Zener diodes are fundamental semiconductor devices used in many integrated circuits. Zener diodes are very handy where low current, constant voltage regulation is required. Zener diodes are easy to configure and can be used to get a reasonably accurate stabilized output under all circumstances. 2. The three major applications are listed below: The primary application of a Voltage Regulator is to provide a constant output voltage irrespective of the variations in the energy drawn by the load current or instability of the supply voltage. Figure. eval(ez_write_tag([[320,100],'electricalfundablog_com-box-4','ezslot_8',176,'0','0']));It is the maximum amount of power that the Zener Diode can dissipate. They can be mass-produced for use in a range of … Advantages of Zener Voltage Stabilizer. It maintains a stable output voltage irrespective of the input voltage. Due to their small size they can be used in smaller electronic devices. It is small, lightweight, rugged and it provides regulation over a wide range of current. The zener diode shunt regulator gives a better regulation over a wider range of load currents and input voltages. Fig. Because of its unusual properties it ... characteristics to an advantage. Its power consumption capability is higher than the normal diode. The Zener diode allows current to flow in the forward direction in the same manner as an ideal diode. It’s capacity to withstand High voltages without getting damaged create several applications in modern-day electronic circuits. An example of Voltage Shifter Circuit is illustrated below in the Fig. As the reverse voltage is increased to a point called the voltage breakdown point … They are:eval(ez_write_tag([[320,50],'electricalfundablog_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_0',156,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[320,50],'electricalfundablog_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',156,'0','1'])); Other parameters, which influence its performance are Forward Current, Forward Voltage and Packaging type, etc. It shows that the reverse resistance is large and the reverse leakage current is extremely small, when the reverse voltage is lower than the reverse breakdown voltage. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email. It provides a better regulation over a wider range of load currents and input voltages. Please enter your email address. 3 – Schematic Representation of Working Principle. Avalanche Breakdown occurs only when the reverse voltage is increased and hence the temperature co-efficient is positive. Consequently the output voltage also changes. This is generally undesirable, which may be one reason why the zener diode bias is unusual. The dynamic impedance of a zener diode is small (the voltage across the diode does not vary much, even with large changes in current through it). She is an author, editor and partner at Electricalfundablog. Clipping Circuits could be designed to clip the signal in the positive, negative or both regions. Advantages of Zener Diodes for Circuit Functionality. These are devices that are able to create a practically constant voltage across them regardless of variations in circuit and voltage situations. There are many circuits that use Zener diodes, ranging from very simple Zener diode circuits, up to far more complicated ones. It gives higher current capability. zener diode is a special type of device designed to operate in the zener breakdown region. There are some advantages of zener diode shunt regulator are given below, Various parameters affect VI characteristics. This type of Diode is advantageous as the voltage drop over a wide range of voltages remain constant. This device in Voltage Shifter circuit minimizes the output voltage by a value equal to the Zener breakdown voltage. A Zener diode is doped properly thus the breakdown voltage can be modified by controlling the depletion width of the diode. If a zener on its own is sufficient to regulate the voltage, then why have an additional regulator? It contains a heavily doped P-N junction and hence has a thin depletion region. The zener diode acts as a shunt regulator, it "burns off" the current that is "left over" instead of limiting the current that flows when little current is needed. During the negative swing of the Clipping Circuit, it acts as a normal Silicon diode and clips the output voltage. The R1 resistor is connected to the Zener Diode in series. Applications of Zener Diodes Zener diodes find wide applications commercially and industrially. The internal impedance of the circuit is high. A Zener Diode, also known as a breakdown diode, is a heavily doped semiconductor device that is designed to operate in the reverse direction. Power dissipation in the series resistor and the diode resulting in poor efficiency. Current : The current, IZM, of a Zener diode is the maximum current that can flow through a Zener diode at its rated voltage, VZ. The zener diode is a semiconductor device unique in its mode of operation and completely unreplaceable by any other electronic device. They have very high-performance standards. For Meter Protection – The Zener diode is generally used in multimeters for controlling the movement of the meter against accidental overloads. However, in the Zener diode, the breakdown voltage is not as high and does not lead to the permanent damage of the device. //]]>. It permits current to flow in the forward direction as normal, but will also allow it to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value - the breakdown voltage kno… The function of a regulator is to provide a constant output voltage to a load connected in parallel with it in spite of the ripples in the supply voltage or the variation in the load current and the zener diode will continue to regulate the voltage until the diodes current falls below the minimum IZ(min)value in the reverse breakdown region. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"a121ce41bc99e93c0043501d7c1b5e5a3e3d2d67-1610317030-1800"}; In this narrow depletion region, the energy of the valence electrons of the atom rises, and electric field with smaller intensity can excite the valence electrons from the atoms to generate Zener breakdown. Voltage Shifter circuit which help to convert signal from one voltage domain to another. When the temperature rises, the depletion layer decreases. 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