Ripple factor

The ripple factor is the ratio of the rms value of the rectified output’s ac component to the average value of the rectified output. It is represented by γ and is a dimensionless quantity. Its value is never higher than the value of being together. 

Rectifier

Rectifier circuits are the most common circuits used in electronics since almost every electronic appliance runs on DC (Direct Current), but DC is not always accessible. The rectifier is the ideal option for converting AC to DC in enterprises and at home. Rectifiers are used in even our cell phone chargers to transform the AC from our home outlets to DC

Ripple factor

Ripple is a term used to describe the variation that happens inside the rectifier’s output. As a result, this factor is critical for determining the rate of variation within the resolved output. Using filters such as capacitive or another type of filter, the ripple within the output voltage can be decreased. Most circuits, such as rectifiers, use a capacitor in parallel with a thyristor or diodes to act as a filter inside the circuit. This capacitor aids in the reduction of ripple in the rectifier output. This article covers the definition, computation, and significance of the ripple factor (R.F), as well as R.F employing half-wave, full-wave, and bridge rectifiers.

The AC and DC components are primarily included in the rectifier output. The AC component inside the resolved output can be described as the ripple. The A.C component in the output is undesirable, as are the pulsations estimated in the rectifier’s output. The ripple voltage is simply the AC component inside the rectifier’s output. In the same way, ripple current is an AC component of output current.

The ripple factor is defined as the ratio of the AC component’s RMS value to the DC component’s RMS value within the rectifier’s output. The symbol is indicated by “,” and the R.F formula is given below.

R.F=I(AC)I(DC)

This is crucial when determining the efficiency of the rectifier output. The lower R.F. can be used to explain the rectifier’s efficiency.

The additional ripple factor is nothing more than the fluctuation of additional ac components inside the resolved output.

Derivation

According to R.F’s definition, the current RMS value for the entire load can be calculated as follows:

Irms=Idc2+Iac2

When the preceding equation is divided by Idc, the following equation is obtained.

IacIdc=1IdcIdc2+Iac2

The ripple factor formula is Iac /  Idc in this case.

R.F=1IdcIdc2+Iac2=IrmsIdc2-1

Ripple Factor of Half Wave Rectifier

In the case of a half-wave rectifier,

Irms=Im/2

Idc=Im/π

we are familiar with the formula of R.F =IrmsIdc2-1

To get the following, substitute the following Irms & Idc into the above equation.

R.F=Im2Im2-1=1.21

The ripple factor of a half-wave rectifier is 1.21, according to the given derivation. As a result, the AC component clearly outnumbers the DC component in the half-wave rectifier output. There is more pulsation in the output as a result of this. As a result, this type of rectifier is ineffective for converting AC to DC.

Ripple Factor of Full Wave Rectifier

In the case of a full-wave rectifier,

Irms=Im/√2

Idc=2Im/π

we are familiar with the formula of R.F =IrmsIdc2-1

To get the following, substitute the following Irms &  Idc into the above equation.

R.F=Im√22Im2-1=0.48

The ripple factor of a full-wave rectifier is 0.48, based on the following derivation. As a result, the DC component is clearly above the AC component in the output of this rectifier. As an outcome, the output will have less pulsations than a half-wave rectifier. As a result, when converting AC to DC, this correction can be used at any time.

Ripple Factor of Bridge Rectifier

The bridge rectifier’s factor value is 0.482. Basically, the R.F value is primarily determined by the load waveform; alternatively, the output current is used. It is not dependent on the circuit design. As a result, whenever the output waveforms of bridge and center-tapped rectifiers are comparable, their value will be equivalent.

Ripple Effects

Some equipment can work with ripples, however some sensitive equipment, such as audio and testing, cannot due to the impacts of high-ripple inside the supplies. The following are some of the key causes of equipment ripple effects.

It has a harmful effect on sensitive instrumentation.

Ripple effects can lead to errors in digital circuits, as well as erroneous data corruption and logic circuit outputs.

Ripple effects can cause capacitors to overheat, resulting in damage.

These phenomena cause audio circuits to generate noise.

Conclusion

Ripple is a term used to describe the variation that happens inside the rectifier’s output. As a result, this factor is critical for determining the rate of variation within the resolved output. Using filters such as capacitive or another type of filter, the ripple within the output voltage can be decreased. Most circuits, such as rectifiers, use a capacitor in parallel with a thyristor or diodes to act as a filter inside the circuit. The ripple factor is defined as the ratio of the AC component’s RMS value to the DC component’s RMS value within the rectifier’s output. The symbol is indicated by “,” and the R.F formula is given below.

R.F=I(AC)I(DC)

Ripple Factor of Full Wave Rectifier

R.F=Im√22Im2-1=0.48