A6 LT3 Flashcards
What is the standard diode used for?
Forward conduction
What is unique about the breakdown ‘knee’ of a Zener diode?
Sharper than a conventional diode
What is important when operating a Zener diode under reverse bias?
Limit current/power dissipation
What is the typical rating range for Zener diodes?
250 mW to 50 W
What must be ensured when applying a Zener diode as a DC voltage regulator?
The DC input voltage must exceeds the Zener voltage rating.
What happens if the standard diode conduct is in a reverse direction
Destroyed
How should you connect the load to be regulated when using a Zener diode?
Connect the load to be regulated in parallel with the Zener diode.
How does a Zener diode behave when biased in the forward direction?
Conducts with 0.7V drop
How does a Zener diode behave when biased in the reverse direction?
Blocks until breakdown voltage
What is the Zener voltage rating based on?
Regulated voltage with rated reverse current flowing
What material are Zener diodes typically manufactured from?
Silicon
Why can Zener diodes not always be tested with an ohmmeter?
Battery voltage of the ohmmeter may exceed the Zener voltage, causing false low resistance indication.
What should be used to stabilize the regulator when connecting a Zener diode?
Use a series, current-limiting resistor.
How does the current-limiting resistor stabilize the regulator when paired with a Zener diode?
By dropping off the difference between the input voltage and Zener voltage.
