CHARACTERISTICS OF ZENER DIODE

Aim:
 
To draw the static current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of a junction diode.
 

Apparatus:
 
Diode, resistor, variable DC power supply, milliammeter, voltmeter, Rheostat and wire.
 

Theory:
 
A diode, in electronics, is a two terminal electronic component with an asymmetric transfer
characteristic, with low resistance to current flow in one direction and high resistance to
current flow in the other direction. A semi-conductor diode is the most common type diode,
which is a piece of semi-conductor material with a p-n junction connected to two terminals.
 
A diode allows electric current to pass in forward direction and block current in reverse
direction. The behaviour of a diode in a circuit is given by its I-V characteristics. The shape of
the curve is determined by the transport of charge carriers through the depletion layer that
exist at the p-n junction. When a p-n junction is first created, diffusion of holes and electrons
take place through the junction. As recombination proceeds, more ions are created at the
junction and a built-in potential is developed at the depletion zone.
 
If a voltage of same polarity as that of built-in potential is applied across the junction,
depletion zone acts as an insulator, preventing significant current flow through the junction.
This is the reverse bias phenomenon.

MATERIAL REUIRED:

 Battery
 Rheostat
 Small resistance (200 Ω)
 Milliammeter
 Voltmeter
 Key
 Zener diode

Real Lab Procedure:

 Connections are made as shown in the circuit diagram.

 By adjusting the rheostat, voltmeter reading is increased from 0 and in each time note the
corresponding reading in milliammeter.
 The experiment is continued till the milliammeter shows a large deflection while the voltmeter
reading remains a constant, indicating the break down voltage.
 Plot the reverse characteristic curve by taking reverse voltage along –ve X-axis and reverse current
along –ve Y-axis.
 The break down voltage Vz is obtained from the graph as shown below.
Simulator Procedure:
 Select the Zener diode from the drop-down list.
 To see the circuit diagram, click on the 'Show/hide circuit diagram' check box seen inside the
simulator window.
 Connections can be made as seen in the circuit diagram by clicking and dragging the mouse from
one connecting terminal to the other connecting terminal of the devices to be connected.
 Drag the key to insert it.
 You can change the rheostat resistance using the slider.
 You can notice the corresponding ammeter and voltmeter readings.
 You can use the embedded worksheet to enter the values.
 To see the graph, click on the graph icon in the worksheet.
 To redo the experiment, click on the ‘Reset’ button.

Table:

s.no Diode voltage Diode current

Graph:
The reverse characteristic curve by taking reverse voltage along –ve X-axis and reverse current along –ve
Y-axis.

Result:
 The reverse characteristic curve of the Zener diode is obtained.
 The reverse breakdown voltage of the Zener diode, V = V