Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) are two forms of voltage that are converted to each other. Alternating current is a current whose direction and magnitude vary in a periodic manner, while direct current is a current whose direction always remains the same. In practice, it is very common to find scenarios where AC power needs to be converted to DC power, such as using DC power to power electronic devices.
The process of converting AC voltage to DC voltage is generally accomplished through a rectifier. A rectifier is an electronic device that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) with the same polarity and constant direction. The main operating principle of a rectifier is to utilize the conductive nature of semiconductor materials to introduce a forward bias in the circuit to achieve a unidirectional flow of current.
Why use it?
Because we all know that the voltage received by homes and buildings is AC voltage of 100V or 200V. However, most of the appliances we use operate at DC voltages of 5V or 3.3V. That is to say, if the AC voltage is not converted to DC voltage, the voltage will be higher than the voltage that the appliance can receive, and the appliance will not work.
For example:
1. Communication equipment: AC/DC power module is used to supply power to communication equipment, such as mobile communication base stations, network switching equipment, etc.
2. Household appliances: AC/DC power modules are used to supply power to various household appliances such as televisions, speakers, refrigerators, etc.
3. Medical equipment: AC/DC power modules are used to supply power to medical equipment, such as medical electric beds, electrocardiograms, etc.
4. LED lighting: AC/DC power modules are used to power LED lighting fixtures such as indoor lighting, billboard lighting, etc.
To summarize, the process of converting AC power to DC power is achieved through electronic devices such as rectifiers and filters. This process converts the changing direction and magnitude of AC power into DC power with a constant and stable direction to meet the demand of electronic devices for a stable DC power supply. In practice, depending on the voltage and power requirements, different types of rectifiers and filters can be selected to realize the function of AC to DC voltage conversion.