What is Zener diodes used for?
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.
What is normal value of Zener voltage?
Values generally start at around 2.4 V although not all ranges extend as low as this. Values below this are not available because the diodes do not break down below this voltage. Ranges may extend top anywhere in the region of 47 V to 200 V, dependent upon the actual Zener diode range.
How does a zener work?
A Zener diode operates just like a normal diode when it is forward-biased. However, a small leakage current flows through the diode when connected in reverse biased mode. As the reverse voltage increases to the predetermined breakdown voltage (Vz), current starts flowing through the diode.
What is a 5v1 Zener diode?
This 1N4733A zener diode is set at 5.1V, making it ideal for protecting the inputs of a 5V circuit. specifically, it has a minimum voltage of 4.845 V and a maximum voltage of 5.355 V, with a leakage current of 1 V and a test current of 49 mA. Features: Voltage – Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If: 5.355VDC.
How does Zener diode regulate voltage?
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. From that point on, the low impedance of the diode keeps the voltage across the diode at that value.
What is the maximum zener current?
The maximum current is calculated by dividing the power rating by the Zener voltage: I=P/V = 3W/12V = 0.25A. In this case, the datasheet specifies 250 mA as the maximum current, so the calculation wasn’t necessary.
What is 1N4733A?
1n4733a is a normal p-n junction diode which allows the current to flow in both directions i.e. forward direction and reverse direction. In other words, it conducts in both ways i.e. when it is forward biased, also when it is reverse biased.
Can Zener be used as a 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.
How do zener diodes fail?
Normally zener diodes fail by going short circuit, open circuit or getting really leaky. Generally is they have a blue band or a green one, they probably are ISS1 diodes, which are pretty much a 1N4148 or 1N914 in most cases.
Can Zener diode be used as rectifier?
Is Zener diode a 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. Was this answer helpful?