Line-Commutated Rectifiers

Conventional diode peak-detection rectifiers are inexpensive, reliable, and in widespread use. Their shortcomings are the high harmonic content of their ac line currents, and their low power factors. In this chapter, the basic operation and ac line current waveforms of several of the most common single-phase and three-phase diode rectifiers are summarized. Also introduced are phase-controlled three-phase rectifiers and inverters, and passive harmonic mitigation techniques. Several of the many references in this area are listed in the references [1–15].