A center tap divides a single secondary winding into two equal halves, providing two output voltages that are equal in magnitude but opposite in phase relative to the tap. It is widely used in linear power supplies to create full-wave rectifiers with only two diodes, or to establish a balanced split-rail power supply.
Heard on the job
Ground the center tap on the transformer so we get positive and negative 15 volts for the op-amps.
Also heard as
- CT
Related terms
Rectify
To convert alternating current into direct current using components that only allow one-way electron flow.
Inductor
A passive two-terminal electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it.
Coil
A passive electrical component made of wire wound into a spiral or cylinder to create a magnetic field.