Re: Not-so-off-topic: rectifiers

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Randy Gordon-Gilmore <zephyrus@r...>
wrote:

>............
> I did notice that on the too-enthusiastic linear supply I had, they

used a

> dual secondary and a single diode on each one, instead of a single
> secondary and a bridge. I'm assuming that beefy single diodes are

easier

> to come by than beefy bridges...

Randy,
I've wondered the same thing, but it might be the cost of the
transformer rather than the diodes. The center tapped transformer
used in the two diode rectifier has to have double the voltage
but only half the current rating of the one used in the bridge
rectifier. I know that as the current rating goes up, so does the
size and weight. Not sure what the economic trade-offs are.
I had a 24 V 10 amp that I used. It and a small 12 v supply just
barely squeeze into an old PC power supply case. Works fine, but it
takes both hands to pick it up! That is the downside of too much
overkill.
al