Performance Analysis of Half-Wave and Full-Wave
Rectifiers with Passive Filtering for Lamp Flicker
Reduction
Abstract—This research investigates the efficiency of
single-phase half-wave and full-wave rectifiers in DC power
conversion, with a particular focus on lamp flicker reduction.
Using Multisim and Proteus 8 as the simulation platform, the
study analyzes rectifier performance under varying load
conditions and explores the impact of flicker on lighting stability.
To enhance output quality, a simple passive filtering stage—using
either a capacitor (C) or a low-pass LC filter—is integrated into
the rectifier circuits. The effects of filtering on ripple voltage, total
harmonic distortion (THD), and flicker reduction are
quantitatively evaluated. The findings aim to refine rectifier and
filter designs suited for eco-friendly lighting systems and modern
power electronics applications, offering a low-cost and
energy-efficient solution without the need for complex active
circuits.
Keywords-Lamp flicker reduction, Simple passive filtering stage,
Rectifiers, Flicker Reduction, Passive Filtering, Ripple Voltage,
Power Electronics
help of low cost filters by adding capacitors and LC low pass
filters. The results from computer simulations are then
analyzed, using Multisim, to estimate the intact shifting of
output waveform from the rectifiers.
Fig. 1. Reference Image of a Single-Phase Half-Wave Uncontrolled Rectifier
on Lamp Flicker
II. OBJECTIVES AND CIRCUIT DESIGN
This study aims to determine the effect of passive filtering
I. INTRODUCTION
on half-wave and full-wave rectifiers in lowering lamp flicker in
To improve the quality of electric energy powering lighting
lightning systems driven by direct current (DC). More
units, intensive research work is being carried out owing to the
specifically, single-phase half-wave and full-wave rectifier
need of energy saving and low cost lighting systems. One
circuits are simulated in Multisim and operating conditions
important problem in illumination systems is flickering of the
related to load. Passive filtering elements, like capacitors and
lamp which is largely caused by the AC ripples present in the
LC low-pass filters are added to the circuits to increase output
rectified voltage. Flicker not only affects the visual comfort but
quality and observe their performance. The purpose of this study
also serves as a health hazard and can interfere with precision
is to identify the effect of filters on diminishing ripple voltage
instruments. In the case of LEDs and other modern lighting
and total harmonic distortion (THD) that are major causes of
systems, maintaining stabe DC output with low ripple is now
flicker in lighting devices. The research consists of experiments
one of the primary requirements.
to evaluate different combinations of rectifier and filter
components for flicker reduction, to find out the ease and
effectiveness of each configuration. The purpose of the study is
This focus explains why rectifiers—devices that transform
to recommend simple cheap yet effective rectifier-filter
AC into DC—are so important. All round the world, half-wave
combinations which can be easily implemented in modern green
and full-wave rectifiers are the most commonly used types,
lighting systems without complicated active circuitry.
although each has its own range of performance parameters and
effectiveness. However, the typical rectifiers have great output A. Main Station
voltage ripples and without the proper filtering; the connected
lamps will flicker significantly.
The purpose of this paper is a detailed analysis of
performance of half-wave and full-wave rectifiers with passive
filters aimed at lamp flicker suppression. The study tries and
solves the problem of smoothing direct current output with the
Fig. 2. Schemaric diagram of the proposed main station
A single phase transformer at the rectifier station and a 1N4001
diode create a half wave rectifier arrangement which supplies
current to an LED through a 470Ω load resistor. A 1000μF
capacitor is provided in series with the load to reduce the AC
ripple in the output voltage. The transformer would boost the
input voltage from 12V RMS AC to a level that allows for
effective rectification. With the aid of the multimeter it is
noticed that the filtered DC output voltage is approximately
Fig. 3. Main Station Program Flowchart
24.725V.
The oscilloscope shows that there has been some filtering, but
the measured THD of 32.536% by the distortion analyzer
clearly shows substantial levels of AC ripple. This arrangement
represents fundamental power supply filtering concepts and is a
functional mechanism to determine ripple factor, efficiency, and
voltage regulation. It emphasizes the implications of the
positioning of diodes and capacitors on the shape of waveform
and stability of DC output, as a useful learning device on basics
of rectification concepts.
In the Figure 3, the system converts 12V AC (56Hz) instead of
DC using a half-wave rectifier with a 1N4001G diode. To
reduce ripple in the rectified output, a 1000µF capacitor and a
470Ω load filter is used. With the aid of measurement tools, the
system monitors ripple voltage and THD to determine flicker
performance. If such a flicker goes beyond acceptable levels,
the filter components are tuned and the system is rechecked.
Once the desired flicker criteria are met, the system initiates a
WiFi connection and re-synchronize to an NTP server. Firebase
authentication is through project credentials followed by
initialization of an RF receiver. When sensor data is received,
the system prepares the information, putting it in the JSON
format. It is loaded to Firebase, with individual identification to
aid in cloud storage. The process cycles until it is manually
stopped or a connection problem is encountered and continues
with running monitoring and data collection. The system
accomplishes a holistic performance assessment by integrating
power electronics analysis with IoT capabilities.
III. SIMULATION, DATA AND RESULTS
Fig. 4. Full Wave Simulation
Fig. 4. Half Wave Simulation
Circuit
Avg DC
Ripple
Observed
THD →
Type
Voltage →
Voltage →
Flicker → visual
analysis
multimeter
oscilloscope
+ oscilloscope
tool
24.725V
337.252V
Flicker reduced
32.536%
22.431V
54.485V
LED blinking
50.518%
Half-w
ave + C
Half-w
ave no
visible reduced
filter
Full-wa
40.083V
73.542V
Flicker medium
44.989%
49.455V
336.738V
Almost no flicker
32.746%
ve no
filter
Full-wa
ve +
C/LC
IV. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION