This simulator models a full-wave bridge rectifier: an isolated low-voltage AC secondary feeds four discrete diodes (D1–D4) arranged as a physical bridge, alternating conducting pairs across each half-cycle to deliver current to a resistive DC load in one consistent direction. Adjust secondary voltage, line frequency, forward drop per diode, load resistance, and inject an open-diode fault to see how the rectified waveform, mean, RMS and pulse repetition rate respond.
• A real-time 3D cutaway workbench of the isolated transformer secondary, all four diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4) and the DC load, with home view, focus-selected-part, toggleable full enclosure, exploded view, auto-rotate and expand controls, tappable numbered components with callouts matching the diagram reference, and a labels toggle. • Five live controls: isolated secondary voltage (V RMS), AC line frequency (50/60 Hz select), forward drop per diode, resistive DC load, and an open-diode fault selector (healthy, or D1/D2/D3/D4 open). • Play/pause, single-step (0.1 s) and larger-step (1 s) time controls, plus a playback-speed selector from 100x slow motion to 1 minute per second. • A Reset laboratory action, a live "what is happening" sequence narrative with conducting-pair status tokens and a readings table. • Eight live metrics: signed secondary voltage, instantaneous load voltage, load current, calculated periodic mean voltage, calculated periodic RMS voltage, output peak, pulse repetition frequency, and instantaneous load resistor power. • A Curves & measurements tab with two charts (secondary AC vs. rectified DC; load current), the complete model equation set, and snapshot measurements. • An Experiments tab with four guided scenarios (full-wave bridge, open positive-pair diode, open negative-pair diode, higher forward drop), a model-verification bench of independent automated checks, and a timestamped event log with a copyable trial report. • A Learn & assess tab with guided lessons (positive half-cycle, negative half-cycle, cross zero, open one diode), a knowledge-check quiz with reset, and a written scope/reference statement.
During the positive source half-cycle, D1 and D4 form a complete conducting loop through the load; during the negative half-cycle, D2 and D3 take over using the opposite source path. Both pairs route current through the load in the same direction, which is what converts an alternating source into a pulsating, single-polarity output. Neither pair conducts until the instantaneous source magnitude exceeds two diode forward drops, which is why the output touches zero near every zero-crossing rather than transitioning instantly between the two conducting pairs.
Vo = max(|Vs| − 2Vf, 0) while an intact half-cycle path exists, and Io = Vo/RL. With a healthy bridge, the output pulse repetition is twice the line frequency (2f); opening any single diode removes one entire half-cycle's conducting path, so pulse repetition drops to just f and the periodic mean and RMS fall accordingly — this is the basis of the two open-diode experiments.
This is a constant-drop ideal bridge on an isolated secondary with resistive loading only: there is no diode capacitance, reverse recovery, transformer winding loss, source current limiting, or short-circuited diode failure mode. Component changes are treated as new design experiments at the retained state, not a model of physically swapping energized parts; use Reset laboratory to start a fresh trial.
Exactly two — one diode pair forms the complete conducting loop for each half-cycle (D1+D4 for positive, D2+D3 for negative), each pair contributing a forward leg and a return leg, with the load current direction staying the same across both pairs.
No. With only a resistive load and no reservoir capacitor, the output is pulsating DC that touches zero at every zero-crossing of the source. Producing smoother DC requires additional energy storage or filtering — see the companion filtering/DC supply simulator.
Opening any single diode (D1, D2, D3, or D4) removes the conducting path for one entire half-cycle, so the load only receives current during the other half-cycle. Pulse repetition frequency drops from 2f to f, and the periodic mean and RMS output both fall.
It is a constant-forward-drop ideal bridge with resistive loading only. It excludes diode junction capacitance, reverse recovery time, transformer winding losses, source current limiting, and short-circuit (rather than open-circuit) diode failure modes.