ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT

Electronic Circuits Manual

ACTIVITY 4: Light-Emitting and Zener Diodes

4.1 Program Outcomes (POs) Addressed by the Activity

a. ability to apply knowledge of mathematics and science to solve engineering problems
b. ability to design and conduct fieldworks, as well as to analyze and interpret data
c. ability to function on multidisciplinary teams

4.2 Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (AILOs)

At the end of this activity, the student shall be able to:
a. identify the required voltage to turn on an LED and the zener diode characteristics
b. calculate the minimum supply voltage and the minimum load resistance necessary to
turn the zener diode on
c. evaluate the precision of the experiment conducted

4.3 Objectives of the Activity

The objective of this activity is to:
a. become familiar with the characteristics and use of a light-emitting diode (LED) and
Zener diode.

4.4 Principle of the Activity

The light-emitting diode (LED) is, as the name implies, a diode that will give off visible
light when sufficiently energized. In any forward-biased p-n junction there is, close to the junction,
a recombination of holes and electrons. This recombination requires that the energy possessed by
unbound free electrons be transferred to another state. In LED materials, such as gallium arsenide
phosphide (GaAsP) or gallium phosphide (GaP), photons of light energy are emitted in sufficient
numbers to create a visible light source – a process referred to as electroluminescence. For every
LED, there is a distinct forward voltage and current that will result in a bright, clear light, whether
it be red, yellow or green. The diode may, therefore, be forward-biased, but until the distinct level
of voltage and current are reached, the light may not be visible. In this experiment, the
characteristics of an LED will be plotted and the “firing” levels of voltage and current determined.
The Zener diode is a p-n junction device designed to take full advantage of the Zener
breakdown region. Once the reverse-bias potential reaches the Zener region, the ideal Zener diode
is assumed to have a fixed terminal voltage and zero internal resistance. All practical diodes have

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 1

some internal resistance even though, typically, it i limited to 5 to 20 Ω. The internal resistance is
the source of the variation in Zener voltage with current level. The experimental procedure will
demonstrate the variation in terminal voltage for different loads and resulting current levels.
For most configurations, the state of the Zener diode can usually be determined simply by
replacing the Zener diode with an open circuit and calculating the voltages across the resulting
open circuit. If the open circuit voltage equals or exceeds the Zener potential, the Zener diode is
“on” and the Zener diode can be replaced by a supply equal to the Zener potential. The foregoing
procedure is used to determine the state of the Zener diode. Once the Zener voltage is substituted,
the remaining voltages and currents of the network can be determined.

4.5 Materials/Equipment

Instruments:
1 unit DMM

Components:
Resistors:
1 piece 100-Ω
1 piece 220-Ω
1 piece 330-Ω
1 piece 2.2k-Ω
1 piece 3.3k-Ω
2 pieces 1k-Ω

Diodes:
1 piece Silicon
1 piece LED
1 piece Zener diode (10-V)

Supplies:
1 unit DC power supply

4.6 Circuit Diagrams / Figures / Source Codes (if Applicable)

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 2

 96 Ω

Figure 5.1

219.2 Ω

Figure 5.3

100 Ω

Figure 5.4

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 3

 991Ω 10.035V
981Ω

Figure 5.7

2.2 kΩ

Figure 5.8

4.7 Procedure/s

Part 1. LED Characteristics

a. Construct the circuit of Fig. 5.1. Initially, set the supply to 0V and record the measured
value of the resistor R. R= 100.2 Ω

b. Increase the supply voltage E until the “first light” is noticed. Record the value of VD and
VR using the DMM. Calculate the corresponding level of ID using ID = VR/R and the
measured resistance value.

VD(measured) = ____2.87 V____

VR(measured) = __0.439 V___
ID(calculated) = __4.38 mA___

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 4

 c. Continue to increase the supply voltage E until “good brightness” is first established. Don’t
overload too much current) the circuit and possibly damage the LED by continuing to raise
the voltage beyond this level. Record the values of VD and VR and calculate the
corresponding level of ID using ID = VR/R and the measured resistance value.

VD(measured) = ___5.79 V__

VR(measured) = __3.43 V___
ID(calculated) = __34.23 mA___

d. Set the DC supply to the levels appearing in Table 5.1 ad measure both VD and VR. Record
values of VD and VR in Table 5.1 and calculate the corresponding level of ID using ID =
VR/R and the measured resistance value.

e. Using the data of Table 5.1, sketch the curve of ID vs. VD on the graph of Fig. 5.2. Choose
an appropriate scale for both ID and VD.

f. Draw a light dashed horizontal line across the graph of Fig. 5.2 at the current ID required
for “good brightness.” In addition, draw a light dashed vertical line the full height of Fig.
5.2 at the point of intersection between the curve and the light dashed horizontal line. The
intersection of the vertical line with the horizontal axis should result in a level of VD close
to that measured in Part 1(c). Shade in the region below the ID line to the left of the VD line
and label the region as the region to be avoided if “good brightness” is to be contained.
Label the remaining unshaded region of Fig. 5.2 as the region for “good brightness.”

g. Construct the circuit of Fig. 5.3. Be sure that both diodes are connected properly and record
the measured resistance value. R= 100.2 Ω + 119 Ω= 219.2 Ω

h. Do you expect the LED to burn brightly? Why?

*No, since there’s an added Resistor in series with the diode.

i. Energize the network of Fig. 5.3 and verify your conclusion in step h.
The LED didn’t light because a silicon diode in series with it is under reversed bias condition
making the entire circuit open.

j. Reverse the silicon diode of Figure 5.3 and repeat step h.

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 5

 k. Repeat step i. If the LED is “on” with “good brigthness” measure VD and VR and calculate
the level of ID. Find the intersection of ID and VD on the graph of Fig. 5.2. Is the intersection
on the curve part of the “good brightness” region?
Yes, based on checking the graph, the intersection of ID and VD is on the curve part of the
good brightness region.

Part 2. Zener Diode Characteristics

a. Construct the circuit of Figure 5.4. Initially set the DC supply to 0V and record the
measured value of R. R= 100 Ω

b. Set the DC supply (E) to the values appearing in Table 5.2 and measure both VZ and VR.
You may have to use the millivolt range of your DMM for low values of VZ and VR.

c. Calculate the Zener current IZ in mA at each level of E using Ohm’s law as indicated in the
last row of Table 5.2 and complete the table.

d. This step will develop the characteristics curve for the Zener diode. Since the Zener region
is in third quadrant of a complete diode characteristic curve place a minus sign in front of
each level of IZ and VZ for each data point. With this convention in mind plot the data of
Table 5.2 on the graph of Figure 5.5. Choose an appropriate scale for IZ and VZ as
determined by the range of values for each parameter.

e. For the range of measureable current IZ in the linear (straight line) region that drops from
VZ axis, what is the average value of VZ? In other words, for all practical purposes, what
is VZ for this Zener diode?
VZ(approximated) = ___10.035V____

f. For the range of measurable current Iz in the linear region that drops from the VZ axis,
estimate the average resistance of the Zener diode using rav = ∆VZ/∆IZ, where ∆VZ is the
change in Zener voltage for the corresponding change in the Zener current. Choose an
interval of at least 20 V on the linear region of the curve. If necessary, use the data of Table
5.2.

RZ(calculated) = __47.54Ω _____

g. Using the results of steps 2(e) and 2(f), establish the Zener diode equivalent circuit of Fig.
5.6 for the “on” linear region. That is, insert the values of RZ and VZ.

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 6

 h. For the region from VZ and IZ = 0 to the point where the characteristic curve drops sharply
from the VZ axis, calculate the resistance of the Zener diode using the equation r = ∆VZ/∆IZ.
Choose ∆VZ = VZ – 0 = VZ and substitute the resulting change in current (∆IZ) for this
interval.

RZ(calculated) = ___5620.32Ω____

Is the calculated level the level you expected for the region in which the Zener diode is
“off”? What would be an appropriate approximation for the Zener diode in this region?

Yes, the appropriate approximation of the Zener diode in this region is less than the
approximated Vz

Part 3. Zener Diode Regulation

a. Construct the network of Fig. 5.7. Record the measured value of the resistor R.

b. Determine whether the Zener diode of Fig. 5.7 is in “on” state, that is, operating in the
Zener breakdown region. Use the measured resistor values and the VZ determined in Part
2(e). Ignore the effects of RZ in your calculations. For the diode in the “on” state, calculate
the expected values of VL, VR, IR, IL and IZ. Show all calculations.
The Zener Diode will not turn on. R = 991Ω RL=981 Ω VZ=10.035V
VL(calculated) = ___7.46 Ω____
VR(calculated) = ___7.54 V____
IR(calculated) = ___ 7.61 mA ____
IL(calculated) = ___7.60 mA____
IZ(calculated) = ___0 A____

c. Energize the network of Fig. 5.7 and measure VL and VR. Using these values, calculate the
levels of IR, IL and IZ.

RL ,VL<VZ Zener will not turn on.

VL(measured) = __7.46 V__

VR(measured) = __7.55 V__
IR(calculated) = ___7.62 mA____
IL(calculated) = ___7.60 mA____
IZ(calculated) = ___0 A____

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 7

 d. Change RL to 3.3 kΩ and repeat step b. That is, calculate the expected levels of VL, VR,
IR, IL and IZ using measured resistor values and the VZ determine din step 2(e).

VL(calculated) = ___10 V____

VR(calculated) = ___5 V____
IR(calculated) = ___5.05 mA____
IL(calculated) = ___3.08 mA____
IZ(calculated) = ___1.97 mA____

e. Energize the network of Fig. 5.7 with RL = 3.3 kΩ and measure VL and VR. Using these
values calculate the levels of IR, IL and IZ.
RL (Measured) =3.24kΩ

VL(measured) = _9.58 V__

VR(measured) = __5.42 V__
IR(calculated) = ___5.47 mA____
IL(calculated) = ___2.95 mA____
IZ(calculated) = ___2.52 mA____

f. Using the measured resistor values and VZ determined from step 2(e), determine the
minimum value of RL required to ensure that the Zener diode is in “on” state.

RLmin(calculated) = __1.982 kΩ__

g. Based on the results of step 3(f), will a load of resistor 2.2 kΩ place the Zener diode of
Fig. 5.7 in the “on” state?
Yes, the 2.2 kΩ is higher than the calculated minimum resistance. Therefore the
Zener Diode will turn on.

Insert RL = 2.2 kΩ into the Fig. 5.7 and measure VL.

RL (Measured) = 2.18kΩ

VL(measured) = __9.55 V__

Are the conclusions of steps 3(f) and 3(g) verified?

Yes, because if the voltage of the given RL is calculated through voltage divider, it will have
the same voltage as the Zener Diode that signifies that it is on. The 2.2 kΩ is also much higher
compared to minimum required resistance of 1.982 kΩ. The actual measurement above
verified the calculation.

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 8

Part 4. LED-Zener Diode Combination

a. In this part of the experiment we will determine the minimum supply voltage necessary to
turn on (good brightness) the LED and the Zener diode of Fig. 5.8. The LED will reveal
when the Zener diode is “on” and the required supply voltage will be the minimum value
that can be applied if the Zener diode is to be used to regulate the voltage VL.

b. Refer to step 1(c) and record the level of VD and ID that resulted in a “good brightness”
level for the LED.
VD = __5.79 V____
ID = ___34.23 mA___

Refer to step 2(e) and record the level of Vz for your Zener diode.
VZ = ___10.035 V___

Using the above data determine the total voltage necessary to turn both the LED diode
“on” in the Fig. 5.8. That is, determine the required voltage from point a to b.

Vab(calculated) = ___15.825 V____

c. Using the result of step 4(b) calculate the voltage VL and resulting current IL. Use measured
resistor values.

VL(calculated) = ___15.825 V ____

IL(calculated) = ___7.2 mA ____

d. Calculate IR from IR = IL + IZ = IL + ID using the level of ID from part 4(b). Then calculate
the voltage VR using Ohm’s law.

IR(calculated) = ___41.43 mA____

VR(calculated) = ___13.59 V____

e. Using Kirchhoff’s voltage law calculate the required supply voltage E to turn on the Zener
diode and establish “good brightness” by the LED. Use measured resistor values.

E(calculated) = ___29.414 V____

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 9

 f. Turn on the supply of Fig. 5.8 and increase the voltage E until the LED has “good
brightness”. Record the required level of E below.

E(measured) = ___29.23 V____

g. Measure the voltage VD and compare with the level listed in step (b).

VD(measured) = ___5.61 V____

Measure the voltage VZ and compare with the level listed in step (b).

Vz(measured) = ___10.035 V____

4.8 Activity Report

Section: L21 Date Performed: FEBRUARY 3, 2020

Course Code: EE0015-L Date Submitted: FEBRUARY 17, 2020
Course Title: ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS LAB
Instructor: ENGR. JUAN MIGUEL VILLAROEL
Group No.: AK Activity No.: 4

Group Members: Signature:

1. KILAKIGA, KENNETH T.
2. VILLANUEVA, ACERIEL B.
3.
4.
5.

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 10

 5.8.1 Data and Results

`
Table 5.1

E(V) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

VD(V) 5.5mV 0.99V 1.96V 2.67V 3.276V 3.83V 4.29V

VR(V) 0V 0V 30.5mV 268.6mV 0.630V 1.06V 1.505V

ID = VR/R (mA) 0m 0 mA 0.304mA 2.68mA 6.287mA 10.58mA 15.02mA

Figure 5.2

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 11

 Table 5.2

E(V) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
VZ(V) -0.0053 -0.985 -1.94 -3 -4.02 -5 -6.01 -6.97 -8.02 -9.04 -9.61 -9.79 -9.97 -10.14 -10.31 -10.51

VR(V) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -0.41 -1.23 -2.07 -2.88 -3.76 -4.56

IZ =
VR/Rmeas 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -1.87 -5.61 -9.44 -13.14 -17.15 -20.8

(mA)

(mA) IZ VS VZ
0
-12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0

-5

-10

-15

-20

(V)
-25

Figure 5.5

47.54Ω 10.035V

Figure 5.6

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 12

 5.8.2 Calculations
Part 1.
𝟎𝟎.𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒
B. 𝑰𝑰𝑫𝑫 = = 𝟒𝟒. 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎
𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟎𝟎.𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝛀𝛀
𝟑𝟑.𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝑽𝑽
C. 𝑰𝑰𝑫𝑫 = = 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎
𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟎𝟎.𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝛀𝛀
𝟑𝟑.𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝑽𝑽
K. 𝑰𝑰𝑫𝑫 = = 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎
𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟎𝟎.𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝛀𝛀
Part 2.
D. (the IZ in the Tables 5.1 to 5.2 were calculated in Microsoft Excel)
[−𝟏𝟏𝟎𝟎.𝟓𝟓𝟏𝟏−(−𝟗𝟗.𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔)]𝑽𝑽
F. 𝑹𝑹𝒁𝒁 = [−𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐.𝟖𝟖−(−𝟏𝟏.𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖)]𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 = 𝟒𝟒𝟕𝟕. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝛀𝛀
[−𝟎𝟎.𝟓𝟓−(−𝟎𝟎)]𝑽𝑽
H. 𝑹𝑹𝒁𝒁 = [−𝟎𝟎−(−𝟎𝟎.𝟒𝟒)]𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 = 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓. 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝛀𝛀
Part 3.
(𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏)(𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝛀𝛀)
B. 𝑽𝑽𝑳𝑳 = (𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝛀𝛀)+(𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝛀𝛀) = 𝟕𝟕. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 𝑽𝑽𝑹𝑹 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 − 𝟕𝟕. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 = 𝟕𝟕. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓
(𝟕𝟕.𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓) (𝟕𝟕.𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝑽𝑽)
𝑰𝑰𝑹𝑹 = = 𝟕𝟕. 𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔 𝑰𝑰𝑳𝑳 = = 𝟕𝟕. 𝟔𝟔𝟎𝟎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎
(𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝛀𝛀) (𝟗𝟗𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝛀𝛀)
𝑰𝑰𝒁𝒁 = 𝟎𝟎𝑨𝑨

(𝟕𝟕.𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝑽𝑽) (𝟕𝟕.𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝑽𝑽)
C. 𝑰𝑰𝑹𝑹 = = 𝟕𝟕. 𝟔𝟔𝟐𝟐𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 𝑰𝑰𝑳𝑳 = = 𝟕𝟕. 𝟔𝟔𝟎𝟎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎
(𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝛀𝛀) (𝟗𝟗𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝛀𝛀)
𝑰𝑰𝒁𝒁 = 𝟎𝟎𝑨𝑨 @RL ,VL<VZ Zener will not turn on.

(𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏)(𝟑𝟑.𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟑𝟑𝛀𝛀)
D. 𝑽𝑽𝑳𝑳 = (𝟑𝟑.𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐−𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑)+(𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟏𝟏𝛀𝛀) = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝑽𝑽,
𝒕𝒕𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉 𝑽𝑽𝑳𝑳 𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉 𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕 𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔 𝑽𝑽 𝒂𝒂𝒂𝒂 𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕 𝒁𝒁𝒁𝒁𝒁𝒁𝒁𝒁𝒁𝒁 𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫𝑫 𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘 𝒊𝒊𝒊𝒊 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝑽𝑽
𝑽𝑽𝑹𝑹 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 − 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝑽𝑽 = 𝟓𝟓𝑽𝑽
(𝟓𝟓𝑽𝑽)
𝑰𝑰𝑹𝑹 = = 𝟓𝟓. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎
(𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝛀𝛀)
(𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏)
𝑰𝑰𝑳𝑳 = = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎
(𝟑𝟑.𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑)
𝑰𝑰𝒁𝒁 = 𝟓𝟓. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 − 𝟑𝟑. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗

(𝟓𝟓.𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝑽𝑽) (𝟗𝟗.𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝑽𝑽)
E. 𝑰𝑰𝑹𝑹 = = 𝟓𝟓. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 𝑰𝑰𝑳𝑳 = = 𝟐𝟐. 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎
(𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝛀𝛀) (𝟑𝟑.𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑)
𝑰𝑰𝒁𝒁 = 𝟓𝟓. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 − 𝟐𝟐. 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗 = 𝟐𝟐. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓
(𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝛀𝛀)(𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝑽𝑽)
F. 𝑹𝑹𝑳𝑳𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒊𝒊𝒊 = (𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏)−(𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏) = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝛀𝛀
Part 4.
B. 𝑽𝑽𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨 = 𝟓𝟓. 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕 + 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝑽𝑽
C. 𝑽𝑽𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨 = 𝑽𝑽𝑳𝑳 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝑽𝑽
𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏.𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖
𝑰𝑰𝑳𝑳 = = 𝟕𝟕. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
𝟐𝟐.𝟐𝟐 𝒌𝒌𝛀𝛀
D. 𝑰𝑰𝑹𝑹 = 𝟕𝟕. 𝟐𝟐 𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎 + 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 = 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 𝒎𝒎𝒎𝒎
𝑽𝑽𝑹𝑹 = (𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒)(𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝛀𝛀) = 𝟏𝟏𝟑𝟑. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 𝑽𝑽

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 13

 E. 𝑬𝑬 − (𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝛀𝛀)(𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒) − 𝟓𝟓. 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝑽𝑽 − 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 = 𝟎𝟎
𝑬𝑬 = 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒

5.8.3 Observations (if applicable)

LED
• The anode of the LED has a longer terminal compared to its cathode.
• The brightness of the LED is dependent to the voltage supplied to it.
• LED itself will generate heat, which will affect efficacy as well as LED
life.
• When hooking up an LED, utilization of a current-limiting resistor is
needed to protect the LED from the full voltage. If the LED is hooked up
directly to the 5 volts without a resistor, the LED will be over-driven, it will
be very bright for a while, and then it will burn out.

Zener Diode
• Works in reverse bias.
• Zener diode is used in reverse biasing and it work normally in forward
biased condition. In reverse biasing diode voltage at the cathode is
comparatively higher than at the anode. Therefore, very little current will
flow until the diode breaks down.

5.8.4 Conclusion/s
Throughout the experiment, it can be observed that the LED is a
semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. It is a
basic pn-junction diode, which emits light when activated. In the other end, the
Zener Diode is observed as a type of diode that allows current to flow in the
conventional manner. It can also be noticed that when the voltage across the
terminals is reversed and the potential reaches the Zener voltage (or "knee"), the
junction will breakdown and current will flow in the reverse direction.

In the Zener Diode and LED combination, Zener diode was used as a regulator
and the LED successfully indicated the amount of electricity flowing. The Zener
diode, with its accurate and specific reverse breakdown voltage, allows for a
simple, inexpensive voltage regulator. Combined with the right resistor, fine
control over both the voltage and the supply current can be attained.

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 14

 5.8.3 Observations (if applicable)
LED
• The anode of the LED has a longer terminal compared to its cathode.
• The brightness of the LED is dependent to the voltage supplied to it.
• LED itself will generate heat, which will affect efficacy as well as LED
life.
• When hooking up an LED, utilization of a current-limiting resistor is
needed to protect the LED from the full voltage. If the LED is hooked up
directly to the 5 volts without a resistor, the LED will be over-driven, it will
be very bright for a while, and then it will burn out.

Zener Diode
• Works in reverse bias.
• Zener diode is used in reverse biasing and it work normally in forward
biased condition. In reverse biasing diode voltage at the cathode is
comparatively higher than at the anode. Therefore, very little current will
flow until the diode breaks down.

5.8.4 Conclusion/s
Throughout the experiment, it can be observed that the LED is a
semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. It is a
basic pn-junction diode, which emits light when activated. In the other end, the
Zener Diode is observed as a type of diode that allows current to flow in the
conventional manner. It can also be noticed that when the voltage across the
terminals is reversed and the potential reaches the Zener voltage (or "knee"), the
junction will breakdown and current will flow in the reverse direction.

In the Zener Diode and LED combination, Zener diode was used as a regulator
and the LED successfully indicated the amount of electricity flowing. The Zener
diode, with its accurate and specific reverse breakdown voltage, allows for a
simple, inexpensive voltage regulator. Combined with the right resistor, fine
control over both the voltage and the supply current can be attained.

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 15

 5.8.5 Rating (include Rubric)

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 16