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Electricity

AC to DC converter

Start with the video, then use the science notes and recommended parts below to follow the idea behind the build.

ElectricityBuildElectronics

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How it works

What this project is testing.

Wall power alternates direction, but many electronics need current that mostly flows one way. An AC-to-DC converter reshapes that back-and-forth waveform into a one-direction output.

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The experiment demonstrates rectification and smoothing: first flip or block the negative half of the wave, then use stored charge to fill in the dips.

V_{D C} \approx V_{p e ak} - 2 V_{D}

A bridge rectifier output is roughly the peak AC voltage minus two diode drops.

Δ V \approx \frac{I _{l o a d}}{f _{r i ppl e} C}

A larger capacitor or lighter load reduces ripple in the smoothed output.

Recommended parts

Products used in this project.

Affiliate links may earn Keystone Science a commission. Match ratings, values, sizes, polarity, and safety requirements to your own build before buying.

Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery Alligator Clips Test Leads AC/DC Voltage/Account,Voltage Alert, Amp/Ohm/Volt Multi Tester/Diode

multimetertest equipment

Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery, Alligator Clips, and Test Leads

$22.394.6(1,700)

YIHUA 926 III 60W Digital Display Soldering Iron Station Kit w 2 Helping Hands, 6 Extra Iron Tips, Lead-Free Solder, Solder Sucker, S/S Tweezers, °C/ºF Conversion, Auto Sleep & Calibration Support

soldering ironfabrication

YIHUA 926 III 60W Digital Display Soldering Iron Station Kit

$39.994.4(6,900)

EDGELEC 120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires 20cm Wire Length Optional Dupont Cable Assorted Kit Male to Female Multicolored Ribbon Cables

jumper wires / hookup wirewiring

120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires, 20cm Dupont Cable Assorted Kit, Male to Female

$6.984.7(4,500)

BOJACK 1000 Pcs 25 Values Resistor Kit 1 Ohm-1M Ohm with 5% 1/4W Carbon Film Resistors Assortment

resistorpassive electronics

BOJACK 1000 Pcs 25-Value 1/4W Carbon Film Resistor Assortment Kit, 1 ohm-1M ohm

$9.994.7(4,500)

BOJACK 24Value 630pcs Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Assortment Box Kit Range 0.1uF－1000uF

capacitorpassive electronics

BOJACK 24-Value 630pcs Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Assortment Box Kit, 0.1uF-1000uF

$16.994.7(953)

BOJACK 14 Value 240 pcs Diode Assortment Kit Contain Rectifier/Fast Recovery/Schottky/Switching Diode 1N4001 1N4004 1N4007 1N5404 1N5406 1N5408 RL207 FR107 FR207 UF4007 1N5817 1N5819 1N5822 1N4148

diodesemiconductor

BOJACK 14-Value 240pcs Diode Assortment Kit

4.8(1,000)

12V 2A Power Supply, AC 120V to DC12V 5.5x2.1mm Jack Converter, 12 Volt LED Driver 24W Adapter Transformer for Strip Lights, Surveillance Cameras, External HDD, Monitor, CCTV (Pack of 1)

transformerpower

12V 2A Power Supply, AC 120V to DC12V 5.5x2.1mm Adapter Transformer

$8.994.5(6,601)

General low-voltage transformer/adapter pick; match voltage/current and connector to the circuit.

MECCANIXITY Graphite Block Ingot Rectangle Graphite Electrode Plate Board 100x20x5mm for Melting Casting, Electrolysis Electroplating, Pack of 5

electrodeschemistry/electrical

MECCANIXITY Graphite Electrode Plate Board, 100x20x5mm, Pack of 5

$9.394.6(53)

Good functional match, but sparse Amazon review evidence. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

ElectroCookie Large PCB Prototype Board Kit Solderable Breadboards for Electronics Projects Compatible for DIY Arduino Soldering Projects, Gold-Plated (6 Multi-Pack, Blue)

printed circuit board / PCBprototyping

ElectroCookie Large PCB Prototype Board Kit, Solderable Breadboards for Electronics Projects

4.8(111)

BOJACK 5x20 mm Fuse Holder Inline Screw Type with 16 AWG Red Wire + 15 Values 150 Pcs 5x20mm Fast Blow Glass Fuses 250 V 0.1 0.2 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 2 3 4 5 8 10 12 15 20 A Assortment Kit

fuse holdersafety

BOJACK 5x20 mm Fuse Holder Inline Screw Type with 16 AWG Red Wire + 15 Values 150 Pcs 5x20mm Fast Blow Glass Fuses 250 V 0.1 0.2 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 2 3 4 5 8 10 12 15 20 A Assortment Kit

$11.994.5(600)

Safety component; match fuse type and rating to the circuit. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

Diagrams, printable files, kits, or companion downloads will appear here when they are ready to use.

Coming soon

Contact

Events, speaking, collaborations, and news.

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