Question

In a fullwave rectifier circuit with centre tap transformer, if voltage between one end of secondary winding and centre tap is 300 V peak, then PIV (peak inverse voltage) is
1. 300 V
2. 150 V
3. 600 V
4. 900 V

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : 600 V

Concept:

Peak Inverse Voltage:

1. It is the max voltage that appears across the diode when it is in non conducting state or in reverse biased in a rectifier.

2. For safe operation of the diode, peak inverse voltage should be less than the breakdown voltage.

PIV = |Vdiode|_max

PIV = V_m  in case of a half-wave rectifier.

In center-tapped full-wave rectifier,

1. The secondary winding is center tapped i.e. secondary winding is divided into two halves.

2. In case of a center-tapped full-wave rectifier:

PIV = 2Vm  ----(1)

3. Greater PIV is a disadvantage because devices with greater breakdown voltage will be needed which are costlier.

Calculation:

Given:

V_m = 300 V

From equation (1)

PIV = 2 × 300

PIV = 600 V

Hence option (3) is the correct answer.