PPT: Zener Diodes | Analog and Digital Electronics - Electrical Engineering (EE) PDF Download

 Page 1


Zener Diode
Page 2


Zener Diode
Outlines
?
 Introduction of Zener Diode
?
 Construction of Zener Diode 
?
 Working of Zener Diode
?
 Application of Zener Diode 
?
 Numerical of Zener Diode  
Page 3


Zener Diode
Outlines
?
 Introduction of Zener Diode
?
 Construction of Zener Diode 
?
 Working of Zener Diode
?
 Application of Zener Diode 
?
 Numerical of Zener Diode  
Introduction
The zener diode is a silicon pn junction devices that differs from rectifier 
diodes because it is designed for operation in the reverse-breakdown 
region. The breakdown voltage of a zener diode is set by carefully 
controlling the level during manufacture. The basic function of zener 
diode is to maintain a specific voltage across it’s 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.
Page 4


Zener Diode
Outlines
?
 Introduction of Zener Diode
?
 Construction of Zener Diode 
?
 Working of Zener Diode
?
 Application of Zener Diode 
?
 Numerical of Zener Diode  
Introduction
The zener diode is a silicon pn junction devices that differs from rectifier 
diodes because it is designed for operation in the reverse-breakdown 
region. The breakdown voltage of a zener diode is set by carefully 
controlling the level during manufacture. The basic function of zener 
diode is to maintain a specific voltage across it’s 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.
Construction of Zener
Zener diodes are designed to operate in reverse breakdown. Two types of reverse 
breakdown in a zener diode are avalanche and zener. The avalanche break down 
occurs in both rectifier and zener diodes at a sufficiently high reverse voltage. Zener 
breakdown occurs in a zener diode at low reverse voltages.
A zener diode is heavily doped to reduced the breakdown voltage. 
This causes a very thin depletion region.
 The zener diodes breakdown characteristics are determined by the 
doping process
Zeners are commercially available with voltage breakdowns of 1.8 V 
to 200 V.
Page 5


Zener Diode
Outlines
?
 Introduction of Zener Diode
?
 Construction of Zener Diode 
?
 Working of Zener Diode
?
 Application of Zener Diode 
?
 Numerical of Zener Diode  
Introduction
The zener diode is a silicon pn junction devices that differs from rectifier 
diodes because it is designed for operation in the reverse-breakdown 
region. The breakdown voltage of a zener diode is set by carefully 
controlling the level during manufacture. The basic function of zener 
diode is to maintain a specific voltage across it’s 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.
Construction of Zener
Zener diodes are designed to operate in reverse breakdown. Two types of reverse 
breakdown in a zener diode are avalanche and zener. The avalanche break down 
occurs in both rectifier and zener diodes at a sufficiently high reverse voltage. Zener 
breakdown occurs in a zener diode at low reverse voltages.
A zener diode is heavily doped to reduced the breakdown voltage. 
This causes a very thin depletion region.
 The zener diodes breakdown characteristics are determined by the 
doping process
Zeners are commercially available with voltage breakdowns of 1.8 V 
to 200 V.
Working of Zener 
A zener diode is much like a normal diode. The exception being is that it 
is placed in the circuit in reverse bias and operates in reverse breakdown. 
This typical characteristic curve illustrates the operating range for a zener. 
Note that it’s forward characteristics are just like a normal diode.