to an end user/builder, does it matter if the rectifier section is full wave (2 diodes) vs bridge rectifier (4 diodes)?

I've been reading (searching the net) on the differences between the two:

  1. It seems a bridge rectifier is more efficient in terms of the transformer construction.
  2. The bridge rectifier has a bigger voltage drop because of the two diodes (maximum of .7 each)
  3. Ripple is higher on a bridge rectifier


For an end user, I feel the transformer construction advantage might be not as useful.

In my case, I'm looking at two transformers which cost the same.
  • 300VA 2 x 12VAC @ 12.5A (will be used in full-wave mode with ground center-tap. connecting the 2 secodaries in series to get 24VAC)
  • 300VA 2 x 24VAC @ 6.25A (will be used in a bridge rectifier configuration)

Are there any other electrical advantages/disadvantages of one or the other? Is the current output the same/similar?

PS: I need +/- 30+ VDC after the rectifiers.

Thank you.

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2022-09-19 12_32_28-full wave rectifier - Google Search.png
 
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I'm a little confused with your xformer specs. You said:

  • 300VA 2 x 12VAC @ 12.5A (will be used in full-wave mode with ground center-tap. Connecting the 2 secodaries in series to get 24VAC)
If you have two 12V secondaries in series for a full wave you do get 24VAC as input to the rectifier, but then you don't use the center tap. What do you mean here with 'full wave'?
Both configurations are full wave.
  • 300VA 2 x 24VAC @ 6.25A (will be used in a bridge rectifier configuration)
Are you using this as 48V into a full bridge? That will give you 48VAC into the rectifier.
Or you use only one secondary 24V as input to the full bridge but that wasts half the xfrmr capacity.

Possibly I misunderstand, but a drawing would help.

Jan
 
Are there any other electrical advantages/disadvantages of one or the other? Is the current output the same/similar?
I believe that a tapped xfmr should cost more because of production complexity.

On the other hand, a single secondary winding is as simple as possible. A bridge rectifier can be purchased as a single unit and bolted to the chassis. The parts list will be shorter.
 
go with bridge rectifier even at the cost of extra diode drop , the transformer utilisation factor gets improved, lesser transformer losses.
For a single center tapped tranny, use single bridge rectifier.
For 2 isolated trannys in series , you have an option to use Dual bridge rectifier
I'm planning to use 2 salvaged UPS trannys with 2 bridge rectifiers
 
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I need +/- 30+ VDC after the rectifiers.
You need a 2 x 22V transformer for that if it is for unregulated voltages to a power amplifier. This is called a bipolar PSU. Current rating of the transformer depends on the load. Schottky diodes in single bridge configuration and CLC filtering are advised.

If you want regulated +/- 30V DC things will be different.

You did not even mention what the purpose is for this PSU but it would help to be specific. This avoids clutter and off topic stuff.
 
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rayma said:

Do you want a unipolar supply with +30VDC / 0VDC

or a bipolar supply with +30VDC / 0VDC / -30VDC ?

mjayviper said:

bipolar

But BOTH your examples show UNI-polar supply ... wtf? 🙂

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: I need +/- 30+ VDC after the rectifiers.
this is logically impossible, it´s either "+/-" or "+" , pick one.
But you still did not answer the questions. Questions that are asked to help you solve your issues.
but the question itself is wrong/illogical.

As posted, it does not have an answer.

I had the impression that I can get +/- ~30 VDC from 2x12VAC (connected in series into a fullwave + center-tap ground configuration)
This can give you +/-16V (DC is implicit by the use of + or -signs)

You won't get +30/0/-30 from 2X12VAC. You can get +30/0 , or -30/0 , or +12/0/-12 from 2X12VAC.
You mean respectively "+30/0 , or -30/0 , or +15/0/-15" I think?
 
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anything can be built to spec, traffos and psu included...
i favor the 2 diode full wave voltage doublers, why?
1. lower voltage, makes traffo design and build much easier
2. simple to design and construct..
3. ripple voltage is also 120hz on 60hz line
ripple voltage is directly proportional to load current and inversely proportional to capacitance and can be designed to requirements....
Patrick Turner, RIP, advocated the use of this topology...
 
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