ZENER DIODE

Aim :
a). To evaluate the Vz of a zener diode.
b). Study of Load and line regulation

EQUIPMENT
Variable dc source, Multimeter ,given zener diode (Pz=1W), 470Ω resistor, ,
Circuit construction board.

PROCEDURE
1. Identify the anode and cathode of the diode using the multi-meter.

1 RS=470 ohms

Vs Vz
2

Vin Vz VRS IZ
in V in V in V in mA
1.00
2.00
3.0
.
.
30.

2. Construct the circuit shown in figure . Power supply voltage is labeled as dc

input on the table shown above. Vary this voltage in steps as indicated.
3. Then measure the voltage that appears across the zener diode. Record this
value in the table.
4. For e.g adjust the power supply to produce 1 V of input voltage. Measure
Vin and then Vz and record its value in the table.
5. Repeat this procedure for each of the indicated input voltage values.
6. The voltage across the series resistor (VRS) of the circuit is the difference
between the dc input voltage and Vz. For a few of the input voltage values
around. Vz. calculate the VRS. These voltage values can also be measured with
the multimeter for the appropriate input voltage value.
7. The zener current of the circuit can be calculated by the expression = VRS/Rs.
Calculate a few of the Iz values of the diode around Vz the part of the chart.
8. Plot a graph of Vz. versus Iz choosing an appropriate scale.
9. From the graph determine Vz at IzT
10.From the graph determine Rz of the zener diode .

Study of LOAD and LINE regulation

(i) To observe how a change in dc input voltage is regulated by a zener diode.
(ii)To observe how a change in the value of a load resistor is regulated by a zener
diode.
Rs

1
Vs Vz Load resistor

Fig (2).
Line Regulation
1. Determine Vz .(already done in first part of expt.)

2. Fix Rs & RL. Let Rs =100Ω & RL= 1kΩ

Note down values of Rs & RL

3. Vary Vin from 5 to 20V and measure Vin, VRS, VL & enter into tabular
column as shown below.

4. Calculate Is, IZ, & IL using formule & enter into the table.
Is=VRS/Rs,
IL=VL/RL &
IZ=IS- IL
Rs = RL=

Sl.No Vin VRS VL IS IL IZ

1
2
3
Load Regulation
1. For the given VZ determined earlier set up the circuit as shown in Fig(2).
Replace RL by a resistance box.

2. Fix RS= 470Ω & VS=15V

3. Now vary RL & note down observations in table by measuring VRS, VL &
calculating currents using the formule:
IS = VRS/RS,
IL= VL/RL &
IZ = IS - IL

4.Calculate theoretically the value of RLwhere regulation is lost. Compare it with

the obtained practical value

Vin= RS=
RL VRS VL IS IL IZ

5kΩ
1k
.
.
.