A full-wave rectifier converts AC to DC like a Half-Wave Rectifier but does a better job. This is also called a bridge rectifier.
Four diodes route the positive and negative parts of the AC input through the load in the same direction. Again, we can add a big capacitor to smooth out the signal.
Here are the paths for the current to flow. The left case (a) is when is positive, the right case is when it is negative. Note that the current flows through the load in the same direction both ways.
