A rectifier is a circuit that performs AC to DC conversion. AC, an acronym for Alternating Current, means sinusoidal variation with time. DC, an acronym for Direct Current, means constant. Hence, a rectifier converts a sinusoidal voltage to a constant voltage.
Most rectifiers utilize one or more semiconductor diodes .
The theory behind diode operation will be investigated in the next lab exercise. For now, think of a diode as a one-way valve. While re-examining Figure , consider what happens in the receiver circuitry. The two coils are linked via mutual inductance. Therefore, the induced voltage across the receiving coil will be sinusoidal as well.