bridge or center tapped rectifier question (Is it obsollete?)

[001]

Hi!

I see that simple brige rectifier is ok for most of classic PSs

But what about advantage of "center tapped transformer + two diodes" and "center tapped transformer + brige" circuits?
Is it obsollete?

[mvs]

But what about advantage of "center tapped transformer + two diodes"

On the one hand less diodes means better efficiency and less heat. On the other hand it requires more copper in the transformer.
This rectifier topology is commonly used in SMPS supplies (push-pull, half-bridge, full-bridge topologies), since at high frequency the transformers are small, and copper usage is not a concern.

"center tapped transformer + brige"

It is useful for dual power supplies, since center tap is half voltage point. You will find this rectifier for example in audio amplifier or linear lab power supplies. Or even in power supplies of PCs to generate +12V and -12V rails (with unsymmetrical rectifier, 2 large Schottky diodes for +12V rail and 2 small diodes for -12V rail).

[floobydust]

Full-wave center-tapped (two-diodes) is no longer popular.

The reason is transformer utilization. Only half (one) secondary winding is being used so you need more copper on the transformer. It's one diode+sec winding or the other that have current flowing.
For this reason, it is higher cost even though with FWB you need two more diodes to make a bridge.