ZENER DIODE

Objectives

 Understand zener diode

 Explain how a zener diode works

 Discuss the applications of zener diodes

 INTRODUCTION
A Zener diode is a silicon semiconductor device that permits
current to flow in either a forward or reverse direction. The
diode consists of a special, heavily doped p-n junction,
designed to conduct in the reverse direction when a certain
specified voltage is reached.

The Zener diode has a well-defined reverse-breakdown

voltage, at which it starts conducting current, and
continues operating continuously in the reverse-bias mode
without getting damaged. Additionally, the voltage drop
across the diode remains constant over a wide range of
voltages, a feature that makes Zener diodes suitable for
use in voltage regulation.
 INTRODUCTION
A Zener diode allows current to flow from its anode to its cathode
like a normal semiconductor diode, but it also permits current to
flow in the reverse direction when its "Zener voltage" is reached.

The device is named after American physicist Clarence Zener,

who first described the Zener effect in 1934 in his primarily
theoretical studies of breakdown of electrical insulator
properties. Zener reverse breakdown is due to electron quantum
tunnelling caused by a high strength electric field. However,
many diodes described as "Zener" diodes rely instead
on avalanche breakdown.
Quantum tunnelling or tunneling is the quantum mechanical phenomenon where
a wave function can propagate through a potential barrier. The transmission through
the barrier can be finite and depends exponentially on the barrier height and barrier
width.
 Zener Diode

A Zener diode is
a diode which allows
current to flow in the
forward direction in the
same manner as an ideal
diode, but also permits it
to flow in the reverse
direction when the voltage
is above a certain value
known as the breakdown
voltage, "Zener knee
voltage", "Zener voltage",
"avalanche point", or
"peak inverse voltage"
 Zener diode specifications
Zener diodes vary in specifications such as nominal working voltage, power
dissipation, maximum reverse current, and packaging. Some commonly used
specifications include:
• Voltage Vz: The Zener voltage refers to the reverse breakdown voltage—2.4 V to
about 200 V; can go up to 1 kV while the maximum for the surface-mounted device
(SMD) is about 47 V).
• Current Iz (max.): Maximum current at the rated Zener voltage Vz—200 uA to 200
A.
• Current Iz (min.): Minimum current required for the diode to break down—5 mA
and 10 mA.
• Power rating: The maximum power the Zener diode can dissipate; given by the
product of voltage across the diode and the current flowing through. Typical values
are 400 mW, 500 mW, 1 W, and 5 W; for surface mounted, 200 mW, 350 mW, 500
mW, and 1 W are typical.
• Voltage tolerance: Typically ±5%.
• Temperature stability: Diodes around 5 V have the best stability.
• Package: Leaded devices and the surface mount either as discrete devices or within
integrated circuits.
 Function of a Zener Diode
• The basic function of zener diode is to maintain a specific
voltage across its terminals within given limits of line or load
change. Typically it is used for providing a stable reference
voltage for use in power supplies and other equipment.

This particular zener circuit will work to maintain 10 V across the load.
 Applications of Zener Diode
1. Zener Diode as Voltage
Regulator/Stabilizer
In this simple illustration of zener regulation circuit, the zener
diode will “adjust” its impedance based on varying input
voltages and loads (RL) to be able to maintain its designated
zener voltage. Zener current will increase or decrease directly
with voltage input changes. The zener current will increase or
decrease inversely with varying loads.
 2. Zener Diode as voltage clipper/wave shaping
Zener diodes can used for limiting just as normal
diodes. Recall in previous chapter studies about
limiters. The difference to consider for a zener
limiter is its zener breakdown characteristics.
3. For Meter Protection
Zener diodes are generally employed in multimeters to protect the meter movement against
the damage from the accidental overloads. The Zener diode is connected in parallel with the
meter from the safety point of view.
The Meter movement is protected from any
damage as most of the current passes through
the Zener diode, in case of any accidental
overload. When the meter movement is required
to be protected, regardless of the applied
polarity (i.e when an alternating current is
passed).
The circuit arrangement is modified as shown in
the figure below: