above and it solves for the remaining variable.

Vdc = 2 · Vpeak / π

Calculator

Average DC Voltage

Peak Voltage

Result

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Formula

Vdc = 2 × Vpeak / π = 0.637 × Vpeak

Description

A full-wave rectifier (bridge or centre-tapped) inverts the negative half-cycles instead of blocking them, so its average DC output is twice that of a half-wave circuit—about 64% of the peak. Both halves of the waveform deliver current, doubling the ripple frequency and greatly easing filtering. This is the standard topology for linear power supplies.

Variables

Vdc — Average DC output voltage (V)
Vpeak — Peak of the rectified AC (V)

Practical Notes

Ripple frequency is twice the line frequency (100/120 Hz), so a smaller reservoir capacitor achieves the same ripple. Subtract diode drops (one for centre-tap, two for bridge) to get the loaded peak.

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