Abstract Taking the single-phase bridge fullly controlled rectifier circuit as the research object, this paper briefly describes the characteristics of the working principle of it, and analyzes the role of freewheeling resistance in rectifying circuit. From the perspective of the rectification and inversion, the working principle of freewheeling resistance under different conditions and its influence on output waveform of the circuit are studied. The function of the freewheeling resistance is verified through Matlab simulation and field test, which means to provide reference for the selection of freewheeling resistance in field.