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Full-wave bridge rectifier with capacitor filter (ripple factor)

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Objective

Rectify with a four-diode bridge, smooth with a 470 µF capacitor and measure the ripple.

Procedure

Run and zoom the output: a sawtooth ripple at 100 Hz.
Halve C to 220 µF: the ripple doubles.
Remove the capacitor: the output falls to 0 between peaks.

Theory

Output ≈ Vm − 2Vd = 10.6 V. Peak-to-peak ripple ≈ I/(2·f·C) = 10.6 mA/(100 Hz · 470 µF) = 0.23 V, ripple factor γ = Vr(rms)/Vdc ≈ Vpp/(2√3·Vdc) ≈ 0.6 %.

Questions to answer

Why is the ripple frequency twice the mains frequency?

Components used

4 × Diode 1N4007, Electrolytic Capacitor 100uF 25V, Function generator (sine), Oscilloscope (2-channel), Resistor 220 ohm 1/4W

About the model

Ideal wires; component models as listed in the catalogue (no parasitics, no temperature drift). Built without a breadboard so the schematic stays readable.