Which method converts AC to DC and produces direct current?

The full wave rectifier is an essential electronic component that effectively converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). This process is achieved by utilizing both halves of the AC waveform, allowing the rectifier to convert both the positive and negative portions of the input signal into a usable DC output.

In a full wave rectifier, diodes are employed to ensure that current flows in a single direction, thus resulting in a smoother and more consistent output than the half wave rectifier, which only uses one half of the AC waveform. The output is then typically subjected to further filtering to minimize any fluctuations, yielding a stable DC supply.

While fuses serve to protect electrical circuits from overloads, electrical interlocks are safety devices that prevent machinery operation under certain conditions, and voltage regulators are responsible for maintaining a constant voltage level in electrical circuits, none of these options convert AC to DC. The full wave rectifier stands out as the sole method designed specifically for this conversion, making it the correct answer.