In full wave rectification, the number of diodes used depends on the type of full wave rectifier circuit:
- Center-tapped full wave rectifier uses 2 diodes. It requires a center-tapped transformer, and each diode conducts during alternate half-cycles of the AC input, allowing both halves of the waveform to be rectified
- Bridge full wave rectifier uses 4 diodes arranged in a bridge configuration. This type does not require a center-tapped transformer and allows full wave rectification by directing current through the load in the same direction during both half-cycles of the AC input
Thus, the full wave rectifier uses either 2 diodes (center-tapped type) or 4 diodes (bridge type), depending on the design. The minimum number of diodes required for full wave rectification is 2 in the center-tapped configuration
