 |
| Figure (a): AC–DC converter. |
AC-to-DC Converter:
Transformers are commonly used in the process of converting AC to low-voltage direct current (DC) used by electronic devices such as computers. The standard voltage available in North America is 120 V AC, 60 Hz. Computers, however, operate on 5 and 12 V DC. In Figure (a), the transformer steps the AC down to a lower AC voltage. Thebridge rectifier, consisting of four diodes, converts this AC into a pulsating DC. This DCis smoothed out by capacitors. In some systems, a voltage regulator is used to remove all remaining fluctuations in the voltage, resulting in a steady DC voltage.
_001.png)
