Dive into the intricate world of Physics as you explore the fundamental components, operations, and significance of the Bridge Circuit. In this comprehensive guide, you succinctly grasp the definition, principles, and various types of these sophisticated configurations, including the H Bridge Circuit and the Bridge Rectifier Circuit. With a keen focus on Characterisation, gain insights into its role in Bridge Circuits and finally, broaden your perspective with real-world applications and practical examples of Bridge Circuits. This enriching journey equips you with an in-depth understanding of Bridge Circuits, their functions, and relevance in contemporary Physics.
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Jetzt kostenlos anmeldenDive into the intricate world of Physics as you explore the fundamental components, operations, and significance of the Bridge Circuit. In this comprehensive guide, you succinctly grasp the definition, principles, and various types of these sophisticated configurations, including the H Bridge Circuit and the Bridge Rectifier Circuit. With a keen focus on Characterisation, gain insights into its role in Bridge Circuits and finally, broaden your perspective with real-world applications and practical examples of Bridge Circuits. This enriching journey equips you with an in-depth understanding of Bridge Circuits, their functions, and relevance in contemporary Physics.
A bridge circuit is a type of electrical circuit that separates resistive elements into two parallel branches with a source of voltage across them. Its name comes from the design that consists of two loops which resemble a bridge.
For instance, you might have seen the Wheatstone Bridge, one of the most popular types of bridge circuits, in your physics lab. It consists of four resistors in a square or diamond-like configuration and has a galvanometer connected diagonally across it.
There is a fascinating field of bridge circuits deemed as ‘unbalanced’. In these circuits, the voltage is not zero, and this differential is used to measure uncertain or fluctuating quantities.
Branch one Resistance | Branch two Resistance |
R1 | R2 |
Branch three Resistance | Branch four Resistance |
R3 | R4 |
An H Bridge Circuit is a unique type of bridge circuit used for controlling the direction of current flow. 'H' is attributed to its structural resemblance to the letter H, consisting of four switches and a load (a motor, for example) at the centre.
Switch 1 | Switch 2 |
S1 | S2 |
Switch 3 | Switch 4 |
S3 | S4 |
A Bridge Rectifier Circuit is another variant of a bridge circuit designed for converting an Alternating Current (AC) input into a Direct Current (DC) output. It consists of a bridge of four diodes arranged in a 'diamond' configuration.
Characterization in the context of bridge circuits involves determining the circuit's response to different input conditions. It broadly pertains to ascertaining the operating parameters of a bridge circuit, such as its resistance, impedance, inductance, and capacitance, and how it responds to changes in these parameters.
Resistance R1 | Resistance R2 |
Resistance R3 | Resistance R4 |
Measured voltage | Measured current |
Wheatstone Bridge: Named after Sir Charles Wheatstone, this iconic bridge circuit is utilised in measuring unknown resistance values with high precision. Moreover, Wheatstone bridges are core to modern strain measurements in engineering and construction, where they monitor minute changes in strain gauge resistance.
Thermistor Bridge Circuit: In the healthcare industry, the Thermistor Bridge Circuit is often employed in body temperature monitoring devices. By providing a digital output proportional to the temperature, it allows for precise temperature readings.
AC Bridge Circuits: In telecommunications and signal processing, AC bridge circuits are used to measure electrical quantities such as inductance, capacitance and frequency. For example, must-have audio technologies such as radio receivers and audio amplifiers often incorporate these bridge circuits to control and enrich the audio output.
Arm One-Resistance R1 | Arm Two-Resistance R2 |
Arm Three-Resistance R3 | Arm Four-Resistance R4 |
What is a bridge circuit?
A bridge circuit is a type of electrical circuit that separates resistive elements into two parallel branches with source of voltage across them. It is specially designed for precise measurements of resistance, inductance, capacitance, and impedance. It is widely used in strain gauges, impedance matching networks and resistance temperature detectors.
What are the fundamental principles on which operation of a bridge circuit is based?
The operation of a bridge circuit is based on two fundamental principles: balance and sensitivity. Balance refers to the condition when the voltage across the bridge is zero. Sensitivity refers to the ability of the bridge to detect small changes in the quantity being measured.
When does the bridge circuit achieve "balance"?
The bridge circuit achieves balance when the ratio of resistances in one pair of branches equals the ratio in the other pair, mathematically expressed as \[\frac{R1}{R3} = \frac{R2}{R4}\]. Any deviation results in an unbalanced condition, providing the circuit with sensitivity to changes.
What is the purpose and functioning of an H Bridge Circuit?
An H Bridge Circuit controls the direction of current flow in applications like DC motor control. It has four switches and a load at the center. Only two diagonal switches are 'on' at a time, allowing current to circulate through half of the 'H' structure. By changing which switches are 'on', we can control the direction of the current.
What is the Bridge Rectifier Circuit, and how does it work?
The Bridge Rectifier Circuit converts an Alternating Current (AC) input into a Direct Current (DC) output. It's a bridge of four diodes arranged in a 'diamond' configuration. During the positive half cycle, D1 and D3 conduct, while during the negative half cycle, D2 and D4 conduct, resulting in a constant, non-pulsing Direct Current (DC).
How does the current flow in an H Bridge Circuit due to the positions of the switches?
In an H Bridge Circuit, when S1 and S4 are 'on', and S2 and S3 are 'off', the current will flow from S1 to S4. If S2 and S3 are switched to 'on' while S1 and S4 are 'off', the current will flow from S2 to S3, reversing its direction.
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