Can Zener diode be used as rectifier?
We do not favour using a Zener Diode in a rectifier circuit because a large maximum peak inverse voltage is needed for a rectifier circuit. Unlike the standard p-n junction diode, a Zener diode has a below peak inverse voltage. This is an unwanted characteristic of the rectifier circuit.
Why Zener diode is used in rectifier?
Unlike the normal p-n junction diode, a Zener diode has a low peak inverse voltage. This is an undesirable property for the rectifier circuit. This is the reason why Zener diodes are not used for rectification purpose but are mostly used in applications that require voltage regulation.
Can you test the voltage of a Zener diode?
An uncomplicated circuit application of a ZD is the common shunt voltage regulator. If you have a Zener diode (ZD) of unknown characteristics or if you want to use reverse-biased transistor junctions as ZD, the zener voltage and performance can be tested with this simple circuit.
What should the Zener voltage be for PSpice?
For the above example in Pspice, the Zener voltage is 6.8V. There will be some situations where the targeted Zener diode voltage is not available. In such cases, a close value of the Zener diode can be chosen. For example, for overvoltage protection up to 7V, a 6.8V Zener diode is a close value.
How does the reverse saturation of a Zener diode work?
The current now flowing through the zener diode increases dramatically to the maximum circuit value (which is usually limited by a series resistor) and once achieved, this reverse saturation current remains fairly constant over a wide range of reverse voltages.
How does a Zener diode clip an output waveform?
For example, if we wanted to clip an output waveform at +7.5V, we would use a 7.5V zener diode. If the output waveform tries to exceed the 7.5V limit, the zener diode will “clip-off” the excess voltage from the input producing a waveform with a flat top still keeping the output constant at +7.5V.