What is the primary function of a power supply rectifier?

The primary function of a power supply rectifier is to transform alternating current (AC) input into pulsating direct current (DC) output. This process is essential in power systems, as many electronic devices require a DC voltage to operate, while the incoming power supply is typically in AC form due to its efficient transmission over long distances.

During rectification, the rectifier allows current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the opposite direction, effectively converting the bidirectional AC waveform into a waveform that primarily flows in one direction. This results in a pulsating DC output which fluctuates but does not reverse direction, making it usable for most electronic applications once further processing is applied.

Other functions, such as amplifying voltage or filtering noise, are related to different components in a power supply system, while converting DC back to AC is the job of an inverter, which serves an entirely different purpose. Thus, the transformation of AC to pulsating DC is the core function that underpins the necessity and utility of power supply rectifiers.