p-n Junction Diode as a Rectifier

A basic semiconductor device that controls the flow of electric current in a circuit, which when forward biased behaves as a closed circuit and when reverse biased behaves as an open circuit, is called a p-n Junction Diode.

• The conversion of AC voltage into a DC voltage is called Rectification.
• The process of converting an alternating current into a direct current is called rectification.

• The electronic circuit which rectifies AC voltage is called a Rectifier.
• The device used to convert an alternating current into a direct current is called a rectifier. 

• A rectifier is a circuit which converts an AC supply into a unidirectional DC supply.
• A p-n junction diode acts as a rectifier because it allows current to flow in one direction only.
• The bridge rectifier circuit uses semiconductor diodes for converting AC, as it allows current to flow in one direction only.
• Input to the rectifier is AC \[(V_{IN})\]; output is DC \[(V_{OUT})\] — shown as a full-wave rectified signal.
• Rectification is the fundamental principle behind power supply circuits in electronic devices.