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EXPERIMENT 1
Zener Diode

1. OBJECTIVES
1.1 To understand the zener diode operating characteristic .
1.2 To observe the parameters of zener diode .

2. INTRODUCTION (Note – Write your own Introduction in your report)

Zener diode is a silicon pn junction device that differs from rectifier diodes
because it is designed for operation in the reverse-breakdown region. The
symbol for a Zener diode is shown in Figure 2.1. Zener breakdown occurs in a
zener diode at low reverse voltages. This causes a very thin depletion region. As a
result, an intense electric field exist within the depletion region. Near the Zener
breakdown voltage Vz , the field is intense enough to pull electrons from valence
bands and create current.

Zener diodes with breakdown voltages of less than approximately 5 V

operate predominately in Zener breakdown. Those with breakdown voltages
greater than approximately 5 V, operate predominately in avalanche breakdown.
Both types, however, are called Zener diodes.

A major application for Zener diodes is voltage regulation in dc power

supplies. Zeners are commercially available with breakdown voltages of 1.8 V to

200 V with specified tolerances from 1% to 2 % and the power ranges from 0.25

W to 50 W.

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Cathode
(K)

Anode ( A)
Figure 2.1: Zener Diode symbol

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3. FORMULA

Considering the circuit in Figure 2.2, the equations are;

3.1 Maximum limiting series resistance.

Ri (max) = ( Vi(min) – VL ) / IL(max)

3.2 Output voltage

VL = VZ ( ideal )

VL = VZ + ∆IZRZ (actual )
Where ∆IZ = IZ - IZT

RZ = Zener diode internal resistance = ∆VZ /∆IZ

IZT = Zener test current, where Vi = 15 V

3.3 Zener diode current: IZ = IS - IL

3.4 Source current : IS= ( Vi – VL ) / Ri

3.5 Load current : IL (max) = VZ / RL

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3.6 Zener diode power dissipation: PZ = IZ VZ

3.7 Percent load regulation : % VR = (VNL - VFL ) x 100

VFL

Where VNL = No – load ( open circuit ) output voltage

VFL = Full-load output voltage.

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4. COMPONENT AND EQUIPMENTS

4.1 1 Zener diode (85C) ;Vz= 6.2V, IZT=20 mA, P= 1 W

4.2 2 Resistors : 220 Ω

4.3 DC supply voltage

4.4 Digital Multi Meter

4.5 Jumper wires

4.6 Breadboard

5. PROCEDURES

5.1 I-V curve characteristic.

5.1.1 The wire was connected to the circuit shownin figure 2.3

Ri = 220 Ω

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Figure 2.3: Schematic diagram

5.1.2 The dc supply voltage were increased in small steps (1V) from 0V to 6V
while simultaneously measuring the voltage across( VZ ) and the
current through ( IZ ) the zener diode.

5.1.3 The dc supply voltage were approximately 0.5V in the vicinity of the
zener’s knee voltage (approximately 6V). Do not exceed a zener current
of 146mA.

5.1.4 Data have been recorded in table 2.1 and the result were plotted; zener
current versus zener voltages values on the Graph 2.1.

5.1.5 The internal resistance RZ were determined of our zener diode from
the data by taking the change in Zener voltage, ∆VZ divided
by

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corresponding change in current, ∆IZ . Do this calculation only on the

straight – line breakdown region of your diode curve that you had
plotted. Record the calculated result in Table 2.2.

5.2 Zener diode parameter.

5.2.1 The wire was connected to the circuit shown in figure 2.4

220Ω

220Ω

15V

Figure 2.4 : Schematic diagram

5.2.2 the dc voltage ( Vin) were supplied to the breadboard. Measure the IS , IZ, IL
and VFL.

5.2.3 The values in Table 2.3 have been recorded using the zener voltage and
zener resistance were calculated and compared the measured output
voltage with the expected value.

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5.2.4 The load resistor were disconnected. Measure IS , IZ, and VNL . The result
have been recorded in Table 2.4. For this circuit, determine the percent
load regulation and record it.

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6. RESULTS

Table 2.1: Zener diode characteristic curve.

PS Voltage, Zener Voltage, VZ (V) Zener Current, IZ

Vi
(mA)
(V)

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Graph 2.1: Zener diode characteristic curve. (Use Graph Paper)

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Table 2.2 : Graph result

Zener knee voltage V

Internal Zener resistance Ω

Table 2.3 : Full-load data

Parameter Expected Value Measured Value % Error

IS
IZ
IL

VFL

Table 2.4 : No load data

Parameter Expected Value Measured Value % Error

IS IZ
VNL

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7. CALCULATIONS

8. DISCUSSIONS

9. CONCLUSION

10.REFERENCES