Contents
Why would one want use a Zener diode instead of a regular voltage divider?
Large power dissipation for high load currents, and not very stable regulation. Zener diodes are typically used for references rather than regulators.
What is the function of the Zener diode or the IC regulator?
Zener diodes are used for voltage regulation, as reference elements, surge suppressors, and in switching applications and clipper circuits. The load voltage equals breakdown voltage VZ of the diode. The series resistor limits the current through the diode and drops the excess voltage when the diode is conducting.
How zener diode works as a voltage regulator or shunt regulator?
Zener diodes are widely used as voltage references and as shunt regulators to regulate the voltage across small circuits. When connected in parallel with a variable voltage source so that it is reverse biased, a Zener diode conducts when the voltage reaches the diode’s reverse breakdown voltage.
How is reverse breakdown of a Zener diode used?
A Zener diode operated in reverse breakdown can provide a reference voltage for systems like voltage regulators or voltage comparators. To measure the reverse breakdown voltage of your Zener diode we need to produce a voltage difference larger than the breakdown voltage of the 6.2 V 1N4735 diode.
Is the DC voltage greater than the Zener diode?
The supply voltage VS must be greater than VZ. One small problem with zener diode stabiliser circuits is that the diode can sometimes generate electrical noise on top of the DC supply as it tries to stabilise the voltage.
When to use a Zener as a voltage regulator?
Zener diodes are better to be used in very low power circuits as voltage references or simillar fanctions. If you need constant voltage at high load currents, the zener as a shunt type regulator, should consume a large amount of power. That is a wast in heat.
Which is the upper limit of the Zener current?
There is a minimum zener current for which the stabilisation of the voltage is effective and the zener current must stay above this value operating under load within its breakdown region at all times. The upper limit of current is of course dependant upon the power rating of the device. The supply voltage VS must be greater than VZ.