In a bridge rectifier circuit, both halves of the AC input waveform are used, resulting in a higher average output voltage compared to half-wave or full-wave center-tap rectifiers. The bridge rectifier is more efficient in converting AC to DC, as it utilizes the entire AC cycle, leading to a higher average DC output voltage for the same transformer secondary voltage

In a power supply, series chokes (inductors) are used to impede the flow of AC while allowing DC to pass through. Inductors resist changes in current, making them effective at blocking alternating current (AC) components in a power supply while allowing direct current (DC) to pass with minimal resistance. This property makes them useful in filtering out AC ripple from rectified DC in power supply circuits.

A shunt regulator is used in applications that require a constant load on the unregulated voltage source. In a shunt regulator, the control element is connected in parallel with the load. It operates by shunting excess current away from the load to maintain a stable output voltage. This configuration ensures a constant load on the unregulated source, regardless of variations in the load.

In a full-wave center-tap rectifier, the peak inverse voltage (PIV) across each diode is twice the peak voltage of the transformer secondary, which is approximately 2.8 times the RMS voltage. This is because each diode in a full-wave center-tap rectifier conducts for half of the AC cycle and must withstand the full peak voltage in reverse bias during the other half of the cycle.

In the context of a power supply, the term ‘load resistance’ refers to the resistance presented by the entire load on the power supply. It is calculated as the output voltage divided by the total current drawn, which includes not only the current consumed by the connected load but also any additional current drawn by components like the bleeder resistor.

When an unfiltered full-wave rectifier is connected to a resistive load, it converts the AC input to pulsating DC. In a full-wave rectifier, both halves of the AC waveform are utilized, resulting in a series of pulses occurring at the same frequency as the AC input. However, since the rectification process only allows the positive portions of the waveform to pass through, the output will consist of a series of pulses rather than a smooth DC voltage.

In a full-wave rectifier, the ripple frequency is twice the frequency of the AC supply. For a standard household AC supply of 60 Hz, the ripple frequency in a full-wave rectifier will be 120 Hz. This is because the full-wave rectifier inverts every negative half-cycle of the AC waveform, effectively doubling the frequency of the ripples in the output.

A series regulator is used in applications where efficient utilization of the primary power source is important. In a series regulator, the control element (such as a transistor) is placed in series with the load. It regulates the output voltage by varying its resistance to maintain a constant output voltage, which can be more efficient than shunt regulators, especially under varying load conditions.

For a three-terminal regulator, important characteristics include the output voltage and the maximum output current it can provide. The output voltage specifies the regulated voltage the device will maintain, while the maximum output current indicates the highest current the regulator can supply while maintaining the specified output voltage.

In linear voltage regulators, a Zener diode is commonly used as a stable reference voltage. Zener diodes are designed to maintain a constant voltage across them when they are reverse-biased, making them ideal for providing a stable reference in voltage regulation circuits

In a power supply, if the first choke and the first capacitor inadvertently form a series resonant circuit, it can lead to excessive rectifier peak current and abnormally high peak inverse voltages. This resonance can cause the voltage across the capacitor to rise significantly, potentially damaging the rectifier and other components. Careful selection and design are needed to prevent such resonance in the filter circuit.

The two main categories of electronic voltage regulators are linear and switching regulators. Linear regulators provide a stable output voltage by dissipating excess power as heat, while switching regulators control the output voltage by rapidly switching a pass element on and off. Switching regulators are generally more efficient than linear regulators, especially in applications with a large difference between input and output voltages.

Static regulation refers to the ability of a power supply to maintain a constant output voltage despite long-term changes in the load resistance. It is a measure of how well the power supply can adapt to gradual variations in the load over time, ensuring that the output voltage remains stable.

Dynamic regulation refers to the power supply’s ability to respond to rapid, short-term changes in the load resistance. It is an important characteristic that determines how quickly and effectively the power supply can adjust its output to maintain a stable voltage during transient changes in the load.

In a half-wave rectifier circuit, the ripple frequency is the same as the frequency of the AC supply. For a standard household AC supply of 60 Hz, the ripple frequency in a half-wave rectifier will also be 60 Hz. This is because the half-wave rectifier only uses one half-cycle (either positive or negative) of the AC waveform, leaving the frequency of the ripples in the output the same as the input AC frequency.

The cleanest output and best regulation in a regulated power supply are typically found at the point where the sampling network or error amplifier is connected. This is because the error amplifier adjusts the regulation based on the feedback it receives from this point, ensuring that the output voltage remains stable and clean, even with variations in the input voltage or load.

In a power supply with a choke input filter, it is important to maintain a minimum current draw to ensure proper functioning of the choke. This can be achieved by including a suitable bleeder resistor in the circuit. The bleeder resistor continuously draws a small amount of current, ensuring that the choke operates effectively and maintains the desired filtering action.

A choke input filter in a power supply provides the best voltage regulation with a normal load. The inductance of the choke helps to maintain a more constant output voltage by smoothing out variations in the input voltage, especially under varying load conditions. This results in a more stable output compared to other types of filters.

In a regulated power supply, four diodes connected in a bridge configuration form a bridge rectifier. This arrangement allows for full-wave rectification, efficiently converting alternating current (AC) from the transformer into direct current (DC). The bridge rectifier is a crucial component in many power supplies, providing a more consistent and higher voltage output compared to half-wave rectification.

The primary advantage of a capacitor input filter over a choke input filter in a power supply is that it provides a higher terminal voltage output. The capacitor charges to the peak value of the rectified voltage, leading to a higher output voltage compared to a choke input filter, which typically provides a lower output voltage closer to the average value of the rectified voltage.

Increasing the output capacitance in a power supply filter improves dynamic regulation, especially for applications like SSB (Single Sideband) or CW (Continuous Wave) transmitters. A larger capacitance provides better energy storage and smoother filtering, which helps maintain a stable output voltage under varying load conditions, such as those encountered in transmission.

In designing a power supply, particularly one with a choke input filter, it is important to carefully select the first choke and the first capacitor to avoid resonance effects. If the inductance of the choke and the capacitance of the capacitor are not properly matched, they can form a resonant circuit, which may lead to an undesirable increase in ripple voltage. Proper selection and matching of these components are crucial to ensure stable operation and effective filtering

The maximum output voltage available from a full-wave bridge rectifier circuit is approximately the same as that from a full-wave center-tap rectifier circuit for a given transformer. Both types of rectifiers effectively use both halves of the AC cycle, but the bridge rectifier does so without the need for a center-tapped transformer.

In a regulated power supply, the output of the electrolytic filter capacitor, which smooths the rectified DC, is typically connected to the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator’s role is to maintain a stable output voltage regardless of variations in the input voltage or load conditions. This setup ensures that the regulated power supply provides a consistent and reliable DC output.

Remote sensing in a linear voltage regulator is accomplished by making a feedback connection directly to the load. This allows the error amplifier within the regulator to sense the actual voltage at the load, compensating for any voltage drops in the wires between the regulator and the load. This ensures that the voltage at the load remains stable and accurate, regardless of variations in the current or resistance of the connecting wires.