Zener Diode is a special purpose diode that is used in reverse biased. A Zener diode is manufactured for lower and exact reverse breakdown voltage. After the fact that it exhibits the “Zener effect”, that is a specific type of voltage break down, so the diode is called the “Zener voltage pass Regulator”. Zener voltage pass regulator is the most common use of Zener diode.
An ordinary diode can reach the reverse bias voltage where the diode will be unable to stop the current flow. That voltage is the reverse breakdown voltage. The reverse breakdown voltage is a destructive and permanent damage phenomenon for an ordinary diode. Where a special purpose diode can be designed for working in the reverse breakdown region. It must have an adequate power dissipation ability.
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Diodes can exhibit two types of breakdowns, Zener breakdown, and avalanche breakdown. Avalanche breakdown occurs at a comparatively higher negative voltage and uses to occur in Zener and rectifier diode. Where Zener breakdown can occur in Zener diode and at a low negative voltage. Near Zener breakdown voltage, the electric field is too much intense to pull out the electrons from the valance band toward the conduction band. Zener diode operating below the 5 volts operates on the Zener breakdown and above the 5 volts operates upon the avalanche breakdown.
Zener Diode Symbol:
The Zener diode is represented by making small modifications to ordinary diode symbols to make it unique. Both of the symbols are presented here with their direction of current and polarity indicated clearly. Note that the Zener diode is used in reverse bias where an ordinary diode is used in the forward bias for a typical operation.
Zener Diode Characteristic Curve:
Zener diode operates in reverse bias and its forward characteristics are similar to that of a rectifier diode. In reverse characteristics, the breakdown voltage of the Zener diode is comparatively lower than that of an ordinary diode.
As the reverse bias voltage increases a very small amount of the reverse current flows in the reverse direction. As the reverse voltage is increased, a change in the current curve, just like a “knee”, shows up. The current at this point the breakdown starts, and the impedance at the point is called Zener impedance, and the current is called Zener knee current. With a small further increase in reverse voltage, the voltage drop remains constant and the current changes drastically which mean that impedance decreases.
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Three points on the characteristics curve are defined by IZK, IZM, and IZT names as Zener knee current, Zener maximum current, and Zener test current. The nominal voltage across the diode is provided in the datasheet when the current is IZT. Where IZK and IZM are the starting and maximum points of voltage regulation. Outside the specified current range, the doesn’t provide voltage regulation.
Zener Voltage Pass Regulator:
Once breakdown occurs in the Zener diode voltage regulator, a small amount of increase in voltage makes a huge change in current and the voltage drop across the diode is constant. A small amount of current IZK should be maintained to keep the diode in the breakdown region. The current IZK is the amount of reverse current at the keen of the characteristic curve. A reverse current above aA point IZM should be avoided for the safe operation of the diode otherwise the diode may be damaged.
Zener Equivalent Circuit:
An ideal Zener diode in reverse breakdown equivalent circuit contains a dc voltage source that has a constant voltage drop across it. For a practical Zener diode in reverse breakdown equivalent circuit contains a dc voltage source with a series impedance that voltage drop across the terminal changes with change in current.
Example:
A 1N4736 Zener diode has a test impedance, ZZT of 3.5Ω where Zener test voltage, VZT of 6.8v and Zener test current, IZT of 35mA and Zener knee current, IZK of 1mA. What is the voltage across the terminal of the diode when the current is 50mA?
Solution:
The change in the current will for the current of 50mA is
$\Delta I =50-37=13mA $
$\Delta V = \Delta I \times Z_{ZT}=13 \times 3.5$
$\Delta V = 45.5mA$
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The change in voltage due to an increase in the current above the test current causes the Zener terminal voltage to increase. So, the change in voltage will add up to the test voltage and the voltage at 50mA will be
$V =6.8 + 45.5m =6.85V$
Conclusion:
- Zener diode is working under the reverse bias condition with the ability to bear more power than an ordinary diode
- Zener voltage pass regulator regulates the voltage between for the current ranging from the Zener knee to Zener maximum current