The above circuit shows a simple circuit showing a voltage regulator which takes a 12V DC supply and it is regulated to 6.2V by the diode used at the output. The diode used for such purposes is Zener diode.
Why Zener Diode is used for such applications:
- Zener is specifically designed to operate in reverse biased condition.
- Unlike, other diodes, when reverse voltage is applied and breakdown occurs the diode is not damaged.The current through the diode is controlled by the Resistor connected in series with the Zener diode
- The characteristics of the diode and comparison between diodes is as follows:
Zener - Reverse voltage varies from 1.8 V to 200 V as per the diode selected
Normal diode: Available with forward drops in the range 50-1000V
Schottky: In the range 20-45 V
The above ranges indicate that Zener is available across voltage ranges especially from the lower voltage perspective where regulation requirements are more.
The Zener diode is as in the below graph, which shows the avalanche breakdown that occurs and is handled by the diode.
- The voltage remains constant for a range of current drawn which is ideal scenario for the Regulation applications
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