Rectifier VS Amplifier | The Main Difference

The main difference between a rectifier and an amplifier is the rectifier converts or changes the nature of the power supply which means from alternating current to direct current whereas the amplifier amplifies or increases the magnitude of any electrical or electronic signal. The rectifier and amplifier work completely differently.

The other important differences between rectifier and amplifier are,

1. The rectifier is generally built with PN Junction Diodes whereas the amplifier circuit is generally built with Transistors.
2. The rectifier changes the direction or polarity of the power supply it routes the alternating current flow(two-way) into a direct current flow(one-way). On the other hand, an amplifier either increases the magnitude of the current(current amplifier) or the magnitude of the voltage(voltage amplifier).
3. The rectifier does not involve to the changing of the magnitude of the power supply. Whereas the main purpose of an amplifier is to change the magnitude of the current or voltage.
4. The rectifier takes the AC power supply as input and generates the DC power supply as output. But in the case of an amplifier, the nature of the input and output are the same just magnitude has changed.
5. The rectifier is used for the power supply system in electrical and electronic systems whereas the amplifier is used in so many applications such as audio circuits, communication circuits, measurement systems, etc.

How does a Rectifier Works?

There are two types of rectifiers - controlled rectifiers and uncontrolled rectifiers. Controlled rectifiers are those where we can change or vary some parameters such as output voltage, cycles, etc. SCRs are used for these purposes. On the other hand, an uncontrolled rectifier provides a constant output where we cannot change any parameters. Uncontrolled rectifiers are built with PN junction diodes they are also available in three major types such as - Half Wave Rectifier, Full Wave Rectifier, and Bridge Rectifier.

The half-wave rectifier is built with a single PN Junction Diode and it converts one-half cycle only. Full-wave rectifier with a center-tapped transformer uses two PN junction diodes and it converts both half-cycles(positive half-cycle and negative half-cycle). The efficiency of the full-wave rectifier with a center-tapped transformer is very low and its cost is also high. A great alternative to this is a full-wave bridge rectifier that is built with four PN Junction Diodes and it does not require any center-tapped transformer. The efficiency of the full-wave bridge rectifier is also very high than others. The manufacturing cost is also low.

The common working principle of any rectifier is dependent upon the unidirectional property of the diode. we know that the diode allows the flow of current through it in one-directional only. Thus the diode helped to convert the alternating current into direct current.

How does an Amplifier Works?

Generally, the amplifier circuits are built with semiconductor devices such as Transistors. The amplifier takes two inputs and provides one output. The two inputs are - the actual input signal is to be amplified and a reference power supply(generally a DC supply). The amplifier increases the strength of the weak input signal with the help of a reference power supply. For example, An amplifier circuit using Bipolar Junction Transistors takes a reference power supply as Vcc to increase the strength or amplify the input signal.

Read Also: 

• Ideal Op Amp Characteristics | Operational Amplifier
• Difference Between Voltage and Current Amplifier Explained
• Gain of Amplifier, Types, Importance, Effects, Measurement
• Coupling in Amplifier, Types, Application, Advantages
• Actual Difference Between Oscillator and Amplifier

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