I am reading up on UPS systems and came across a system which had both rectifier and a converter in it . My question is if a rectifier converts AC to DC and so does a converter what is the difference between the 2 devices ?
A rectifier is generally a simple passive device made up of one or more diodes. A diode is basically a non return valve for electricity so only allows current to flow in one direction, that means if you put AC in, you get wavey DC out at approx the SAME voltage as the AC
A converter is generally a fairly complicated circuit (that may contain one or more rectifiers as well as lots of other stuff) that, depending on the type can convert AC to DC, DC to DC, AC to AC or DC to AC and either increase or decrease the voltage or frequency.
A rectifier is generally a simple passive device made up of one or more diodes. A diode is basically a non return valve for electricity so only allows current to flow in one direction, that means if you put AC in, you get wavey DC out at approx the SAME voltage as the AC
A converter is generally a fairly complicated circuit (that may contain one or more rectifiers as well as lots of other stuff) that, depending on the type can convert AC to DC, DC to DC, AC to AC or DC to AC and either increase or decrease the voltage or frequency.
