A switching rectifier operates in both forced turn-off (i.e., current is not zero) and forced turn-on (i.e., voltage is not zero) modes, a technique known as hard switching. Obviously, switching rectifiers designed using hard switching technology experience power losses during the on and off periods. Furthermore, their switching frequency is limited, with a maximum of 300kHz, while typical communication rectifiers operate at 20–40kHz. However, due to its mature technology, sophisticated high-frequency signal processing, reliable main circuit, and low manufacturing cost, it was widely used in communication switching rectifiers in the 1990s.

Resonant rectifiers, as commonly referred to, are designed using soft switching technology. Soft switching technology primarily improves the switching frequency of switching rectifiers. Switching rectifiers designed using soft switching technology can achieve switching frequencies up to 10MHz, while current communication rectifiers operate at 100–300kHz.