Pulsed DC
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Pulsed DC, or PDC, is the form of wave produced from a half-wave rectifier or a full-wave rectifier. PDC has characteristics of both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) waveforms. The voltage of a DC wave is roughly constant, whereas the voltage of an AC waveform continually varies between positive and negative values. Like an AC wave, the voltage of a PDC wave continually varies, but like a DC wave, the sign of the voltage is constant.
Most modern electronic items function using a DC voltage, so the PDC waveform must often be regulated. This regulation starts with capacitors which convert the PDC wave into a close-to-DC waveform. When the PDC voltage is initially applied, it charges the capacitor, which provides a buffer to keep the output voltage at an acceptable level while the PDC waveform is at a low voltage. Further regulation is often applied using either linear or switching regulation.
Pulsed DC may also be generated for purposes other than rectification. It is often used to reduce electrical arcs when generating thin carbon films, [1] and for increasing yield in semiconductor fabrication by reducing electrostatic buildup. [2]
