| Ordinary rectifier | Controlled rectifier |
|---|---|
| The triggering circuit is not required in ordinary rectifier | The triggering circuit is required in controlled rectifier. |
| Only diodes are used in ordinary rectifier. | The SCR and diodes are used in controlled rectifier. |
| The continuous control of the output is not obtained. | The continuous control of the output is obtained. |
| The freewheeling diode is not necessary in ordinary rectifier. | The freewheeling diode is necessary in controlled rectifier. |
| The direction of power flow is form source to load only. | The direction of power flow is from source to load and sometimes vice versa. |
| Wastage of power in ordinary rectifier. | No wastage of power in controlled rectifier. |
| It is used in power supplies. | It is used for speed control of DC motors. |