What are some techniques used for filtering the voltage output of a bridge rectifier?

Several techniques are used for filtering the voltage output of a bridge rectifier, with the most common being capacitive filtering, inductive filtering, and active filtering. Capacitive filtering involves placing a capacitor in parallel with the load resistor. The capacitor charges during the peaks of the rectified waveform and discharges during the valleys, smoothing the voltage output and reducing ripple. The size of the capacitor determines the amount of ripple reduction, with larger capacitors providing better filtering. Inductive filtering involves placing an inductor in series with the load resistor. The inductor opposes changes in current, smoothing the current flow and reducing ripple in the voltage output. Active filtering uses active electronic components, such as operational amplifiers, to create more sophisticated filter circuits that can achieve better ripple reduction and voltage regulation than passive filters. For example, a simple RC filter (resistor-capacitor) can significantly reduce the ripple voltage from a bridge rectifier, providing a smoother DC voltage for powering electronic circuits.