The single-phase half bridge converter allows rectification of positive and negative half periods of the mains voltage. At each half mains period just one single thyristor is conducting the load current, which means reduced conduction losses compared to the single-phase full-bridge (see applet 'Single-Phase Full-Bridge'). A disadvantage in some applications might be the more complex transformer. When the trigger angle is zero, the thyristors behave like diodes and start conducting current at the natural ignition point. With increasing trigger angle the averaged output voltage is reduced. That is how the rectifer's output voltage is controlled.

• Change the resistive and inductive component of the load. With increasing inductance, the load current becomes continuous.
• Set a different trigger angle by changing the reference signal (red horizontal line). If the reference signal crosses the triangular signal 'sig' (blue), the firing pulse triggers the thyristor into the on-state.
• Drag the time slider from left to right. After passing the triggering point, the trigger pulse is animated. After triggering, the thyristor is in the on-state and the load current keeps flowing until it goes down to zero. Then the thyristor is in the off-state again.
• Find the natural ignition point be setting the triggering angle to zero.