Full-Wave Rectifier DC Output

Vdc = 2 · Vpeak / π

Quick answer

This calculator solves Vdc = 2 × Vpeak / π = 0.637 × Vpeak for Average DC Voltage. With Peak Voltage 26.4 V, the result is 16.81 V. It solves in 2 directions, so you can enter the values you have and get the one you need.

Calculator

Average DC Voltage (V)
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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.

Symbols and units

Symbol Meaning Default unit Accepted units
Vdc Average DC Voltage V pV, nV, µV, mV, V, kV
Vpeak Peak Voltage V pV, nV, µV, mV, V, kV

Step by step

  1. 1. What you know: Peak Voltage 26.4 V
  2. 2. The relation: Vdc = 2 × Vpeak / π = 0.637 × Vpeak
  3. 3. Substitute: Vpeak = 26.4 V
  4. 4. Result: Average DC Voltage = 16.81 V

Worked examples

Minimum range

Given: Peak Voltage 0.726 V

Result: Average DC Voltage = 0.4622 V

Low range

Given: Peak Voltage 7.26 V

Result: Average DC Voltage = 4.622 V

Typical

Given: Peak Voltage 26.4 V

Result: Average DC Voltage = 16.81 V

High range

Given: Peak Voltage 0.506 kV

Result: Average DC Voltage = 0.3221 kV

Maximum range

Given: Peak Voltage 5.06 kV

Result: Average DC Voltage = 3.221 kV

Solving for each variable

Solve for Average DC Voltage

Peak Voltage 0.726 V → 0.4622 V

Solve for Peak Voltage

Average DC Voltage 0.33 V → 0.5184 V

How Average DC Voltage changes with Peak Voltage

Peak Voltage (input) Average DC Voltage (result)
2.64 V 1.681 V
6.6 V 4.202 V
13.2 V 8.403 V
19.8 V 12.61 V
26.4 V 16.81 V
39.6 V 25.21 V
52.8 V 33.61 V
105.6 V 67.23 V
0.1848 kV 117.6 V
0.264 kV 0.1681 kV

The same result in other units

Unit Value
mV 16810
V 16.81
kV 0.01681

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Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate Full-Wave Rectifier DC Output?

Use Vdc = 2 × Vpeak / π = 0.637 × Vpeak. With Peak Voltage 26.4 V, Average DC Voltage works out to 16.81 V.

How do you calculate calculate dc current of fullwave rectifier?

Rearrange for Average DC Voltage: with Peak Voltage 7.26 V, Average DC Voltage is 4.622 V.

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

The formula is 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.

How do you find Peak Voltage when you know the other values?

Rearrange for Peak Voltage: with Average DC Voltage 0.33 V, Peak Voltage is 0.5184 V.

What units does Full-Wave Rectifier DC Output use?

Average DC Voltage is shown in mV, V, kV. Values are held in SI base units internally, so you can mix prefixes without converting by hand.

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