Concept:In a bridge rectifier with a capacitor filter, the filter capacitor maintains \( +V_m \) across the DC output terminals. Each non-conducting diode branch is connected in parallel with the secondary winding, experiencing a maximum reverse voltage of \( V_m \).
Formula:$$\text{PIV}_{\text{bridge with capacitor filter}} = V_m$$
Solution:- The capacitor charges to \( V_m \) across the DC output.
- Applying Kirchhoff's Voltage Law around the reverse-biased diode loop shows that the maximum reverse voltage across any single diode is \( V_m \).
- Thus, adding a capacitor filter does not increase the diode PIV rating in a bridge rectifier.
Why other options are incorrect:- Option A: \( 2V_m \) is the PIV for center-tapped full-wave rectifiers and half-wave rectifiers with capacitor filters.
- Option C: \( V_m / \sqrt{2} \) is the RMS voltage, not the peak reverse voltage.
- Option D: 4 \( V_m \) is an overestimate.
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