What is characteristic of a half-wave rectifier in a power supply?
The correct answer is A: Only one diode is required. A characteristic of a half-wave rectifier in a power supply is that only one diode is required. Half-wave rectifiers use a single diode to rectify one half of the AC cycle. For amateur radio operators, this is the simplest rectifier configuration. Understanding this helps when designing power supplies.
Exam Tip
Half-wave rectifier characteristic = only one diode required. Think 'H'alf-'W'ave = 'H'as 'W'one diode. Half-wave rectifiers use single diode to rectify one half of AC cycle. Not ripple frequency, not more current, not 2× voltage - just one diode.
Memory Aid
"Half-wave rectifier characteristic = only one diode required. Think 'H'alf-'W'ave = 'H'as 'W'one diode. Half-wave rectifiers use single diode. Simplest rectifier configuration."
Real-World Application
A half-wave rectifier uses a single diode. The diode conducts during one half of the AC cycle, blocking the other half. This is the simplest rectifier - only one diode is needed. However, it's less efficient than full-wave because it only uses half the AC cycle.
Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Incorrect. Ripple frequency isn't twice that of full-wave - it's half. Half-wave produces ripple at line frequency, full-wave at twice line frequency.
Option C: Incorrect. More current can't be drawn from half-wave - full-wave provides more current because it uses both AC halves. Half-wave is less efficient.
Option D: Incorrect. Output voltage isn't two times peak input - output is less than peak input due to diode drop. Two times peak isn't correct.
题目解析
The correct answer is A: Only one diode is required. A characteristic of a half-wave rectifier in a power supply is that only one diode is required. Half-wave rectifiers use a single diode to rectify one half of the AC cycle. For amateur radio operators, this is the simplest rectifier configuration. Understanding this helps when designing power supplies.
考试技巧
Half-wave rectifier characteristic = only one diode required. Think 'H'alf-'W'ave = 'H'as 'W'one diode. Half-wave rectifiers use single diode to rectify one half of AC cycle. Not ripple frequency, not more current, not 2× voltage - just one diode.
记忆口诀
Half-wave rectifier characteristic = only one diode required. Think 'H'alf-'W'ave = 'H'as 'W'one diode. Half-wave rectifiers use single diode. Simplest rectifier configuration.
实际应用示例
A half-wave rectifier uses a single diode. The diode conducts during one half of the AC cycle, blocking the other half. This is the simplest rectifier - only one diode is needed. However, it's less efficient than full-wave because it only uses half the AC cycle.
错误选项分析
Option B: Incorrect. Ripple frequency isn't twice that of full-wave - it's half. Half-wave produces ripple at line frequency, full-wave at twice line frequency. Option C: Incorrect. More current can't be drawn from half-wave - full-wave provides more current because it uses both AC halves. Half-wave is less efficient. Option D: Incorrect. Output voltage isn't two times peak input - output is less than peak input due to diode drop. Two times peak isn't correct.
知识点
Half-wave rectifier, One diode, Rectifier circuits, Simple rectification
Verified Content
Question from official FCC General Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.