What are the characteristics of Zener diode?
Zener Diode Specifications
- Zener/Breakdown Voltage – The Zener or the reverse breakdown voltage ranges from 2.4 V to 200 V, sometimes it can go up to 1 kV while the maximum for the surface-mounted device is 47 V.
- Current Iz (max) – It is the maximum current at the rated Zener Voltage (Vz – 200μA to 200 A)
What is Zener break down voltage?
When reverse biased voltage applied to the zener diode reaches zener voltage, it starts allowing large amount of electric current. At this point, a small increase in reverse voltage will rapidly increases the electric current. Because of this sudden rise in electric current, breakdown occurs called zener breakdown.
Why zener diode is used as a voltage regulator?
When raising reverse voltage of pn junction diodes, high current starts flowing at a certain voltage, and constant voltage can be obtained. Voltage regulator diodes actively use this characteristic. Since this breakdown voltage is also called Zener voltage, voltage regulator diodes are also called Zener diodes.
What is the best diode?
Small General purpose Diode 1N4007 is highly recommended for lab general purpose, however you may use from 1N4001 to 1N4007 diodes, all these diodes have rated current upto 1A, the only difference between them is of maximum voltage ratings, I personaly recommend 1N4007 diode, which is best among 1N400x series, due to …
What happens when two zener diodes are connected in series?
Technically the zener diode is really only usable in series. It limits, to some extent, the voltage across it, so it needs something in series to drop voltage across (Ex: resistor, current source, etc). A 12V Zener will drop the voltage to TTL levels and provide some headroom. A Series resistor will limit the current.
What is the purpose of switching diode?
A switching diode is suitable for switching a small signal of up to 100 mA, acting as a rectifier. In contrast, a rectifier diode is used for AC line rectification (from alternating current to direct current). Switching diodes are designed to handle a voltage of less than tens of volts.
What is the reverse recovery time of a diode?
Reverse recovery time is the amount of time current flows in the reverse direction when the forward current instantaneously switches directions due to residual stored charge.