V-I Characteristics of Zener Diode

Jan 18 • GATE Coaching, GATE Syllabus • 48148 Views • 25 Comments on V-I Characteristics of Zener Diode

Zener Diode is a reverse-biased heavily-doped PN junction diode which operates in the breakdown region. The reverse breakdown of a PN- junction may occur either due to Zener effect or avalanche effect. Zener effect dominates at reverse voltages less than 5 volt whereas avalanche effect dominates  above  5 V. Hence, first one should be called Zener diode. But for simplicity, both types are called Zener Diodes. The breakdown voltage of a Zener diode can be set by controlling the doping level. For Zener diodes, silicon is preferred to Ge because of its high temperature and current capability. This post includes explanation of operation of Zener diode and V-I Characteristics of Zener Diode.

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Operation of Zener Diode:

  • Zener Diodes are normally used only in the reverse bias direction.
  • It means that the anode must be connected to the negative side of the voltage source and the cathode must be connected to the positive side.
  • A main difference between Zener diodes and regular silicon diodes is the way they are used in the circuits.
  • It is primarily used to regulate the circuit voltage as it has constant Vz.
  • A large change in IR will cause only a small change in Vz. It means that a zener diode can be used as an alternate current path. The constant Vz developed across the diode can then be applied to a load.
  • Thus the load voltage remains at constant by altering the current flow through the Zener diode.

The V-I Characteristics of a Zener Diode can be divided into two parts

(i) Forward Characteristics
(ii) Reverse Characteristics

Forward Characteristics

The forward characteristics of a Zener diode is shown in figure. It is almost identical to the forward characteristics of a P-N junction diode.

V-I Characteristics of Zener Diode

Forward Characteristics of Zener Diode

Reverse Characteristics

As we increase the reverse voltage, initially a small reverse saturation current Io. Which is in  A,  will follow. This current  flows due to the thermally generated minority carriers. At a certain value of reverse voltage, the reverse current will increase suddenly and sharply . This is an indication that the breakdown has occurred. This breakdown voltage is called as Zener breakdown voltage or Zener voltage and it is denoted by Vz.

V-I Characteristics of Zener Diode

Reverse Characteristics of Zener Diode

The value of V can be precisely controlled by controlling the doping levels of P and N  regions at the time of manufacturing a Zener diode. After breakdown has occurred. The voltage across Zener diode remains constant equal to Vz. Any increase in the source voltage will result in the increase in reverse Zener current. The Zener current after the reverse breakdown must be controlled by connecting a resistor R as shown in figure. This is essential to avoid any damage to the device due to excessive heating.

Zener Region and its importance

Reverse breakdown of the zener diode operates in a region called zener region, as shown in figure. In this region the voltage across zener diode remains constant but current changes depending on the supply voltage. zener diode is operated in this region when it is being used as a voltage regulator. The complete v-i characteristics of zener diode is as shown in figure

Zener Diode

V-I Characteristics of Zener Diode

Application of zener Diode are as follows:

Zener  diodes have a large number of  application. few of them are

(i) Zener diode is used as a voltage regulator.
(ii) Zener diode is used as a peak clipper in wave shaping  circuits.
(iii) Zener diode is used as a fixed reference voltage in transistor biasing circuits.
(iv) Zener diode is used for meter protection against damage from accidental application of excessive voltages.

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25 Responses to V-I Characteristics of Zener Diode

  1. rafeh qazi says:

    What is zener diode? Draw the V-I characteristics of zener diode. Describe the use of zener
    diode as a voltage regulator

  2. brajesh 5 says:

    Diploma EE

  3. laiba saboor says:

    reverse v/i characteristics

  4. laiba saboor says:

    reverse v/i characteristics

  5. laiba saboor says:

    reverse v/i characteristics

  6. laiba saboor says:

    reverse v/i characteristics

  7. laiba saboor says:

    reverse v/i characteristics

  8. laiba saboor says:

    reverse v/i characteristics

  9. laiba saboor says:

    reverse v/i characteristics

  10. laiba saboor says:
  11. Shyamapada Patra says:

    how i can get the ac and dc resistance of a zener diode?

  12. Nishchita Hembrom says:

    i just want to learn basic electronics

  13. Nishchita Hembrom says:
  14. Nishchita Hembrom says:
  15. akhilesh says:

    No

  16. Anonymous says:

    Characteristics of zener diode

  17. Hajra muskan says:

    No

  18. Hajra muskan says:

    No

  19. Hajra muskan says:
  20. Deblina Pal says:

    How to find R in forward bias in VI characteristic

  21. chandra kharvi says:

    why voltage is constant after breakdown voltage.? what haapens actually during breakdown voltage?

  22. azimkhan says:

    zener diode definition forward bias and revers bias

  23. ANUSHA K S says:

    DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CUT IN VOLTAGE AND KNEE VOLTAGE

  24. aaqib says:

    how to study in engineering when u are only good practical

  25. madhuri says:

    please give me study material for tstransco and genco exams

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