ZENER DIODE

Submitted by :-
Name : R B Sri Nandan
Class & Section : XII – A
INTRODUCTION
A Zener diode is the silicon semiconductor device which
permits the current to flow in either forward direction or
reverse direction. This diode consists of the special and heavily
doped p-n junction. It is designed to conduct in the reverse
direction while certain specified voltage is reached.

The Zener diodes are having the well-defined reverse-

breakdown voltage. At such voltage, it starts conducting the
current. Furthermore, it continues operating continuously in
the reverse-bias mode without any damaged ahead. Also, the
voltage drop across the diode remains the constant value over a
wide range of voltages. This feature makes the Zener diodes
suitable for use in the voltage regulation.

This diode operates similar to the normal diode when in the

forward-bias mode. And it has the turn-on voltage of values
between 0.3 V and 0.7 V. whereas when connected it in the
reverse mode, which is usual in most of its applications, then a
small leakage current may also flow. Since the reverse voltage
increases to the predetermined breakdown voltage. So, a
current starts flowing through the diode. The current increases
to its maximum level. It can be determined by the series
resistor, after which it stabilizes and remains the constant over
a wide range of applied voltage.
AIM
To study the V-I characteristics of Zener diode and plot a graph and
to find the breakdown voltage from the graph.

APPARATUS
Zener diode, resistor, battery, milliammeter, voltmeter, rheostat
and connecting wire.

PRINCIPLE
A Zener diode functions similarly to a regular diode when
forward-biased. However, in reverse-biased mode, a small
leakage current flows through the diode. As the reverse
voltage increases and reaches the predetermined breakdown
voltage (Vz), current begins to flow through the diode. This
current reaches a maximum level determined by the series
resistor, after which it stabilizes and remains constant across
a wide range of applied voltages.

There are two types of breakdowns in a Zener Diode:

i. Avalanche Breakdown
ii. Zener Breakdown
1.Avalanche Breakdown in Zener Diode
Avalanche breakdown occurs in both normal diodes and
Zener diodes when subjected to high reverse voltage. When a
significant reverse voltage is applied to the PN junction, the
free electrons gain enough energy to accelerate at high
velocities. These high-velocity electrons collide with other
atoms, causing the ejection of additional electrons. This
continuous collision process generates a large number of free
electrons, resulting in a rapid increase in electric current
through the diode. In the case of a normal diode, this sudden
surge in current could permanently damage it. However, a
Zener diode is specifically designed to withstand avalanche
breakdown and can handle the sudden current spike.
Avalanche breakdown typically occurs in Zener diodes with a
Zener voltage (Vz) greater than 6V.

2.Zener Breakdown in Zener Diode

When the reverse bias voltage applied to a Zener diode
approaches its Zener voltage, the electric field within the
depletion region becomes strong enough to attract and
remove electrons from their valence band. These valence
electrons, energized by the intense electric field, break free
from their parent atoms. This phenomenon takes place in the
Zener breakdown region, where even a slight increase in
voltage leads to a rapid surge in electric current.

3.Avalanche Breakdown vs. Zener Breakdown

The Zener effect is predominant in voltages up to 5.6 volts,
while the avalanche effect becomes more prominent beyond
that threshold. Although both effects are similar, the
distinction lies in the fact that the Zener effect is a quantum
phenomenon, whereas the avalanche effect involves the
movement of electrons in the valence band, similar to an
electric current. The avalanche effect allows a larger current
through the diode compared to what a Zener breakdown
would permit.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
MODAL GRAPH

PROCEDURE

1.By adjusting the rheostat, voltmeter reading is increased

from 0 and in each time note the corresponding reading in
milliammeter.
2.The experiment is continued till the milliammeter shows a
large deflection while the voltmeter reading remains a
constant, indicating the break down voltage.
3. Plot the reverse characteristic curve by taking reverse
voltage along –ve X-axis and reverse current along –ve Y-
axis.
4.The breakdown voltage Vz is obtained from the graph.
OBSERVATION
Least count of voltmeter = 0.2V
Zero error of voltmeter = 0V
1.Forward bias:
Serial No. Voltage(V) Current(mA)
1 0 0
2 0.25 0
3 0.5 1
4 0.73 2
5 0.75 6
6 0.8 45

2.Reverse bias:
Serial No. Voltage(V) Current(mA)
1 0 0
2 1 0
3 2 0
4 3 0
5 3.5 0
6 4 0
 7 4.5 0
8 5 1
9 5.2 8
10 5.6 45
GRAPH
Result

The reverse characteristic curve of the Zener diode is

obtained.
The reverse breakdown voltage of the Zener diode, V
=_____V

REFERENCE

 http://amrita.olabs.edu.in/?sub=1&brch=6&sim=24&cnt=2

 https://byjus.com/physics/zener-diode/

 https://iitr.ac.in/Academics/static/Department/Physics/
Analog%20Electronics/
Characteristics_of_ZENER_diode.pdf

 https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/diode/diode_7.html