A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, to direct current (DC), which flows in only one direction. The reverse operation is performed by the inverter. The process is known as rectification, since it “straightens” the direction of current.

AC/DC converters are mainly used in consumer devices, medical devices, industrial and process control systems, measurement equipment, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and defense applications.

The AC current to dc current conversion process is known as rectification. This rectifier converts AC supply into the DC supply at load end connection. Normally Transformers are used to adjust the AC source to get step down transformer to reduce the voltage level to have better operation range for DC supply.

AC-DC Converters Information. AC-DC converters are electrical circuits that transform alternating current (AC) input into direct current (DC) output. They are used in power electronic applications where the power input a 50 Hz or 60 Hz sine-wave AC voltage that requires power conversion for a DC output.

AC-DC converters take the AC power from wall outlets and convert it to unregulated DC. These power supplies include transformers that change the voltage of the AC that comes through wall outlets, rectifiers to save it from AC to DC and a filter that removes noise from the peaks and troths of the AC power waves.