All electronic devices need power ratings, voltage and current. While current consumption is dynamic and depends on the device load, the voltage supply is fixed and ideally constant for the device’s proper functioning. 

“A Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator Trainer is responsible for maintaining this ideal voltage needed for the device.” Your mobile, digital wall clock, and pizza maker all have voltage regulators.

This blog will look more closely at the Zener Diode Voltage Regulator Trainer concept, its various types, and their common applications. 

Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator:- Uses, Advantages, Components, Setup, Types & Price

What is Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator Trainer?    

A Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator is a device that maintains a constant dc output voltage irrespective of the changes in input voltage or load conditions. Therefore, the voltage regulators reject the ac ripple voltage that is not removed by the filters.

The elements’ combinations in the voltage regulator design ensure a constant output voltage with a variable input supply. Therefore, voltage regulators are the most preferred circuits whenever there is a need for a steady and reliable output voltage.

Voltage regulators display protective functions such as overvoltage protection, short circuit protection, thermal shutdown, current limiting, etc. It can be a linear regulator or switching regulator, but the easiest and most affordable type of voltage regulator is the linear one. Let’s have a look at the circuit diagram of the voltage regulator employing the Zener diode- A Zener diode is a voltage regulator that provides a constant voltage. Additional commonplace specifications include:

• Zener Voltage
• Current (maximum)
• Current (minimum)
• Power Rating
• Voltage Tolerance – typically ±5%
• Zener Resistance

Uses of Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator Trainer?

We know the uses of the Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator, which permits the current flow in a forward or reverse direction. A Zener diode is a semiconductor device consisting of a P-N junction that conducts the current in a reverse direction when a certain specified voltage is reached. 

Applications and Uses of Zener Diode:

Since the voltage falls remains constant over voltages, this diode is good for regulation of voltage. With that being said, we should also note that Zener diodes occasionally produce electrical noise on the DC supply as they work to steady the voltage. This is fine in most applications, but adding a high-value decoupling capacitor to the output of the diode can rectify the problem by providing extra smoothing.

A Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator can operate in the reverse bias condition, we can use them in voltage regulator circuits to sustain constant DC voltage output. Thi voltage can be maintained. This voltage regulator circuit comprises a current-limiting resistor connected in series with the input voltage. The load and diode should be connected in parallel. The stabilized voltage output and the diode’s breakdown voltage will always be the same.

When the Zener diode is forward biased, your applications often use the reverse mode. However, the Zener diode can control the voltage in both directions or even in one direction only (bidirectional). It has a wide voltage range and current will begin to flow through the diode as the reverse voltage builds up to its breakdown voltage. They are used in voltage regulation, surge suppressors, clipping circuits, and as reference elements in a wide variety of applications because the voltage is relatively stable over a wide range of power supplies.

Knowing how to label a diode is important when working with it to make it or use it in a circuit. Case Anode (AK) and Case Cathode (AK) are the names of the two terminals (KK) of a diode. A cathode is an electrode that directs current to the outside of the device, while an anode is an electrode through which a positive charge will enter the device from an external circuit.

• It works as a voltage regulator

The Zener Diode Voltage Regulator supplies a constant voltage to a load connected in parallel, regardless of the stability of the supply or fluctuations in the load current. To control the voltage, a Zener diode must be connected in reverse bias. The reverse current must remain between the minimum and maximum limits.

• The Zener diode protects against overvoltages

Until the input voltage reaches the Zener Diode Voltage Regulator breakdown voltage, the circuit experiences a voltage drop across the resistor as current flows through the Zener diode. Results of short circuit to ground. Typically used in multimeters to control meter movement to prevent unintentional overload. Diode and diode are connected in parallel. During a voltage overload, most of the current flows through the diode, thus preventing damage to the meter.

• switch voltage with zener diode

A signal is changed from one voltage to another by a Zener diode. As a result, the breakdown region of the Zener diode can generate a stable voltage. It is also known as a tension shifter due to its use in shifting tension.

• Zener diode is used in the circuit to clip

A Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator is used in circuits to adjust and modify the AC waveform. The clipping circuits regulate the output signal to a predetermined value, without changing the input value. These circuits are commonly used in TV and FM broadcasting to eliminate interference or noise during signal transmission. It Protects the electric metre of our homes against overvoltages. It helps in the transmission of TV and FM signals, enabling clear sound and video in our homes. Voltage stabilisers also protect electronic components from damage.

We all know that a Zener diode is a special type of diode that allows current to flow in one direction, like a typical diode, but also allows current to flow in the other direction. When the voltage exceeds a specific threshold, such as the Zener voltage, it allows current to flow in the opposite direction. When operating in the breakdown region, a Zener diode consists of a heavily doped, reverse-biased p-n junction diode. This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of Zener diodes to help readers understand the subject.

Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator have the following advantages: 

• They are less expensive than other diodes.
• This diode can be used in a circuit to control and stabilise voltage.
• These diodes meet high performance requirements.
• control the flow
• accessibility and compatibility
• It can be used in a small circuit where a larger form of current regulation would not work.
• Because they are more affordable and have more control, they work with most systems.

Drawbacks of Zener diode:

• The Zener diode wastes energy by applying even more voltage in the opposite direction to cancel the voltage.
• A Zener diode generally performs worse than a transistor and has a lower regulation ratio.

Working Principle of Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator Trainer?

In Zener diodes, high level impurities are added to the semiconductor material to increase conductivity. Due to these impurities, the depletion region of the diode becomes very thin. Even at low voltage, the electric field strength increases in the depletion region due to high doping. Electrons accumulate in the valence band of a p-type semiconductor material when no bias is applied to the Zener diode, preventing current from flowing through the device.

Valence band electrons is the name given to the band in which the valence electrons are found. Electrons easily move from one band to another when external energy is applied in the valence band. The diode starts conducting in the direction of the reverse bias when the reverse bias is applied and the Zener voltage is equal to the supply voltage. 

The exact voltage at which the depletion region disappears completely is the Zener diode voltage. When a reverse bias is applied to the diode, the electric field strength in the depletion region increases. As a result, electrons have no restriction on their ability to move from the valence band of the p-type semiconductor material to the conduction band of the n-type semiconductor material. 

The movement of electrons results in the lowering of the barrier that separates p-type and n-type materials. When the depletion region is completely depleted, the diode begins to conduct current in the opposite direction of the bias. Working in reverse bias, a Zener diode works normally when connected in forward bias, but when connected in reverse bias, a small leakage current passes through the diode. Current begins to flow through the circuit when the reverse voltage begins to increase and eventually reaches the predetermined breakdown voltage, indicated by Vz. 

Once the current reaches its maximum and stabilizes, it is established by a series of resistors and remains constant over a wide range of applied voltages.

Breakdowns for Zener Diode:

• Avalanche Breakdown
• Zener Breakdown

Avalanche Breakdown in Zener Diode

Avalanche breakdown occurs in normal diodes and Zener diodes at high reverse voltage. When high voltage is given to the PN junction, the free electrons gets sufficient energy. Due to this continuous collision, a large number of free electrons are generated due to the rapid increase of electric current in the diode. This Breakdown happens in Zener diodes with voltage more than 6V. 

Components of Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator Trainer?    

The diode’s unique, highly doped p-n junction is designed to conduct in the opposite direction when a specific voltage is reached. A pass transistor, error amplifier, voltage reference, and resistance feedback network are the other four basic elements of a Zener diode. Two resistors (R1 and R2) are used to configure one of the error amplifier inputs to track part of the output voltage.    

Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator Trainer Setup:  

With Load Voltage Regulation:–

• The reverse breakdown voltage is found from a reverse characteristic of Zener diodes.

Make sure the Zener is connected in reverse bias, i.e., the +V terminal of supply is connected to the Negative, and the –V terminal is connected toPositive of Zener. 

• Any two terminals of load resistance are connected to form one end, and the other terminal acts as the other. Connect the resistance in parallel position to ziode.
• Increase the DC voltage to enter into the Zener Breakdown region.

Without Load Voltage Regulation:–

• The reverse breakdown voltage is found from a reverse characteristic of Zener diodes. 
• Make sure the Zener is connected in reverse bias, i.e., the +V terminal of supply is connected to the Negative, and the –V terminal is connected to Positive of Zener. 

Read also: Difference Between Diode, Zener Diode and LED ! TescaGlobal

Types of Zener Diode Trainer?

• 5.1V Zener Diode 5% 500 mW
• 5.1V Diode ±2% 500 mW
• 12V Zener Diode ±5% 5 W 

Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator Trainer Brochure?            

Nvis 6508 Experimentation with Zener Diode Voltage Regulator has been designed specifically to study regulated power supply based on Zener diodes. As a Zener diode is generally employed in a standard circuit as a voltage regulator, it is very useful for students to study the operation of a Zener diode. This training board provides different sections of a regulated power supply, i.e., step-down transformer, bridge rectifier, capacitive filter, and voltage regulator.

Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator Trainer Price?    

Zener diodes are used in many electric applications. Many such uses involve Bluetooth technology. A standard Bluetooth device needs a voltage of 3V for work. 

The price of these Zener diodes starts from 30 dollars. You can also connect multiple Zener diodes in series, which is usually done to achieve a particular Zener voltage. It causes because the highest Zener current becomes equal to the lowest diode. It means that where two diodes are connected, one will not show the stated Zener current if diodes don’t have the same Zener current specifications.

A diode is a semiconductor device that conducts in a single direction. These diodes are  semiconductor components, but the difference is that they work both in forward and reverse. The Conventional diodes are doped, whereas the ziode diodes are doped more highly.

Tesca Global Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator Trainer?        

Zener diodes are silicone-based discrete semiconductor devices that allow current to flow bidirectionally – either reverse or forward. Diodes are composed of a heavily-doped P-N silicon junction, intended to conduct in the reverse direction once a particular voltage threshold has been met. Zener diodes have reverse voltage breakdown. Main benefit of Zener diodes is that the range of voltages will still maintain a constant voltage. Most applications have a small leakage current flow when connected in the reverse mode. When the current increases to a maximum (determined by the resistors in series), it will stabilise and remain constant over a wide range of applied voltage. A Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator is highly useful when it comes to stabilising variations in load against a voltage source. 

ConclusionThis article is all about Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator. If you are listening this name for the first time then you should go through this article once. It will definitely help you.