EXPERIMENT 3: 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 VD 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 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
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1set

Description
1N4733 75 (1/2 W) 100 (1/2 W) 200 (1/2 W) 300 (1/2 W) 600 (1/2 W) 1K (1/2 W) Power Supply Multimeter Connecting wires

IV. WIRING DIAGRAMS

XMM1 R1 300 0-35V D1 1N4733A 2

0 V1

12 V

Figure 3.1 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 300 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 75 resistor (RL). Change the source voltage to 20V. Record the zener voltage on the datasheet (Table 3.2) 9. Replace RL with a 100 resistor, turn on the Vs and record the zener voltage on the data sheet. Repeat the procedure for each of the following resistors: 200, 300, 600, 1K, and OPEN (no resistor). 10. Calculate the current in the 300 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

Vs (V) 0 4 6 10 20 25 30 35 Table 3.1 Vz (V) Iz (mA)

Table 3.2 RL (Ohms) 75 100 200 300 600 1K OPEN Vz (V) I (mA) IL (mA) Iz (mA)

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 diodes 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.

Vin

Rs 91 Vz=8V Pzmax=400mW RL 0.22k 02BZ2.2 D1