A full-wave rectifier operating from the 60 -Hz ac supply produces a 20-V peak rectified voltage. If a \(200-\mu \mathrm{F}\) capacitor is used, calculate the ripple at a load of \(120 \mathrm{~mA}\).

Rectifier circuits are the heart of power supply units in various electronic devices, converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). A full-wave rectifier, as the name suggests, utilizes both halves of the AC cycle, resulting in a more efficient and smoother DC output compared to a half-wave rectifier, which only uses one half of the AC cycle.

The performance of a full-wave rectifier is often enhanced with the use of a capacitor to filter out fluctuations in the rectified voltage. This leads to a more stable DC output suitable for powering sensitive electronic circuitry. The full-wave rectifier typically involves a diode bridge or center-tapped transformer setup to achieve the full cycle rectification.

Understanding the function and design of rectifier circuits is crucial for electronic circuit analysis and designing reliable power supplies, ensuring that the DC output meets the required specifications for voltage and ripple.

The quality of the DC output from a full-wave rectifier is often quantified by the amount of 'ripple' present, which is the residual periodic variation in the voltage. A capacitor is commonly used in rectifier circuits to reduce this ripple.

The ripple voltage across the load can be calculated using the equation: \[ V_r = \frac{I}{f \cdot C} \] where \(V_r\) is the ripple voltage, \(I\) is the current through the load, \(f\) is the frequency of the AC supply, and \(C\) is the capacitance of the filter capacitor.

For a well-designed rectifier, the ripple should be small relative to the DC output voltage. However, a larger capacitance or a lower load current can lead to a lower ripple, which is desirable for most electronic applications. Capacitor filter ripple calculation is a fundamental aspect of electronic circuit analysis and is essential for designing circuits that require smooth DC power.

Electronic circuit analysis involves the understanding and application of various principles and laws to determine the behaviour of circuits. This analysis is imperative for troubleshooting, designing, and improving electronic systems.

The calculation demonstrated in the full-wave rectifier exercise is a practical example of electronic circuit analysis. By examining the relations between AC supply frequency, rectified output voltage, capacitance, and load current, one can predict and optimize the performance of the rectifier circuit.

Effective analysis often requires a detailed study of the components involved, like diodes in rectifiers and capacitors in filters, and how they interact under various conditions. This analytic approach assists in ensuring that the final circuit meets the necessary performance criteria, particularly in terms of voltage stability and ripple reduction for powering devices.