Zener diode BS P-III Institute of Physics

Reverse Characteristics
of zener Diode
Objects of the experiment
To familiar with reverse characteristics of zener diodes.
To become familiar with zener diode operation as a regulator

Introduction
The Zener diode is a silicon p-n junction device that differs from rectifier diodes
because it is designed for operation in the reverse breakdown region. It is known that
when a diode reaches reverse breakdown, its voltage remains almost constant even
though the current changes drastically. The symbol for Zener diode is given in fig 1,
Thus, Zener diode is extensively used as voltage regulator in power supply circuits. A
Zener regulator is an electronic device that maintains an essentially constant output
voitage for a range of input voitage.

Figure: 1
Zener Breakdown : Two types of reverse breakdown in a Zener diode are avalanche
and Zener. The avalanche breakdown occurs in both rectifier and Zener diodes at a
sufficiently high reverse voltage due to the multiplication of the conduction electrons. The
Zener breakdown occurs in a Zener diode at low reverse voltages. As Zener diode is
heavily doped, the depletion region is very thin. As a result near the Zener breakdown
voltage the field within the depletion region is intense enough to pull electrons from their
valence bands and create current. Zener diodes with breakdown voltages of less than
approximately 5V operate predominately in Zener breakdown. Those with breakdown
voltages greater than 5V operate in avalanche breakdown.

Characteristics: The rectifier only operates in forward bias condition, while the Zener
diode works in both forward and reverse bias. In forward bias, Zener diode acts same as'
the rectifier diode. In reverse bias, Zener diode limits the current until the breakdown
voltage is attained. After the breakdown voltage, the device enters the region of constant
voltage, i.e. the voltage drop across the Zener diode is essentially constant but the
current through the device increases drastically.

EQUIPMENT & COMPONENTS

EQUIPMENT:
■ Power supply (0-20V) • A bread board
• 100 Ohms resistor
COMPONENTS:
• DMM (Digital multimeter) • Zener diode ( 7.5V)
• Few connecting hard wires • Milli-Ammeter (0-50mA)

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Zener diode BS P-III
PROCEDURE:

1. Make the connections according to fig 2(a). In this case the Zener diode is
forward biased. Tabulate the different values of voltages and current.
2. Rearrange the circuit as in fig 2 (b). Again take different readings of current
through the ioad at different values of voltage across Zener diode. Observe the
voltage drop across Zener diode at different input voltages.
ID ID
0 + 0
+ mA mA
+ +
_ V _ V
0-20 V 0-20 V
V V

Fig. 2 (a) forward biased zener diode Fig. 2(b) Reverse biased zener diode

OBSERVATION TABLE:
• Draw the characteristic curve of zener diode (V-I) for both forward and reverse bias
and plot them on the graph paper.

Forward Bias Reverse Bias

S.NO Voltage(zener) Current(mA) Voltage(zener) Current(mA)
1 0.40 1
2 0.50 2
3 0.60 5
4 0.65 7
5 0.70 7.5
6 0.75 7.55
7 0.80 7.85

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. What is a voltage regulator?

2. What is the difference between a rectifier and zener diode?
3. Define Avalanche and zener breakdowns.
4. What is the behavior of zener diodes in forward bias?
5. What are the applications of zener diodes other than regulation?

FINAL CHECK LIST:

• Clean your equipment/materials and workbenches before you leave

• Return all equipment and materials to their proper storage area.

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Zener diode BS P-III

Model Measurements
Forward Bias Reverse Bias
S.NO Voltage(zener) Current(mA) Voltage(zener) Current(mA)
1 0.40 0 1 0
2 0.50 0 2 0
3 0.60 0 5 0
4 0.65 0 7 0
5 0.70 4 7.5 11
6 0.75 12 7.55 42
7 0.80 50 7.58 50