Rectification

Rectification is the process of changing an alternating current (AC) voltage into a direct current (DC) voltage.  

• AC voltage changes polarity during each cycle.  AC voltages can be analog or digital form.
• DC voltage never changes polarity.  DC voltages can be analog or digital form.  DC voltages can be negative or positive voltages.

Diodes are used to rectify AC voltages.  There are two types of rectifiers;

• Half-wave rectifiers
• Full-wave rectifiers

Full wave rectifiers are used in alternators to convert AC to DC to charge the vehicle's battery.