A rectifier diode is a type of semiconductor diode that is primarily used to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). It allows current to flow in only one direction, blocking the flow in the opposite direction. This unidirectional conductivity property makes it an essential component in power supply circuits and other applications where AC - to - DC conversion is necessary.
The principle of operation of a rectifier diode is based on the semiconductor's energy - band structure and the phenomenon of forward - and reverse - bias. A diode is made of a p - n junction, which is a boundary between a p - type and an n - type semiconductor material. When a positive voltage (forward - bias) is applied to the diode, such that the p - side is connected to the positive terminal of the voltage source and the n - side to the negative terminal, the energy - band structure allows electrons to move from the n - region to the p - region and holes to move in the opposite direction. This results in a significant current flow through the diode. However, when a negative voltage (reverse - bias) is applied, the energy - band structure inhibits the movement of majority carriers, and only a very small reverse - leakage current (ideally zero) flows through the diode. This unidirectional current - flow property enables the rectifier diode to convert AC to DC. In an AC circuit, during the positive half - cycle of the AC voltage, the diode is forward - biased and conducts current, while during the negative half - cycle, it is reverse - biased and blocks the current, thus producing a pulsating DC output.