20. Power and Harmonics in Nonsinusoidal Systems

Rectification used to be a much simpler topic. A textbook could cover the topic simply by discussing the various circuits, such as the peak-detection and inductor-input rectifiers, the phase-controlled bridge, polyphase transformer connections, and perhaps multiplier circuits. But recently, rectifiers have become much more sophisticated, and are now systems rather than mere circuits. They often include pulse-width modulated converters such as the boost converter, with control systems that regulate the ac input current waveform. So modern rectifier technology now incorporates many of the dc–dc converter fundamentals.