Diode Problems
HW-6
1. An electronics student, Mayda Allthums, is struggling to build a full wave rectifier using a
diode bridge. However, the output is not what is expected. Here you will try to predict the
output for different types of failures in order to help determine the cause of the problem.
The power from the wall plug is sinusoidal with a frequency of 60 Hz. The transformer reduces
the voltage, but otherwise looks like a voltage source to the diodes.
Using the ideal diode model, predict what output would be observed on the oscilloscope for this
circuit if everything is ok except:
(A) the transformer isn’t plugged in.
(B) Diode D1 is a short circuit.
(C) Diode D2 is a short circuit.
(D) Diode D1 is an open circuit.
(E) Diode D2 is an open circuit.
(F) Diode D2 is reversed.
(G) All diodes are reversed.
(H) The resistor is burned out and is an open circuit.
R = 30 kΩ and C = 0.1 µF
( so 1/RC >> 60 Hz)
(For each, show what it would look like on the oscilloscope and explain why)
Expected Output 6
as seen on a
high input impedance
oscilloscope if all is
working correctly.
Note: You will be making a very similar circuit in lab before this assignment is due.