Rectifiers or switches
Current switches

In industry parlance, current switches are generally described according to the nature of the conversion performed.

—Rectifiers are converters powered by an alternating voltage network (usually the distribution network). When they are reversible (active load), they are referred to as inverter-rectifiers. Since the AC grid imposes the operating frequency and provides the switching electromotive force, they are also referred to as non-autonomous rectifier-inverters or grid-assisted converters.

—Switches are converters powered by a DC source. On the AC side, the load is a stand-alone receiver, either active or passive. They are also known as current inverters.

In fact, rectifiers and switches belong to the same family of converters, and obey the same fundamental laws, provided the ideal operating conditions are met....