In a full-wave rectifier, the ripple frequency is how many times the input AC frequency?

In a full-wave rectifier, the ripple frequency is how many times the input AC frequency?

• A. The same as the input frequency
• B. Half the input frequency
• C. Four times the input frequency
• D. Twice the input AC frequency

Answer: (D)

Two times the input frequency. In a full-wave rectifier, both halves of each AC cycle are converted into positive pulses, so you get two pulses per original cycle. That means the ripples happen twice per second for every cycle of the input, i.e., the ripple frequency is twice the line frequency (for example, 60 Hz input gives 120 Hz ripple). The other possibilities would imply only one or four pulses per cycle, which isn’t how a standard full-wave rectifier behaves.

Two times the input frequency. In a full-wave rectifier, both halves of each AC cycle are converted into positive pulses, so you get two pulses per original cycle. That means the ripples happen twice per second for every cycle of the input, i.e., the ripple frequency is twice the line frequency (for example, 60 Hz input gives 120 Hz ripple). The other possibilities would imply only one or four pulses per cycle, which isn’t how a standard full-wave rectifier behaves.