What Is a Bridge Diode?
A bridge diode is a semiconductor device comprising four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration.
Operating on the principle of rectification, the bridge diode converts alternating current (AC) into unidirectional direct current (DC) by rectifying both positive and negative halves of the AC cycle through the diodes. This results in efficient full-wave rectification, achieved by alternately switching diode combinations twice per cycle.
Bridge diodes find extensive applications in power circuits, electronic devices, automotive systems, industrial equipment, and more. Their simple structure consists of four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration, allowing only forward current to pass while blocking reverse current. Key features include efficient full-wave rectification, compactness, lightweight design, low manufacturing costs, and high reliability.