Half-Wave Rectifier DC Output
Vdc = Vpeak / π
Quick answer
This calculator solves Vdc = Vpeak / π = 0.318 × Vpeak for Average DC Voltage. With Peak Voltage 26.4 V, the result is 8.403 V. It solves in 2 directions, so you can enter the values you have and get the one you need.
Calculator
Formula
Description
A half-wave rectifier passes only one half of each AC cycle, so its average (DC) output is the peak voltage divided by π—about 32% of the peak. The other half-cycle is blocked, leaving large gaps that require heavy filtering. Half-wave rectification is simple and cheap but inefficient, with high ripple and poor transformer utilisation; it is used only for low-current, noncritical supplies.
Variables
- Vdc — Average DC output voltage (V)
- Vpeak — Peak of the rectified AC (V)
Practical Notes
The ripple frequency equals the line frequency (50/60 Hz), making smoothing harder than full-wave. Add the diode drop: the true peak at the load is Vpeak − Vf.
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. What you know: Peak Voltage 26.4 V
- 2. The relation: Vdc = Vpeak / π = 0.318 × Vpeak
- 3. Substitute: Vpeak = 26.4 V
- 4. Result: Average DC Voltage = 8.403 V
Worked examples
Minimum range
Given: Peak Voltage 0.726 V
Result: Average DC Voltage = 0.2311 V
Low range
Given: Peak Voltage 7.26 V
Result: Average DC Voltage = 2.311 V
Typical
Given: Peak Voltage 26.4 V
Result: Average DC Voltage = 8.403 V
High range
Given: Peak Voltage 0.506 kV
Result: Average DC Voltage = 0.1611 kV
Maximum range
Given: Peak Voltage 5.06 kV
Result: Average DC Voltage = 1.611 kV
Solving for each variable
Solve for Average DC Voltage
Peak Voltage 0.726 V → 0.2311 V
Solve for Peak Voltage
Average DC Voltage 0.33 V → 1.037 V
How Average DC Voltage changes with Peak Voltage
| Peak Voltage (input) | Average DC Voltage (result) |
|---|---|
| 5.81 V | 1.849 V |
| 14.53 V | 4.623 V |
| 29.05 V | 9.247 V |
| 43.58 V | 13.87 V |
| 58.1 V | 18.49 V |
| 87.15 V | 27.74 V |
| 116.2 V | 36.99 V |
| 0.2324 kV | 73.98 V |
| 0.4067 kV | 129.5 V |
| 0.581 kV | 0.1849 kV |
The same result in other units
| Unit | Value |
|---|---|
| µV | 8403000 |
| mV | 8403 |
| V | 8.403 |
| kV | 0.008403 |
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<p><a href="https://vbatpower.com/formulas/halfwave-dc-output/">Half-Wave Rectifier DC Output</a> Calculator by vbatpower.com</p>Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate Half-Wave Rectifier DC Output?
Use Vdc = Vpeak / π = 0.318 × Vpeak. With Peak Voltage 26.4 V, Average DC Voltage works out to 8.403 V.
How do you calculate half-wave rectifier output?
Rearrange for Average DC Voltage: with Peak Voltage 7.26 V, Average DC Voltage is 2.311 V.
What is the formula for Half-Wave Rectifier DC Output?
The formula is Vdc = Vpeak / π = 0.318 × Vpeak. A half-wave rectifier passes only one half of each AC cycle, so its average (DC) output is the peak voltage divided by π—about 32% 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 1.037 V.
What units does Half-Wave Rectifier DC Output use?
Average DC Voltage is shown in µV, mV, V, kV. Values are held in SI base units internally, so you can mix prefixes without converting by hand.
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