J0009

TOPIC TITLE: ZENER DIODES

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the topic session, the students should be able to:

1. define Zener diode,

2. explain Zener breakdown,
3. explain Zener regulation,
4. describe Zener equivalent circuit,
5. explain temperature coefficient,
6. explain power dissipation and derating,
7. identify some of Zener diode applications
8. explain Zener regulation with a varying input voltage,
9. explain Zener regulation with a variable load, and
10. explain Zener limiting.

MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT:

o Computer with speakers

o LCD/OHP projector
o File/s (04 Zener Diodes)
• 04 LCD Slides 1
• 04 OHP Slides 1
• 04 LCD Slide Handout 1
• 04 OHP Slide Handout 1
• 04 Laboratory Exercise 1
o Software requirements
• MS PowerPoint

TOPIC PREPARATION:

o Prepare handouts needed for the topic presentation and have

them photocopied.
o Set up computer and LCD projector. This will be used to show
slides presentation in class.
o It is imperative for the instructor to study the lecture materials
and read other materials related to the topic to be able to fuse
different sorts of teaching strategies depending on the needs of
the students. Note: Instructor’s input as academe expert
and/or industry professional will be the best foundation in
teaching the course effectively.
o Anticipate possible questions that students might raise during
the discussion.

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PRESENTATION OVERVIEW:

A. Introduction 5 min
B. Instructional Input
Zener Diode 10 min
a. Define Zener diode
b. Explain V-I characteristics of Zener diode
Zener Breakdown 10 min
a. Explain Zener Breakdown
b. Explain two types of Zener breakdown
c. Explain reverse characteristics of Zener
Zener Regulation 10 min
a. Explain Zener Regulation
Zener Equivalent Circuit 15 min
a. Describe Zener Diode Equivalent Circuit
b. Answer illustrative problem
Temperature Coefficient 10 min
a. Explain Temperature Coefficient
Zener Power Dissipation and Derating Factor 15 min
a. Explain power dissipation and derating factor
of Zener diodes
b. Answer illustrative problem
Zener Diode Application 5 min
a. Explain some common Zener diode application
Zener Regulation with a Varying Input Voltage 10 min
a. Explain how a Zener diode is used on regulating
a varying dc voltage
Zener Regulation with a Variable Load 15 min
a. Explain Load Regulation
b. Answer illustrative problem
Zener Limiting 10 min
a. Explain the limiting action of a Zener diode
C. Generalization 5 min
D. Application 180 min
Total duration 300 min

TOPIC PRESENTATION:

A. Introduction
Slide 1 1. Distribute the student’s handouts and start with a brief introduction
of the topic through Slides 1 to 2 of 04 LCD Slides 1.
Zener Diodes
 Zener Diode
 Zener Breakdown
 Zener Regulation
 Zener Equivalent Circuit
 Temperature Coefficient

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Slide 2

Zener Diodes
 Zener Power Dissipation and Derating
 Zener Diode Applications
 Zener Regualtion with a Varying Input Voltage
 Zener Regulation with a Variable Load
 Zener Limiting

2. Tell the students that in this topic, they will identify the
characteristics and applications of a Zener diode. Explain that a
Zener diode is the same as an ideal diode because it allows current
to flow in a forward direction, but will also permit currents to flow
in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value.
Explain also that Zener diode was named after its discoverer,
Clarence Zener.

B. Instructional Input

Zener Diodes

Slide 3 1. Show Slides 3 to 5. Explain what a Zener diode is.

A zener diode is a diode designed for limiting the voltage

• Zener Diodes

• a diode designed for limiting the voltage across its terminals in reverse
across its terminals in reverse bias. It is a silicon pn junction
device that differs from rectifier diodes since it is designed
bias

• a silicon pn junction device that differs from rectifier diodes since it is

designed for reverse breakdown region operation
for reverse breakdown region operation. Its breakdown
• breakdown voltage is set by carefully controlling the doping level during
manufacture
voltage is set by carefully controlling the doping level during
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manufacture.

Slide 4 The diode’s voltage almost remains constant even when the
current changes drastically when it reaches reverse
• Zener Diodes • Zener Diode Symbol
breakdown. The zener diode operates similarly to a rectifier
• diode’s voltage almost
diode when it is forward biased.
remains constant even
when the current changes
drastically when it reaches
reverse breakdown Cathode (K)
• operates similarly to a
rectifier diode when it is
forward biased
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Anode (A)

Figure 4.1 Zener Diode Symbol

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IF
Slide 5

• V-I Characteristics of a Zener Diode

Forward-bias
region

Breakdown
voltage
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VZ
VR VF
0.7 V
Leakage
Current

Reverse-bias
region

IR

Figure 4.2 Voltage-Current Characteristics of a Zener Diode

Figure 4.2 shows the current-voltage characteristics of a

zener diode. With a zener diode connected in the forward
direction, it behaves exactly the same as a standard diode,
for example, a small voltage drop of 0.3 to 0.7V with current
flowing through pretty much unrestricted. In the reverse
direction however there is a very small leakage current
between 0V and the zener voltage such that a tiny amount
of current is able to flow. Then, when the voltage reaches
the breakdown voltage (Vz), suddenly current can flow
freely through it.

Zener Breakdown

Slide 6 1. Show Slides 6 to 7. Explain Zener breakdown to the students.

Zener diodes are designed to operate in reverse breakdown.

• diodes are designed to operate in reverse breakdown
• two types are avalanche and zener
Avalanche and zener are the two types of reverse
• Avalance Breakdown breakdown in a zener diode. Avalanche breakdown occurs
• occurs in both rectifier and zener diodes at sufficiently high reverse
voltage
in both rectifier and zener diodes at sufficiently high reverse
• Zener Breakdown
• occurs in a zener diode at low reverse voltages voltage while zener breakdown occurs in a zener diode at
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low reverse voltages. The zener diode is heavily doped to
reduce the breakdown voltage for production of a very thin
depletion region. An intense electric field results within the
depletion region. The field is intense enough to pull
electrons from their valence bands and create current near
the zener breakdown voltage (VZ). Zener diodes using

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breakdown voltages of less than approximately 5 V

predominately operate in the zener breakdown while those
with approximately greater than 5 V predominately operate
in the avalanche breakdown. Both types are called zener
diodes. They are commercially available with breakdown
voltages of 1.8 V to 200 V with tolerances of 1% to 20%.

Slide 7
VZ @ IZT
VR
• Reverse characteristics of a zener diode. VZ is usually
specified at the zener test current, IZT, and is designated as
VZT
IZK (zener knee(minimum)
current)

IZT (zener test current)

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IZM (zener maximum current)

IR

Figure 4.3 Reverse characteristics of a zener diode. VZ is usually

specified at the zener test current, IZT, and is designated as VZT

Figure 4.3 illustrates the reverse portion of a zener diode’s

characteristic curve. The reverse current (IR) remains
extremely small up to the knee of the curve as the reverse
voltage (VR) increases. This reverse current is also referred
as the zener current, IZ. The breakdown effect begins at
this point wherein the internal zener resistance (zener
impedance, ZZ) begins to decrease as the reverse current
increases rapidly. The zener breakdown voltage (VZ)
remains essentially constant from the knee’s bottom
although it increases slightly as the zener current, IZ,
increases.

Zener Regulation

Slide 8 1. Show Slide 8. Explain Zener regulation to the students.

The key feature of the zener diode is its ability to keep the
• The key feature of the zener diode is its ability to keep the voltage across
its terminals constant. voltage across its terminals constant. One that is operating
• One that is operating in breakdown acts as a voltage regulator since it
maintains a nearly constant voltage across its terminals over a specified
in breakdown acts as a voltage regulator since it maintains a
nearly constant voltage across its terminals over a specified
range of reverse current values.

• To keep the diode in breakdown for voltage regulation, a minimum value

of reverse current (IZK) must be maintained.
range of reverse current values. To keep the diode in
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breakdown for voltage regulation, a minimum value of
reverse current (IZK) must be maintained. The voltage
drastically decreases and the regulation is lost when the
reverse current is reduced below the knee of the curve

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(refer to Figure 4.3). There is also a maximum current

designated as IZM wherein the diode may be damaged due
to excessive power dissipation. The zener diode basically
maintains a nearly constant voltage across its terminals for
values of reverse current ranging from IZK to IZM. A
nominal zener voltage (VZT) is usually specified on the data
sheet at a value of reverse current usually referred as the
zener test current (IZT).

Zener Equivalent Circuit

Slide 9 1. Show Slides 9 to 10. Describe Zener equivalent circuit.

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Slide 10
ΔVZ
VR 0
• Zener diode equivalent circuit models and the characteristic
curve illustrating ZZ

IZK

ΔV
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ZZ = Δ I Z Δ IZ
Z

~
IZM

IR

(c) Characteristic Curve

Figure 4.4 Zener diode equivalent circuit models and the

characteristic curve illustrating ZZ

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Shown in Figure 4.4(a) is an ideal model of a zener diode in

reverse breakdown which has a constant voltage drop equal
to the nominal zener voltage. A dc voltage source
represents the constant voltage drop even though the zener
diode does not actually produce an emf voltage. This
source shows that the effect of reverse breakdown
corresponds to constant voltage across the zener terminals.

Figure 4.4(b) is a practical model wherein the zener

impedance (ZZ) is considered. A change in zener current
(ΔIZ) produces a small change in the zener voltage (ΔVZ)
since the actual voltage curve is not ideally vertical. The
ratio of ΔVZ to ΔIZ corresponds to the impedance through
the use of Ohm’s law.

The zener impedance is normally specified at the zener test

current (IZT) and is designated as ZZT. It can be assumed
constant over the full linear range of zener current values
and is purely resistive.

Slide 11 2. Show Slides 11 to 12. Explain to the students the sample problem
on zener impedance.
• What is the zener impedance of a zener diode exhibiting a
certain change in VZ for a certain change in IZ on a portion of
the linear characteristic curve between IZK and IZM?
Illustrative Problem:

What is the zener impedance of a zener diode exhibiting a

certain change in VZ for a certain change in IZ on a portion of
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the linear characteristic curve between IZK and IZM?

ΔVZ = 50 mV
VR 0

IZK
~
10 mA
ΔIZ =5 mA
15 mA
~
IZM

IR

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Solution:
Slide 12
∆VZ
ZZ =
∆I Z
• Solution:
100 mV
=
10 mA
= 10 Ω

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Temperature Coefficient

Slide 13 1. Show Slides 13 to 14. Explain the temperature coefficient of a zener

voltage.
• specifies the percent change in zener voltage for each change
in temperature
Zener voltage (Vz) varies with the temperature. The
percentage change in the zener voltage Vz for every oC
• wherein: change in temperature is called temperature coefficient. It
is expressed as %/oC. Example is a 12 V zener diode with a
• T1 – final temperature of junction
• T0 – 25 oC at which nominal zener voltage Vz is specified
• TC – temperature coefficient
• ΔVz – change in zener voltage due to temperature variation
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positive temperature coefficient of 0.01%/oC exhibiting a
1.2 mV increase in VZ when the junction temperature
increases 1 oC.

It is mathematically expressed as:

∆VZ
TC = x [100 ]% o
C
VZ (T1 − T0 )

wherein:

T1 – final temperature of junction

T0 – 25 oC at which nominal zener voltage Vz is specified

TC – temperature coefficient

ΔVz –change in zener voltage due to temperature variation

Slide 14 A positive TC manifests that the zener voltage Vz increases

with an increase in temperature or decreases with a
• A positive TC manifests that the zener voltage increases with
decrease in temperature. A negative TC manifests that the
zener voltage Vz decreases with an increase in temperature
an increase in temperature or decreases with a decrease in
temperature.
• A negative TC manifests that the zener voltage decreases with
an increase in temperature or increases with a decrease in
temperature. or increases with a decrease in temperature.

The above equation can be rewritten as

VZ TC (T1 − T0 ) VZ TC ∆T
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∆VZ = =
100 100

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wherein:

ΔT –change in temperature

The above formula is used when getting the change in zener

voltage for a given junction temperature change for a
specified temperature coefficient.

Temperature coefficient for the given equation is

sometimes expressed in mV/oC rather than in %/oC. Hence,

∆VZ = TC (T1 − T0 ) = TC∆T

Zener Power Dissipation and Derating

Slide 15 1. Show Slide 15. Explain the power dissipation of zener diodes and
the derating factor.
• Zener diodes are designed to operate at maximum power
particularly on maximum DC power dissipations (PD(max)).
Zener diodes are designed to operate at maximum power
particularly on maximum DC power dissipations (PD(max)).
(e.g., The 1N746 zener is rated at a PD(max) of 500 mW and the
• The maximum power dissipation above the specified
temperature is reduced according to a derating factor that is
expressed in mW/oC

1N3305A is rated at a PD(max) of 50 W).

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PD = VZ I Z

A zener diode has a maximum power dissipation typically

specified for temperatures at or below a certain value. The
maximum power dissipation above the specified
temperature is reduced according to a factor called derating
factor. This factor is also called power derating of a zener
which is expressed in mW/oC.

(
PD( derated) = PD(max) − mW o C ∆T )
Slide 16 2. Show Slide 16. Explain the illustrative problem on the power
dissipation of zener diodes and the derating factor.
• Determine the maximum power a zener diode can dissipate at
a temperature of 110 oC if it has a maximum power rating of
800 mW at 100 oC and a derating factor of 6.4 mW/oC.
Illustrative Problem:
• Solution:

Determine the maximum power a zener diode can dissipate

at a temperature of 110oC if it has a maximum power rating
of 800 mW at 100oC and a derating factor of 6.4 mW/oC.
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Solution:

( C )∆T
PD( derated) = PD(max) − mW o

= 800 mW − (64 mW C )(110 C − 100 C )

o o o

= 736 mW

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Zener Diode Application

Slide 17 1. Show Slide 17. Explain the common zener diode applications.

• Used as voltage references and voltage regulators in dc power supplies

Zener diodes are often used as voltage references and
• In protection circuits
voltage regulators in dc power supplies. Voltage regulators
• In clipping circuits (Zener limiter) used to clip off unwanted portion of
the voltage waveform
are devices or circuits that hold the load voltage almost
• Voltage Regulator
constant even though the load current and source voltage
• devices or circuits that hold the load voltage almost constant even
though the load current and source voltage are changing are changing. It is ideally a stiff voltage source with an
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output or a Thevenin’s resistance approaching zero. Zener
diodes are also used in protection units and in clipping
circuits (zener limiter) used to clip off unwanted portion of
the voltage waveform.

Zener Regulation with a Varying Input Voltage

Slide 18 1. Show Slide 18. Explain how a zener diode is used on regulating a
varying DC voltage.

R
Zener Regulation of a Varying Input
Voltage I IZ IL +
constant

*Property of STI J0009 VIN RL VO=VZ

Figure 4.5 Zener regulation of a varying input voltage

Figure 4.5 shows a zener regulator under varying input

voltage condition wherein:

Vo =V Z (constant)

Hence

Vo V Z
IL = = = Constant
RL RL

The zener diode maintains a nearly constant output voltage

across its terminals as the input voltage varies within limits.
The zener current (IZ) changes proportionally as VIN changes
such that the limitations on the input voltage variation are
set by the minimum and maximum current values IZK and IZM
wherein the zener can operate. As long as IZ is between IZK
and IZM, Vo, or Vz is constant.

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Also, when VIN decreases, current I decreases. But to keep IL

constant, IZ decreases. As long as IZ is between IZK and IZM, Vo,
or Vz remains constant.

Zener Regulation with a Variable Load

Slide 19 1. Show Slide 19. Explain zener diode load regulation.

I IZ IL +

Zener Regulation of a Varying Load

VIN RL VO=VZ
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constant

Figure 4.6 Zener regulation of a varying load

Figure 4.6 illustrates a zener regulator under varying load

condition and constant input voltage. Here, VIN is constant
while load resistance RL is a variable. As VIN is constant and
VO=VZ is constant, for constant R the current I is also
constant.

Hence,

VIN − VZ
I= = Constant = I L + I Z
R

Here, if RL decreases, IL also increases, and to keep I

constant, IZ decreases. As long as it is between IZK and IZM,
the output voltage VO will be constant. Also, if RL increases,
IL also decreases, and to keep I constant, IZ increases. As
long as it is between IZK and IZM, output voltage VO will be
constant.

Slide 20 2. Show Slides 20 to 22. Explain the illustrative problem on zener

diode load regulation.
• Determine the minimum and maximum load currents
wherein the given zener diode will maintain regulation.
What is the minimum RL that can be used? VZ = 24 V, IZK = 2
Illustrative Problem:
mA and IZM = 100 mA. Assume ZZ = 0 Ω.

Determine the minimum and maximum load currents

wherein the given zener diode will maintain regulation.
What is the minimum RL that can be used? VZ = 24 V, IZK = 2
mA and IZM = 45 mA. Assume ZZ = 0 Ω.
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R = 470 Ω IL
I IZ
+ +
VIN VZ=VL RL
48 V -
-

Slide 21 Solution:

VIN − VZ 48 − 24
• Solution: I= = = 51 .06 mA
R 470 Ω
I = I L + I Z = Constant
• For IL(min):

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For IL(min):

I Z = I ZM
I L(min) = I − I ZM = 51 .06 − 45 = 6.06 mA

Slide 22 For IL(max):

I Z = I ZK
• For IL(max): I L(max) = I − I ZK = 51 .06 − 2 = 49 .06 mA

• For RL(min):

Load current can vary from 6.06 mA to 49.06 mA, output

will be constant. The minimum RL means maximum IL, and
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is given by:

VZ 24
R L( min)= = = 489 .20 Ω
I L ( max) 49 .06 x 10 −3

Zener Limiting

Slide 23 1. Show Slides 23 to 24. Explain the limiting action of a zener diode.

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Vz

Vin 0

-0.7 V

(a)

R
Slide 24

• Basic zener limiting action with a sinusoidal input voltage

0.7 V
Vin
0

-Vz

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(b)

+Vz2 +0.7 V

D1 0
Vin
D2
-Vz1 -0.7 V

(c)

Figure 4.7 Basic zener limiting action with a sinusoidal

input voltage

Zener diodes are also used in AC applications to limit

voltage swings to desired levels. Figure 4.7 illustrates three
basic ways the limiting action of a zener diode can be used.
Figure 4.7(a) illustrates a zener used to limit the positive
peak of a signal voltage to a selected zener voltage. It acts
as forward biased diode and limits the negative voltage to -
0.7 V during the negative alternation. The negative peak is
limited by zener action and the positive voltage is limited to

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+0.7 V when the zener is turned around [Figure 4.7(b)].

Figure 4.7(c) illustrates two back-to-back zeners limiting
both peaks to the zener voltage plus or minus 0.7 V. D2 is
functioning as the zener limiter and D1 is functioning as a
forward biased diode during the positive alternation. The
roles are reversed during the negative alternation.

C. Generalization

Step 1
Target Attribute: Critical Thinker
Facet: Beginning Thinker (Ability to understand the process of
correct thinking)
Strategy: Develop the ability of students to simplify statements and
draw conclusions
Learning outcome/s: Students should be able to:
• Understand information/concepts and arrived on realization
employing reasoning based on prior knowledge

Target Attribute: Conscientious

Facet: Dutiful (Ability to apply deep sense of responsibility and
accountability on every tasks)
Strategy: Train students to be responsible
Learning outcome/s: Students should be able to:
• Become more conscious of what they need to improve

Target Attribute: Lifelong Learner

Facet: Self-motivated (Ability to pursue a task no matter how
discouraging the situation, requiring perseverance, diligence, and
endurance within a framework of love of learning)
Strategy: Make the students be aware of the instrumental values
associated with the topic/subject or with their program
Learning outcome/s: Students should be able to:
• Present ideas and principles, which are already familiar to them
and be able to link them to future career goals and pathways

1. After the students have learned this subject matter and have been
tested, end this session by letting the students answer the following
problem. Ask them to write their solutions on a ¼ sheet of paper.

Determine the minimum and maximum load currents

wherein the given zener diode will maintain regulation.
Also look for the minimum RL that can be used. VZ = 30 V,
IZK = 6 mA and IZM = 30 mA. Assume ZZ = 0 Ω.

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R = 320 Ω IL
I IZ
+ +
VIN VZ=VL RL
60 V -
-

Solution:

V IN − V Z 60 − 30
I= = = 93 .7 mA
R 320 Ω
I = I L + I Z = Constant

For IL(min):

I Z = I ZM
I L(min) = I − I ZM = 93 .7 − 30 = 63 .7 mA

For IL(max):

I Z = I ZK
I L(max) = I − I ZK = 93 .7 − 6 = 87 .7 mA

Load current can vary from 63.7 mA to 87.7 mA where

output will be constant. The minimum RL means maximum
IL, and is given by:

VZ 30
R L( min)= = = 341 .68 Ω
I L ( max) 87 .7 x 10 −3

2. When the quiz is done, discuss to the students the solution to the
problem and point out to them that the following graduate
attributes were manifested while they answered it:

• They became beginning thinkers since they were able to

assimilate their learnings and illustrate basic reasoning
power; this is the key to success in every endeavor.

• They became responsible for their own learning since they

were able to know their aptitudes while answering the quiz
and apply them along the process. This in turn lets them
measure their own learning growth.

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• They became a more successful lifelong learner since they

were able to comprehend and apply the responsibility for
learning, which is an extremely vital skill to learn, master,
and improve themselves. When they did this, they were
able to mold their own future.

D. Application

1. Using 04 Laboratory Exercises 1, ask the students to individually

perform the procedures in the laboratory experiment. Give them 3
hours to finish the exercise and ask them to submit their
worksheets before the session ends. Move around the class and
check their actual application. Don’t hesitate to acknowledge and
assess their work.

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES CHECKLIST

Creative Conscientious Emotionally-

Fluency Orderly Mature
Self-awareness
Flexibility Dutiful
Self-management
Originality Self-disciplined
Social Awareness
Elaboration
Relationship
Management

Effective Team Player Critical Thinker

Communicator Networking Challenged
Speaking Thinker
Coordinating
Listening Beginning
Cooperating
Thinker
Body
Collaborating
Language
Practicing
Reading Thinker

Writing
Proactive Lifelong Learner
Anticipatory Self-motivated

Plan - oriented Self-regulated

Action - directed Self-directed

REFERENCES:

Floyd, Thomas L. (2004). Electronic Devices (5th ed.). New Jersey:

Prentice Hall

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Boylestad, R.L. & Nashelsky, L. (2008). Electronic Devices and Circuit

Theory (10th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall

Malvino, A.P. (1998). Electronic Principle (6th ed.). Ohio: Career

Education

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