Rectifiers typically contain one or more semiconductors and convert AC to DC in a process called rectification. Solid-state rectifiers remain the most common but vacuum tube rectifiers still maintain a place in the market. The range of applications goes from simple controls to electrical and industrial environments.

The three main types include bridge, half and full wave rectifier products within which many shapes, sizes and ratings exist. When buying a rectifier consider the following:

1. Save time viewing data filled inventories by knowing your required rectifier specs.

2. Consider your inventory needs for many companies handle small and large orders.

3. Buy from a company with good in stock supply and quick delivery.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find bridge rectifiers with a wide range of specs

A bridge rectifier provides advantages over a full wave conventional one by producing almost twice the voltage output and low peak inverse voltage.

I recommend: Buy online a full bridge rectifier from 1.5 to 35 amps with up to 800 volts that includes square and wire leads in various amps/voltages at All Electronics. Go to Mouser Electronics and enter your online order in single, dual and triple phase configurations with different termination styles and broad specifications. Go through the many pages of products or use the interactive dialog box to select a bridge rectifier with your specs.

Locate a rectifier diode fitting your business requirements

The rectifier diode finds applications in converters, power supplies, controls and industrial current rectification.

I recommend: Phone the number at the bottom of the page for standard recovery (stud, hockey PUK, module, discrete) or Fast recovery (stud, hockey PUK, module) at C&H Technology. Get diodes (power supply rectifiers) at Amps Abundant and click “Add to Quote” or phone the number on the page. These parts vary with rated peak reverse voltages from 250V to 60,762V.

Choose a light to heavy duty silicon rectifier

These rectifiers commonly find applications in industrial settings, switching power supplies, light dimmers and electrical controls. Both half rectifier and full rectifier wave handling offer power gains with fast on/off switching.

I recommend: Click “Order Westcode Semiconductors Silicon Controlled Rectifiers Here” or phone the number to talk with a rep at Galco Industrial Electronics for high volt and amp products. Select silicon controlled logic gate rectifiers with specs and pricing at ON Semiconductor; click “Contact Us” for further information. Buy online a silicon triac/SCR that includes gate power, bidirectional thyristor and others at The Electric Goldmine.

Purchase different types of rectifiers online from a single source

These companies carry several product lines and offer online ordering.

I recommend: Order online at Rectron Rectifier Specialist by following instructions and clicking “Product Menu” to select your rectifier from stock including glass passivated, high voltage, fast recovery, full wave rectifier bridge and other types. Buy online by clicking a category, including bridge, Schottky and silicon, at American Microsemicondutor.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Rectifiers change AC to DC while inverters change DC to AC.