What is the most basic AC-to-DC converter?
A half-wave rectifier.
What is a diode?
An electronic component that allows current to flow in one direction only.
What is a capacitor?
A storage device that acts like a temporary battery. If a voltage is present across the capacitor, it will charge up to that voltage.
What are negative currents?
Currents that flow in the opposite direction to the defined positive reference direction.
What are negative voltages?
Voltages that are below the reference point, typically ground, indicating a potential difference in the opposite direction.
What does rectified mean?
Only the positive side of the AC signal remains, producing DC, although it is a poor-quality DC signal.
How much voltage does a capacitor hold?
A capacitor holds voltage equal to the voltage across its terminals.
In what configuration is the load connected with the capacitor?
In parallel with the capacitor.
What is voltage ripple with a capacitor?
The change in voltage as the capacitor charges and discharges while supplying current to the load.
What are the steps in AC-to-DC conversion?
Transform: Get to the right voltage
Rectification: Get the signal positive
Smoothing: Reduce the push–pause–push using a capacitor
Regulation: Set the output voltage to the desired level and reduce residual ripple
What is XFRM in a block diagram?
XFRM stands for transformer, which is used to change voltage levels in AC-to-DC conversion.
What does AC/DC mean in a block diagram?
AC/DC refers to the conversion process from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
