bee-EXPERIMENT 5 Zener

EXPERIMENT 5: ZENER DIODE
I. OBJECTIVES
1. To exhibit the characteristic of a zener diode.
2. To investigate how zener diode will maintain voltage regulation with variable supply.
II. BASIC CONCEPT

The region of a unique characteristic is employed to the design of zener diodes which when
presented together with the semiconductor diode we can see the difference that is shown on figure 4.1.
This is done to ensure that the direction of conduction of each is clearly understood together with the
required polarity of the applied voltage. For the semiconductor diode the “on” state will support a
current in the direction of the arrow in the symbol. Noted also that the polarity of V D and VZ are the
same as would be obtained if each were a resistive element.
The location of the zener region can be controlled by varying the doping levels. An increase in
doping producing an increase in the number of added impurities, which will decrease the zener
potential. Zener diodes are available having zener potential of 1.8 to 200V with power ratings from ¼ to
50 Watts. Because of its high temperature and current capability, silicon is usually preferred in
manufacturing zener diodes.
Figure 3.1: Zener Diode Schematic Symbol and Characteristic Curve
The zener diode is a special type of diode designed to operate at voltages that exceed the
breakdown voltage or peak reverse voltage. This breakdown region is called the Zener region.
The breakdown voltage of a zener diode (Vz) is determined by the resistivity of the diode which
is controlled by the doping technique used during the manufacturing. The rated breakdown voltage
represents the reverse voltage at the zener test current. The ability of a zener diode to dissipate power
decreases as the temperature increases. Power dissipation ratings are given for specific temperatures. A
derating factor is given by the diode manufacturer to determine the power rating at different
temperatures.
A zener diode can be used to stabilize or to regulate voltage.

III. MATERIALS
Quantity Description
1 1N4733
1 75Ω (1/2 W)
1 100Ω (1/2 W)
1 200Ω (1/2 W)
1 300Ω (1/2 W)
1 600Ω (1/2 W)
1 1KΩ (1/2 W)
1 Power Supply
1 Multimeter
1set Connecting wires
IV. WIRING DIAGRAMS
Figure 5.1 Zener Diode

Figure 5.2 Zener Diode
V. PROCEDURE
1. Set the DC voltage source to 20V

2. Connect the circuit diagram as shown from Figure 3.1.
3. Measure the voltage across the zener diode and record it on the table provided (Table 3.1).
4. Change the voltage source (Vs) to each value listed in Table 3.1. Record the voltage across the zener
diode on the datasheet.
5. Calculate the zener diode current (Iz) for each voltage value. Record your result on the data and
results table (Hint: Calculate the current in the 300Ω resistor).
6. Plot the Vz and Iz data points and draw the reverse-bias curve
7. Calculate the zener diode power dissipation (Pz) at Vs = 20V.
8. Connect a 75Ω resistor (RL). Change the source voltage to 20V. Record the zener voltage on the
datasheet (Table 3.2)
9. Replace RL with a 100Ω resistor, turn on the Vs and record the zener voltage on the data sheet.
Repeat the procedure for each of the following resistors: 200Ω, 300Ω, 600Ω, 1KΩ, and OPEN (no
resistor).
10. Calculate the current in the 300Ω resistor (I), load current (IL), zener current (Iz) for each value of RL
listed on the data sheet. Record your answers on Table 3.2.
VI. DATA AND RESULTS
Table 5.1
Vs (V) Vz (V) - Iz (mA) -
0
10
20
25
30
35
Table 5.2
RL (Ohms) Vz VL I (mA) IL (mA) Iz (mA)

75
100
200
300
600
1K
OPEN
VII. SAMPLE COMPUTATIONS
VIII. GRAPHS
IX. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
X. CONCLUSIONS
XI. SELF-TEST QUESTIONS

1. For the performed experiment, determine
a. Range of values for Vs when the zener voltage (Vz) is stable.
b. Range of values for RL when the zener voltage (Vz) is stable.
2. How is the breakdown voltage of a zener diode determined?
3. How a zener diode is tested using an Ohmmeter?
4. What are the specifications that determine a zener diode’s rating?
5. Explain how a zener diode function in a voltage regulator circuit.
XII. APPLICATION (CIRCUIT SIMULATION)
Perform a general analysis of the zener network.
Rs
Vin
91Ω D1
Vz=8V RL
Pzmax=400mW 0.22kΩ
02BZ2.2

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EXPERIMENT 5: ZENER DIODE

II. BASIC CONCEPT

Figure 3.1: Zener Diode Schematic Symbol and Characteristic Curve

A zener diode can be used to stabilize or to regulate voltage.

IV. WIRING DIAGRAMS

Figure 5.1 Zener Diode

1. Set the DC voltage source to 20V

VI. DATA AND RESULTS

RL (Ohms) Vz VL I (mA) IL (mA) Iz (mA)

VII. SAMPLE COMPUTATIONS

XI. SELF-TEST QUESTIONS

XII. APPLICATION (CIRCUIT SIMULATION)

Perform a general analysis of the zener network.

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