Zener

CONTENTS
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO

NO
1. INTRODUCTION
2. EXPERIMENTAL METHOD
3. CIRCUIT EXPLANATION
4. CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION ABOUT ZENER DIODE CHARACTERISTICS
APPARATUS
ZENER DIODE
Zener diodes are silicon-based discrete semiconductor devices which allow current to flow
bidirectionally – either reverse or forward. Diodes are comprised of a heavily-doped P-N silicon
junction, which is intended to conduct in the reverse direction once a particular voltagethreshold
has been met.
Zener diodes have a set reverse breakdown voltage. When this is reached,they started to
conduct current and continue to opeate unceasingly in the reverse bias direction without
incurring damage. One of the main benefits of Zener diodes is that a varying range of voltages
will still maintain a constant voltage drop across the diode. As that ,Zeber diodes can be used for
voltage regulation applications.
ZENER DIODE CHARACTERISTICS
Zener diodes operate similarly to conventional diodes when in the forward-bias mode. They
have a bias turn-on voltage between 0.3 and 0.7V. When connected in the reverse mode, there is
a small leakage current flow in most applications. As the reverse voltage increases to the set
breakdown voltage,there will be current flowing through thediode. When the current increases
to a maximum(determined by the resistors in series), it will then stabilize and remain constant
over a wide range of applied voltage.
Irrespective of the current value flowing through the diode, the voltage remains almost
constant. This is also the case with the current stays between the maximum current the
breakdown current.
A Zener diode’s strong self-control is highly useful when it comes to regulating and
stabilizing variations in oad or supply against a voltage source.This makes it a key characteristic
as it enables the diode to be used in a variety of a voltage regulator applications.
ZENER DIODE SPECIFICATIONS
Some specifications will vary between individual Zener diodes. These include power dissipation,nominal
working voltage, and maximum reverse current. Additional commonplace specifications include:
 Zener Voltage – This relates to he reverse breakdown voltage. This ranges from 2.4V upto 200V
on the specific diode.
 Current (maximum)- The maximum current at the rated Zener voltage. This can range from
200uA to 200 A
 Current (minimum)- The minimum current required at the Zener voltage for the diode to break
down. This is typically between 5mA and 10mA.
 Power Rating- The maximum power dissipation rating of the diode,including both the current
flowing through the diode and the voltage across it. Standard values include 400mW,500mW,1W
and 5W. With the surface-mounted diodes,typical values are 200mW,350mW,500mW and 1W.
Voltage Tolerance- Typically ±5%
 Temperature Stability – the most stable diodes are usually approximately 5V

 Zener Resistance – the resistance exhibited by the diode Zener Diode Applications
 Zener diodes are used for a range of applications, including:

 Voltage regulation
 Voltage reference
 Surge suppression
 Switching applications
 Clipper circuits
 It is possible to use a Zener diode to create a stabilised low-ripple output voltage under variable
load current conditions. When a suitable current limiting resistor is used to pass a minor current
from a voltage source through the diode, sufficient current will be conducted to maintain the
required voltage drop. As the load value is altered, the average voltage output also changes.
However, the addition of a Zener diode can produce an even voltage output.

 With that being said, it should also be noted that Zener diodes may occasionally produce
electrical noise on the DC supply as they work to steady the voltage. This is fine in the majority
of applications, but adding a high value decoupling capacitor to the output of the diode can
rectify the problem by providing extra smoothing.

 As Zener diodes can operate in the reverse bias condition, they can be used in voltage regulator
circuits to sustain constant DC voltage output. This constant voltage can be maintained despite
any variations in voltage input or load current changes.

 This voltage regulator circuit comprises a current limiting resistor which is connected in series
with the input voltage. The diode and the load should then be connected in parallel. The
stabilised voltage output and the diode’s breakdown voltage will always be the same.
 Zener Diode Uses and Working Applications
 Zener diodes are also used in modern applications such as smartphones and Android devices.
Many such uses involve Bluetooth technology. On average, a standard Bluetooth device needs
around 3V for operation. In this application, a Zener diode would be used to provide the required
3V to the Bluetooth-enabled device.
 How Does a Zener Diode Work?
 The principle behind the operation of a Zener diode is determined by the cause of the diode’s
breakdown in the reverse bias condition. There are typically two types – Zener and avalanche.

 Zener Breakdown
 A Zener breakdown happens with a reverse bias voltage between 2V and 8V. The intensity of the
electric field is enough to apply force to the valence electrons, separating them from the nuclei –
even at this low voltage. This process forms mobile electron-hole pairs, therefore increasing
current flow.

 Zener breakdowns typically occur for highly-doped diodes with a large electric field and low
breakdown voltage. More energy is gained by the valence electrons as temperature increases,
therefore requiring less outward voltage. This also means that Zener breakdown voltage reduces
alongside temperature.

 Avalanche Breakdown
 Voltage breakdown also happens in the reverse bias condition, at a minimum of 8V, for light-
doped diodes that have a large breakdown voltage. Electrons flowing through the diode collide
with electrons in the covalent bond, disrupting it. The velocity of the electrons increases as the
voltage also increases, meaning that the covalent bonds can be disrupted more easily. It should
also be noted that avalanche breakdown voltage rises alongside temperature.

 What is the Zener Diode Symbol?

 The images portray the standard Zener diode symbol used within a circuit diagram.

 This symbol shows how the presence of a Zener diode would be noted in a circuit diagram.
Similarly, if you see this symbol in a circuit diagram, it means that a Zener diode is present at
that point in the circuit. This diagram then builds on the above, showing more information about
the Zener diode. The top line of the diagram shows the diode symbol plus the positive and
negative as it relates to the anode and cathode. The bottom line of the diagram shows the same,
except with a simplified version of a realistic diode as opposed to the Zener diode symbol.

Zener

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Zener

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Zener

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO

ZENER DIODE CHARACTERISTICS

ZENER DIODE SPECIFICATIONS

Voltage Tolerance- Typically ±5%

 Temperature Stability – the most stable diodes are usually approximately 5V

You might also like