ZENER DIODE
A Zener diode is specially
designed so as to have a reduced breakdown voltage,
the so-called Zener voltage. A Zener diode
contains doped p-n junction allowing electrons to
Channel from the valence band of the p-type material
to the conduction band of the n-type material
The
basic parameters of a zener diode are:
(a)
The zener voltage must be precised. The most common
range of zener voltage is 3.3 volts to 75 volts.
(b) Most popular tolerances are 5%
and 10%, more precision tolerances as low as 0.05 %
are available . A test current (Iz) must be
specified with the voltage and tolerance.
(c) The power handling capability
must be specified for the zener diode. Popular power
ranges are: 1/4, 1/2, 1 , 5, 10, and 50 Watts
