COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND COMPUTIONAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
ZENER-DIODE AND ITS APPLICA TION AS A VOLTAGE REGULATOR

Student name………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ID NO
1.BEREKET YOHANNS………………………………………………………………………………………………………0397/13
2.AKALU SHANKA………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 0178/13
3.MAHIDER TEMESGEN……………………………………………………………………………………………….........1363/13
4.EYOB DEJENE.........................................................................................................................................................................0806/13
submeted by Fikru (Phd)
Dec, 2023

WOLKITE, ETHIOPIA
 ABSTRACT
• This project which is entitled as "Zener diode and its application as a voltage regulator"
tries to give some insight about Zener diode and its application specifically as a voltage
regulator. Zener diodes are special types of semi-conductor devices that allow current
to flow in one direction. Zener diodes are used to regulate or to stabilize a voltage
source across in the break down region is almost constant. Zener diode has the
following applications as a voltage regulator, to get constant output voltage and to get
sufficient current. In this research, I will explain the Zener-diode and its application as
a voltage regulator. In order to do so I will use different primary and secondary data
sources like internet, reference books, some journals and my past exercise books and
prior knowledge to get the necessary information that may help me to finish this
project.

I
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
 CONTENT PAGE
ABSTRACT.................................................................................................. I
TABLE OF CONTENTS ………………………………………………….. II
CHAPTER ONE
• 1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................1
• 1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE RESEARCH..............................................1
• 1.2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.....................................................3
• 1.3. OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH...................................................4
• 1.3.1. GENERAL OBJECTIVE..............................................................4
• 1.3.2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES..............................................................4
• 1.4. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH.................................................5
• 1.5. LIMITATION OF THE RESEARCH.....................................................6
• 1.6. DELIMITATION (SCOPE) OF THE RESEARCH................................7

II
 cont...
CHAPTER TWO
• 2. LITRATURE REVIEW...................................................................................8
CHAPTER THREE
• 3. METHODOLOGY OF THE RESEARCH......................................................16
• 3.1. SETTING AREA OF THE RESEARCH..................................................16
• 3.2. RESEARCH METHODS AND MATERIALS.........................................16
• 3.3. RESEARCH DESIGN................................................................................12
• 3.4. SOURCE OF DATA...................................................................................17
• 3.5. METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS.............................................................17
• 3.6 TIME AND BUDGET PLANE.........................................................................18
• 3.7 BUGDET PLAN............................................................................................19
REFERENCES.......................................................................................................20

III
 CHAPTER ONE
• 1.INTRODUCTION
• 1.1F THE RESEARCH. BACKGROUND
• Zener diode is a junction formed by combining highly doped PN semiconductors. It works on the principle of
Zener- breakdown and is operated in reverse breakdown region. In reverse breakdown region high current flow
through the diode leading to high power dissipation. Hence the Zener diodes are provided with adequate power
dissipation capabilities to operate in reverse breakdown region Zener Breakdown When a reverse bias is
applied across the diode electric field is generated by uncovered charges at the depletion region. The electric
field intensity across a PN junction diode increases as doping level are increased. Zener diode as the name
suggests is a two terminal device with two terminals being anode (p) and cathode (n).
• A zener diode is a particular type of diode that, unlike a normal one, allows current to flow not only from its anode
to its cathode, but also in the reverse direction, when the so-called "Zener voltage" is reached. Zener diodes have
a highly doped p-n junction. Normal diodes will also break down with a reverse voltage but the voltage and
sharpness of the knee are not as well defined as for a Zener diode. Also normal diodes are not designed to
operate in the breakdown region, but Zener diodes can reliably operate in this region.
1
 cont...
• .Zener diodes are a special type of semiconductor diode– devices that allow current to flow in one direction only –that also
allow current to flow in the opposite direction, but only when exposed to enough voltage. And while that sounds a bit
esoteric, they’re actually among the handiest components ever to cross an engineer’s bench, providing great solutions to a
number of common needs in circuit design.
• Diodes usually come in glass or plastic cylindrical packages, marked with a stripe on one side to indicate polarity. In a
perfectly ideal diode, current flows in one direction only, from the anode (positive side) to the cathode (negative side) which
is marked with the stripe. The schematic symbol is a triangle pointing towards a bar, where the current flows in the same
direction, towards the barred (striped) end. Surface mount versions of diodes tend to follow the same labeling convention,
where the cathode end is marked with a broad stripe
• Zener diodes are semiconductor diodes which have been manufactured to have their reverse breakdown occur at a specific,
well-defined voltage (its “Zener voltage”), and that are designed such that they can be operated continuously in that
breakdown mode. Commonly available Zener diodes are available with breakdown voltages (“Zener voltages”) anywhere
from 1.8 to 200 V.
• It was noted earlier that the reverse-bias saturation current of a 2general-purpose junction diode is so small that it ordinarily is
masked by currents associated with high-resistance.
 1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

 The reason why I want to make a research on this title is that I want to know what does mean Zener-
diode and its application as a voltage regulator. And also I want to know how Zener-diode regulates the
voltage.
Therefore this research will be conducted to explain the following points.
• What is Zener-diode and how it works as a voltage regulator?
• What are Zener break-down and Avalanche break-down?
• What is Zener voltage (Vz.) and why Zener diode used as voltage regulator?
• How the temperatures affect the Zener-diode?
• What is the application of Zener-diode as a voltage regulator?

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 OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH
• 1.3.1.GENERAL OBJECTIVE

The general objective of this research is:

to understand about Zener-diode and its application as a voltage regulator.

1.3.2.SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

• The specific objectives of this research are:

• To study the applications of Zener diode.
• To explain the reason why Zener-diode is used as a voltage regulator?
• To explain the reason, why Zener diode allows current to flow in one direction?

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 1.4. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH

 This research will have the following uses (significances).

• To transfer information in the form of written document. So that, it will be used as a source of
information.

• If someone wants to know about Zener-diode and its application as voltage regulator, then he or she
can read this research and they can get knowledge (information) what they want. This is another uses
of this research.

• This research will be used as a bridge(guide line) of research to a researcher (to students)after this
time since it is a new research.

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 1.5. LIMITATION OF THE RESEARCH
 Limitation of this research will be listed as follows.
• Lack of experience about the research. Because I am a new
researcher so everything about the research is new to me. But, I will use
my maximum power to this research.
• Limitation of References (sources) to do the research. Since there will
be limitation to get information about the research. But I will search in
different way as I could.

• There will be limitation of time. Because these three weeks are not
sufficient to do the complete research about the title.
• There will be limitation of money. Since I am a student and so I don't
have money to perform this research but I will use the BIRR given by the
department properly.
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 1.6. DELIMITATION (SCOPE) OF THE RESEARCH

• The scope (delimitation) of the research will be in the form of review that is to

analyze the Zener-diode and its application as a voltage regulator in theoretical

manner. This research is basically to state the basic points of Zener diode its

application as a voltage regulator.

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 CHAPTER TWO
•
2.LITRATURE REVIEW
• Many other scientists were interested in finding the alternative usage of this principle. John
Ambrose Fleming tried using this value for converting radio waves into signals that could be
measured by employing a galvanometer. The Fleming valve is recognized to be the first true
electronic device as of now.
• In 1906, Greenleaf W. Pickard invented another new Diode. With his earlier studies, Pickard
confessed that electrons can flow only in a single direction, employing certain minerals like
silicon. Placing a silicon piece between a metal base and a metal wire, he developed a valve
that can be utilized in detecting the radio waves.
• This was named as cat’s whisker Diode as fine wires were employed in it. H. C. Dunwoody
patented a developed form of this Diode that had the employment of carborundum in it.[1]
• During the period of the Second World War, the BELL laboratories developed another new
type of diode using semiconductors (silicon & germanium). Russel Ohl, who was a metallurgist
in the Bell laboratories, developed a diode using Germanium crystal that produced electricity in
response to light. It was facilitating the conversion of solar energy to electricity.
8
 Cont…
• It was found that the silicon piece that was cut has a large amount of impurity.
The area where the impurity joined the silicon was termed as the junction.
Years later, it was found that the impurities had developed response to the
solar particles. This lead to invention of semiconductor based PN junction
diodes. You can read the amazing story & series of events occurred at BELL
labs during the invention of PN junction diode to gain more knowledge. Even
before the identification of the reason, the production of these solar converters
had been initiated.[2] Many early inventions were made till 1905, yet a more
focused work on semiconductor devices were started only at the time of the
Second World War. It was Clarence Melvin Zener who first elaborated on the
advantageous properties of this diode.Clarence Zener was a professor at
Carnegie Mellon University in the department of Physics. His interests were
focused on solid-state physics. In 1926, he graduated from Stanford University
and received his doctorate from the Stanford University by 1929. He developed
the Zener Diode in 1950 and employed it in modern computer circuits.
Clarence Zener published a paper on explaining the electrical insulator’s
breakdown in 1934.
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 Cont...
• He was recognized across the world for introducing a field of science with internal
friction which was the subject on what most of his studies were focused.[3]
• Zener diodes are a special kind of diode which permits current to flow in the forward
direction. What makes them different from other diodes is that it will also allow current to
flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value. This breakdown
voltage is known as the Zener voltage. In a standard diode, the Zener voltage is high,
and the diode is permanently damaged if a reverse current above that value is allowed
to pass through it. Zener diodes are designed in a way where the Zener voltage is a
much lower value. There is a controlled breakdown which does not damage the diode
when a reverse current above the Zener voltage passes through a Zener diode.
• It is basically made of semiconductors which have two characteristics p - type and n -
type. The p - type and n - type semiconductors represent positive and negative type
semiconductors. In p – type semiconductor number of holes is excess and in n - type
number of electrons are greater than holes. When both of these types of characteristics
are present in a single crystal then it can be termed as diode. The positive terminal of
the, battery is connected with the p - side and the negative side is connected with the n-
side.
10
 Cont...
• Now coming to Zener diode it is nothing but a simple diode connecting in reverse
bias. It is mainly a special property of the diode rather than any special type of
equipment. Clearance Zener invented this property of the diode that’s why it is
named after him. The main principle of this special property is that there is a
breakdown in the circuit if the voltage applied across a reversely biased it does not
allow the current to flow across it. Now as the voltage across the diode is increased,
the temperature increases and the crystal ions vibrate with greater amplitude and all
these leads to the breakdown of the depletion layer. (i.e., the layer at the junction of
p - type and n - type). And when the applied voltage exceeds an specific amount
Zener breakdown takes place.[4]

• Zener diodes can be found in several applications. Some of these are: voltage
stabilizers or regulators (in shunt mode), surge suppressors for device protection,
peak clippers, switching operations, reference elements and in meter protection
applications. The constant reverse voltage of a Zener diode renders it a very useful
component in regulating the output voltage against variations in the load resistance
or variations in the input voltage from an unregulated power supply. The current
through the Zener diode will change in order to keep the voltage within the threshold
limits of Zener action and the maximum power that it can11dissipate.
 Cont…
• Zener diodes are used in clipping and clamping circuits especially peak clippers. They
are used as Reference elements and in switching applications.

• This comparator application makes use of the properties of the Zener diode to cause
the output to switch between voltages determined by the Zener diodes when the input
voltage difference changes sign. The output circuit amounts to a Zener regulator
which switches from one Zener Limiter Single Zener diode can limit one side of a
sinusoidal waveform to the Zener voltage while clamping the other side to near zero.
With two opposing Zener, the waveform can be limited to the Zener voltage on both
polarities. The Zener diode is widely used as a voltage regulator because of its
capacity to maintain a constant voltage over a sizeable range of currents. It can be
used as a single component across the output of a rectifier or incorporate.[5]

• Over voltage protection is done by using Zener diodes because there is current
flowing through the diode after the reverse bias voltage exceeds a certain value. This
circuit provides safety for the equipment connected at the terminals. Normally the
current should not exceed normal valve but if due to any fault in the circuit the current
exceeds the maximum allowable limit, the equipment of the system can be damaged
permanently. 12
 Cont…
• Voltage references determine the constant supply of power, current or voltage as the Zener
voltage works if the supply of current is constant. That’s why to avoid unstable performance;
Zener diodes are used where voltage reference is required like ohmmeters, ammeters and
voltmeters.
• The term regulator means which regulates or controls. Zener diode can work as a voltage
regulator if it is introduced in a circuit. The output across the diode will be constant. It is
driven by a current source. As we know if the voltage across the diode exceeds a certain
value it would draw excessive current from the supply. To limit the current through the Zener
diode series resistance R is introduced whose value can be chosen from the following
equation Resistor value (ohms) = (V1 - V2) / (Zener current + load current) The above
diagram is of a shunt regulators because the regulating element is parallel to the load. The
Zener diode produces a stable reference voltage across the load which fulfills the criteria of
regulator.[6]
• When used in a regulator circuit, the Zener diode must have the current entering it limited. If
a perfect voltage source was placed across it, then it would draw excessive current once the
breakdown voltage had been reached. To overcome this Zener diode must be driven by a
current source. This will limit the current to the chosen value. In a practical circuit, the
simplest form of current source is a resistor. This will13limit the current taken by the Zener
diode and ensure that the operating position of the diode remain approximately constant.[7]
 Cont…
• Another form of Zener diode circuit is an over voltage protection circuit. While power
supplies are normally reliable, the effects of the series pass transistor or FET can be
catastrophic if it fails by forming a short circuit. In this case the full unregulated voltage
would be placed onto the circuits using the regulated power. This could destroy all the chips
being powered .One solution is to use a crowbar circuit. When this form of circuit detects an
over voltage situation it fires an SCR. This quickly holds down the output voltage and in the
instance shown, it blows a fuse that disconnects the input source power. The circuit
operates by firing the SCR when the over voltage is detected. The Zener diode is chosen to
have a voltage above the normal operating voltage - sufficient margin not to fire under
normal operating conditions, but small enough to allow current to flow quickly when the fault
condition is detected. Under normal operating conditions the output voltage is below the
reverse voltage of the Zener diode and no current flows though it and the gate of the SCR
is not fired. However, if the voltage rises above the allowed voltage, the Zener diode will
start to conduct, the SCR will fire and the fuse will be blow.[8]

• What is a Zener diode used for? Zener diodes are widely used as voltage references and
as shunt regulators to regulate the voltage across small circuits. When connected in parallel
with a variable voltage source so that it is reverse biased, a Zener diode conducts when the
voltage reaches the diode's reverse breakdown voltage.[9]14
 Cont…
• Why Zener diode is used as a voltage regulator? 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 value in the .
• What is Zener breakdown and avalanche breakdown? The Zener effect is a type
of electrical breakdown in a reverse biased p-n diode in which the electric field
enables tunneling of electrons from the valence to the conduction band of a
semiconductor, leading to a large number of free minority carriers, which suddenly
increase the reverse current. What is the use of a diode? Advice that blocks
current in one direction while letting current flow in another direction is called a
diode. Diodes can be used in a number of ways. For example, a device that uses
batteries often contains a diode that protects the device if you insert the batteries
backward.[10]

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 CHAPTER THREE

3. METHODOLOGY OF THE RESEARCH

• 3.1. SETTING AREA OF THE RESEARCH
• This research will be performed in wollkite university College of natural sciences
department of physics.
• 3.2. RESEARCH METHODS AND MATERIALS
• In this research I will use the theoretical methods of research to collect data (information)
(i.e., reading, searching and taking of notes in the form of theory that is by using words).
And also I will use primary and secondary sources like reference books, handouts and
exercise books.
• 3.3. RESEARCH DESIGN
• In this research, I will plan to understand Zener-diode and its application as a voltage
regulator. I am going to perform this by reading on different books and searching on the
computer about Zener-diode and its application as a voltage regulator.
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3.4. SOURCE OF DATA
 To this research the source of data will be:
• Computer to Internet access
• Reference books
• Textbooks
• Handouts and Exercise books

• 3.5. METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS

• In this research, I will analyze my data in the form of review. That is, by using expressions and my own words I will

analyze and explain Zener-diode and its application as a regulator.

17
 TIME AND BUDGET PLANE
activity week 1 week 2 week 3
TITLE SELECTION -
PROPOSAL -
DEVELOPMENT
FIRST DRAFT OF
PROPOSAL
SECOND DRAFT OF
PROPOSAL
RESEARCH
DEVELOPMENT
-
FIRST RESEARCH
DRAFT
FINAL RESEARCH
SUBMISION -
PRESENTATION
-
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 3.7 BUGDET PLAN

Types of material Number of material Individual cost in birr Total cost in birr

flash 1 200 200

paper 1 dozen 700 700

pen 6 120 120

printing Proposal and paper 200 200

Total birr 1220

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 REFERENCES

• [1] http://www.circuitstoday.com/zener-diode-invention-history
• [2] Hillman, Jacob (1979). Microelectronics. McGraw Hill. pp. 45–48. ISBN 978-0071005968
• [3] Dorf, Richard C., ed. (1993). The Electrical Engineering Handbook. Boca Ramon: CRC
• Press. p. 457. ISBN 0-8493-0185-8.
• [4] Calibration: Philosophy in Practice. Fluke. 1994. pp. 7–10. ISBN 0963865005.
• [5] Diffenderfer, Robert (2005). Electronic Devices: Systems and Applications. Thomas Delmar
• Learning. pp. 95–100. ISBN 1401835147. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
• [6] Rakesh Kumar Gar, Hashish Dixie, Gavan Davy, Basic Electronics, p. 150, Firewall Media,
• 2008 ISBN 8131803023

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