Here's a breakdown:
* AC (Alternating Current): Electricity flows in one direction, then reverses, cycling repeatedly.
* DC (Direct Current): Electricity flows in only one direction.
Rectifiers are the devices that convert AC to DC. They use various components like:
* Diodes: These are semiconductor devices that allow current to flow in one direction only, blocking it in the other direction. This is the core of most rectifiers.
* Capacitors: These store electrical charge, smoothing out the pulsating DC output of the rectifier.
* Transformers: In some cases, transformers are used to change the voltage of the AC signal before rectification.
Here are some examples of rectifiers:
* Diode bridges: These are commonly used in simple DC power supplies.
* Thyristor-based rectifiers: These are used in higher-power applications, often for industrial equipment.
* Switched-mode power supplies (SMPS): These are very efficient rectifiers used in electronics like computers and cell phone chargers.
It's important to remember: Rectifiers don't "use" instruments, but rather *employ* components to convert AC to DC.