Chapter 2 Special-Purpose Diodes

Objectives
Describe the characteristics of a zener diode and analyze its operation Explain how a zener is used in voltage regulation and limiting Describe the varactor diode and its variable capacitance characteristics Discuss the operation and characteristics of LEDs and photodiodes Discuss the basic characteristics of the current regulator diode, the pin diode, the step-recovery diode, the tunnel diode, and the laser diode.

Introduction
The basic function of zener diode is to maintain a specific voltage across its terminals within given limits of line or load change. Typically it is used for providing a stable reference voltage for use in power supplies and other equipment.

RLoad

This particular zener circuit will work to maintain 10 V across the load.

Zener Diodes Operating Range

A zener diode is much like a normal diode, the exception being is that it is placed in the circuit in reverse bias and operates in reverse breakdown. This typical characteristic curve illustrates the operating range for a zener. Note that its forward characteristics are just like a normal diode.

Operating range

Zener Diodes Regulation Ranges

The zener diodes Zener zone Diode zone breakdown characteristics are determined by the doping process. Low voltage zeners (<5V), operate in the zener breakdown range. Those designed to operate >5 V operate mostly in avalanche breakdown Avalanche range. Zeners are zone available with voltage 5V. breakdowns of 1.8 V to This curve illustrates the minimum and 200 V. maximum ranges of current operation that the
zener can effectively maintain its voltage.

Zener Diodes Breakdown Characteristics

Note very small reverse current (before knee). Breakdown occurs @ knee. Breakdown Characteristics: VZ remains near constant VZ provides: -Reference voltage -Voltage regulation IZ escalates rapidly IZMAX is achieved quickly Exceeding IZMAX is fatal

Zener Diodes Voltage Regulation

Regulation occurs between: VZK - knee voltage to VZM - Imax

Zener Diodes Equivalent Circuit

Ideal Zener exhibits a constant voltage, regardless of current draw. Ideal Zener exhibits no resistance characteristics.

Zener Diodes Equivalent Circuit

Zener exhibits a near constant voltage, varied by current draw through the series resistance ZZ.
As Iz increases, Vz also increases.

Zener Diodes Characteristic Curve

Vz results from Iz.

Iz thru Zz produce this.

See Ex. 3-2

Zener Diode Data Sheet

Power ratings Temperature ratings Vz nominal Impedance Power derating curves Temperature coefficients Zz - Zener impedance

Zener Diode - Applications

Regulation
In this simple illustration of zener regulation circuit, the zener diode will adjust its impedance based on varying input voltages. Zener current will increase or decrease directly with voltage input changes.

The zener current, Iz, will vary to maintain a constant Vz.

VZener
remains constant

Zener Diode - Applications

Regulation
In this simple illustration of zener regulation circuit, the zener diode will adjust its impedance based on varying input voltages and loads (RL) to be able to maintain its designated zener voltage. Zener current will increase or decrease directly with voltage input changes. The zener current will increase or decrease inversely with varying loads.

VZener
remains constant

See Ex. 3-5

Zener Diode - Applications

Vin IZ Vout

Vin

IZ

Vout

Zener Diode - Applications

**

1N4740 PDMAX = 1W. VZ = 10V. IZK = 0.25mA to IZM = 100mA VRmin = IZKR= .25mA x 220 = 55mV VRmax = IZMR= 100mA x 220 = 22V.

Calculate VZRegulate: (pg.116) VinMIN = VR + VZ = 55mV + 10V = 10.055V.

VR = IZR = (100mA)(220) = 22V.

Vin(max) = 22V + 10V = 32V VReg is 10V to 32V.

Zener Limiting
Zener diodes can used for limiting just as normal diodes. Recall in previous chapter studies about limiters. The difference to consider for a zener limiter is its zener breakdown characteristics.

See Ex.3-8

Varactor Diodes
A varactor diode is best explained as a variable capacitor. Think of the depletion region as a variable dielectric. The diode is placed in reverse bias. The dielectric is adjusted by reverse bias voltage changes.

Varactor Diodes
The varactor diode can be useful in filter circuits as the adjustable component for resonance frequency selection.

Varactor

Bias adjust

Resonant Band-pass Filter w/ Varactor Diode

Parallel Resonant Tank

Series Resonant Tank

31.6V

Varactor
VR = 2.85 to 28.7V

VBIAS = 2.9V to 29V

CVaractor = 17pF to 55pF Resonant Frequency Range:

Varactor Bias
See Related Problem pg.130

fr = 679kHz to 1.22MHz.

Optical Diodes
The light-emitting diode (LED) emits photons as visible light. Its purpose is for indication and other intelligible displays. Various impurities are added during the doping process to vary the color output.

Optical Diodes
Electroluminescence, the process of emitting photons from a parent material (substrate), is the basis for LEDs.

Colors result from the choice of substrate material and the resulting wavelength;
Todays LEDs (green,red, yellow) are based on indium gallium aluminum phosphide

Blue uses silicon carbide or gallium nitride

IR (infrared) GaAs (gallium arsenide) LED Biasing: 1.2V to 3.2V is typical. Note: Some newer LEDs run at higher voltages and emit immense light energy. Applications: Traffic signals Outdoor video screens Runway markers A strong +bias encourages conductionband electrons in the Nmaterial to leap the junction and recombine with available holes releasing light and heat.

LED Spectral Curves

Note the wavelengths of the various colors and infrared. Note lead designations to the right.

Optical Diodes
The seven segment display is an example of LEDs use for display of decimal digits.

See Light Emitting Diodes.pdf

Photodiodes
Unlike LEDs, photodiodes receive light rather than produce light. The photodiode varies its current in response to the amount of light that strikes it. It is placed in the circuit in reverse bias. As with most diodes, no current flows when in reverse bias, but when light strikes the exposed junction through a tiny window, reverse current increases proportional to light intensity (irradiance). Note: Photodiodes all exhibit a reverse leakage current which appears as an inverse variable resistance. Irradiance causes the device to exhibit a reduction in the variable resistance characteristic.

Photodiodes

You have this one in your kit.

Other Diode Types

The Schottky diodes (hot-carrier diodes) significant characteristic is its fast switching speed. This is useful for high frequencies and digital applications. It is not a typical diode in that it does not have a p-n junction. Instead, it consists of a lightly-doped n-material and heavily-doped (conduction-band electrons) metal bounded together. Response is very quickhigh speed digital communications.

Lightly doped

Heavily doped (conductionband electrons)

Summary
The zener diode operates in reverse breakdown.

A zener diode maintains a nearly constant voltage across its terminals over a specified range of currents.
Line regulation is the maintenance of a specific voltage with changing input voltages. Load regulation is the maintenance of a specific voltage for different loads. There are other diode types used for specific RF purposes such as varactor diodes (variable capacitance), Schottky diodes (high speed switching).

Summary
Light emitting diodes (LED) emit either infrared or visible light when forward-biased. Photodiodes exhibit an increase in reverse current with light intensity.