Application of Zener diode – Advantages, Disadvantages

The diode is another useful element in electrical circuits. If you want to know about voltage considerations, you must know about diodes. The diode is made up of semiconductors that are positive, ‘P’ type, and ‘N’ type. ‘P’ and ‘N-type semiconductors are modified type semiconductors. The ‘P-type semiconductor will have holes in the configuration and the ‘N-type semiconductor will have electrons.

If two types of diodes are present in one crystal, it is called a diode. The positive terminal of the battery is connected to the ‘P’ side and the negative is connected to the ‘N’ side. Diode Let’s have a look at the Zener diode works. it is nothing but a simple diode connected in reverse bias.

Application	Description
Voltage Regulation	Zener diodes can maintain a constant voltage level. When connected in reverse bias, they can clamp the voltage to their Zener voltage, ensuring that the load receives a constant voltage.
Voltage Reference	Zener diodes can be used as reference voltages in various circuits. This is especially valuable in precision applications like Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs).
Waveform Clipping	In analog circuits, Zener diodes can clip waveforms to specific voltage levels. This is used to protect circuits from voltage levels that might otherwise be damaging.
Voltage Shifter	Zener diodes can shift voltage levels in circuits, which is valuable for interfacing devices operating at different voltage levels.
Transient Voltage Suppression	Zener diodes can suppress voltage spikes, ensuring that sudden voltage transients do not damage the circuit components.
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Protection	Zener diodes can be used to protect sensitive components from electrostatic discharge, a sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects.
Biasing Transistors	Zener diodes can be used to provide a stable reference voltage for biasing transistors, ensuring consistent operation across varying conditions.
Feedback Control	Zener diodes can be used in feedback loops of amplifiers and power supplies to maintain stability and desired output levels.
Audio Noise Limiting	In audio circuits, Zener diodes can be used to limit the amplitude of signals, preventing distortion and ensuring consistent audio quality.

What is a Zener diode?

Clearance zener had invented this special property of diode. Hence it is named after him as an honor.
It is a unique property of the diode, not special equipment. The power effects of this diode will be a breakdown power when voltage is applied to the circuit with reverse bias.
It does not permit the current to pass through it. When the voltage on the diode increases, the temperature too will increase. If the voltage boost exceeds a certain limit, Zener breakdown will occur.

Zener diode

The Zener diode signal of the circuit is divided by the current tags on the bar, where one is coming, and the other is going down. 13 R so on type to distinguish the diodes from each other diodes.

Construction of Zener diode:

The existence of diode compatibility depends on the doping range in the PN junction. For a small reverse bias voltage, the depletion region is very narrow and the electric field is very high. It allows electrons to flow from the valence band to the conduction band.
The breakdown voltage of the Zener diode is partly controlled by the doping level. The breakdown voltage of Zener diodes ranges from 1.2V to 200V. The diodes are simple and the output voltage is below 5.6V, the breakdown is done by the avalanche rather than the effect of the Zener.

Characteristics of Zener Diode:

The Six characteristics of a Zener diode are taken into account below.
If the forward bias voltage is applied to the more zen diode, it is a regular diode.
or when a reverse voltage is used. The Zener diode allows a small current drop until the Zener voltage is reached.
When the voltage reaches the Zener voltage, it allows more current to flow.
A sudden electric shock causes a breakdown. Termed as a Zener breakdown. to reach, Zener diodes are made by touching the reach to the reach without damage.
The amount of doping increases the Zener breakdown voltage.
Zener breakdown occurs at a reverse voltage when it is heavily doped. Whereas, if the diode is shorted, the breakdown is seen at high reverse voltage.

Application of Zener diode:

Zener diodes are very common in all types of electronic devices.
The applications of the Zener diode are-

1. Overvoltage protection.
2. Voltage regulator.
   Let’s understand over-voltage protection :
   Suppose the circuit needs 6 volts. Therefore, we put a Zener diode with 6 volts for the breakdown voltage. If it needs, say 10 volts and the middle needs 6 volts, the circuit is running and mat.
   Then, the Zener diode comes into motion first. Above 6 volts, the Zener diode starts to conduct current and supplies a constant output voltage of 6 volts to the circuit.
   Zener diode as a voltage regulator:
   The main advantage of the Zener diode is its use as a voltage regulator. To install a wide voltage range to provide constant and stable voltage.
   When the Zener voltage/breakdown voltage is reached, the output voltage innovates unchanged.
   To limit current flow through the Zener diode, a resistor is placed in series.

Advantages of Zener Diode:

• Zener diode is cheap.
• Small size.
• Accurate outcomes.
• Can handle high power.

Zener diode specifications:

Some common characteristics of a Zener diode are:
• The reverse breakdown voltage range for the Zener diode (Vz) is between 2.4v to 200v.
• Tissue current required for Zener breakdown is between 5 mA and 10 mA.
• The rated power of a Zener diode is 400 mW, 500 mW, 1 W, or 5 W.
• Zener diode voltage tolerance is ± 5%.

FAQ

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