Objectives
RLoad
This particular zener circuit will work to maintain 10 V across the load.
Zener Diodes – Operating Range
• As Iz increases, Vz also
increases.
Zener Diodes – Characteristic Curve
• 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.
Note: The zener has a finite range of current operation.
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.
Again, the zener has a finite range of operation.
VZener
remains
constant
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 = IZM = 100mA x 220 = 22V.
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
Series Resonant
31.6V
Tank
Varactor
VR = 2.85 to 28.7V
Germanium or Gallium
Tunnel Diodes
Tank circuits oscillate but “die out” due to the internal resistance. A
tunnel diode will provide “negative resistance” that overcomes the
loses and maintains the oscillations.
Other Diode Types
The laser diode (light amplification by stimulated emission of
radiation) produces a monochromatic (single color) “coherent”
light. Laser diodes in conjunction with photodiodes are used to
retrieve data from compact discs.
Forward bias the diode and electrons move thru the junction,
recombination occurs (as ordinary). Recombinations result in
photon release, causing a chain reaction of releases and
avalanching photons which form an intense laser beam.
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),
and PIN diodes (microwave attenuation and
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.
The laser diode emits a monochromatic light