how do you convert ac current into dc current?

Answer 1

You dont say if you are converting high voltage to high voltage or high voltage ac to low voltage dc. Either way you need a transformer but it depends which one as to where you go to purchase it. If you need all the ins and outs of a ducks a*se, then the answer above has it all.

Answer 2

You need a rectifier - and very often a transformer to change the voltage at the same time. Power diodes are rectifiers. These are silicon junctions that only allow current in one direction. When 4 are combined intoa "bridge rectifier" the sinusoidal voltage source is converted into a "full wave rectified" waveform - imagine a sine pattern where the negative half cycles are converted to positive. This waveform is very "lumpy" and usually would have a large reservoir capacitor to smooth the supply to a "dc level. The rectifier (1,2, or 4 diodes) pumps charge into the cap, and the load circuit draws it out. Ideally, there is very little "ripple" on the DC supply. Ripple would be heard as "hum" on an audio system powered from the capacitor. Most supplies would have a further stage to regulate the supply. That is, the smoothing capacitor supply might vary between say 14 and 20 volts. A regulator might provide 12V, regardless of the input changes, within reason.

The complexity of the power supply depends on the cost requirements. It might cost 3p for 1 diode, or it might be thousands of pounds. Generally, the price goes up with output power and stability requirements.

If present, a transformer will be providing a voltage scaling, from 110/230V down so, for example, 12V. It can also provide electrical isolation.
-------
If you are trying to measure the AC current, by converting to DC and using a DC meter, then you probably need a Current Transformer. i.e. it would have typically 1 primary turn, with many secondary turns. The secondary might even be a clamp arrangement. Its useful to step up the voltage so that any drop across the silicon junctions can be compensated for. The AC output is rectified and smoothed as before.

Answer 3

Run AC through a full-wave rectifier circuit.

But it's easier just to buy an AC/DC power supply for the voltage/current rating you need.

Answer 4

To convert AC to DC you need to run the AC voltage thru a "BRIDGE RECTIFIER" circuit which is a set of 4 "DIODES" and a "FILTER CAPACITOR". Your DC voltage will be approx 150 volts if you start with 120 volts AC. If you are starting with 120 volts AC and you are wanting say 12 volts DC you would need to pass the AC thru a "STEP-DOWN TRANSFORMER" first.

Answer 5

you cannot convert current, only voltage. A rectifier (diode) placed on one side of the ac will filter out half the cycle and you will have square wave dc

Answer 6

Try germanium diodes, these have a much lower forward turn on voltage than silicone diodes, and are used for signal work in radio circuits, for example filtering out the audio signal from a weak radio signal.They are however a lot more sensitive to heat so be careful when soldering.

Answer 7

You use an AC-DC transformer to do it.