A zener diode must be reversed based, for operation as a voltage reference. The normal diode reverse saturation current is allowed to flow, when the reverse voltage is smaller than Vz, which is the zener voltage measured at the given test Izt.
A short outline on zener diodes and their applications in electronic industry
1. A Short Outline on Zener Diodes and Their
Applications in Electronic Industry
The automotive, medical, military, telecommunication and aerospace industries
always rely on electronic components. Only these industries rely on electronic
component manufacturers to manufacture and deliver electronic parts for their
use. In addition to this, they also rely on some of the reputed distributors that can
efficiently and timely meet their demands. This post discusses an electronic
component like zener diodes in detail.
Introduction to using zener diodes as voltage references
A p-n junction semiconductor device that is designed for operating in the reverse
breakdown region of their VI characteristics curve is known as a zener diode. The
voltage drop across the diode will remain constant, by maintaining their reverse
current with certain limits. The zener diode will act as a voltage reference if
maintained in this mode of operation.
A zener diode must be reversed based, for operation as a voltage reference. The
normal diode reverse saturation current is allowed to flow, when the reverse
voltage is smaller than Vz, which is the zener voltage measured at the given test
2. Izt. Large forward current flows and the forward diode voltage is typically 0.7 V,
when the diode is forward biased then it acts as an ordinary silicon diode.
It is important to understand that the temperature sensitivity of a zener diode is
given as a percentage change in reference voltage per centigrade degree change
in diode temperature. The direction of the change is systematically related to the
mechanism of breakdown.
How to read zener diode code?
Many technicians across the world are confused on how to really read a zener
diode code. It is important to understand that there are only two types of code
indicated in the body of the diode. It is essential to understand that the look and
appearance of zener diode can sometimes be extremely confusing and it can be
mistaken to be a normal signal diode. You can differentiate zener diode from
normal single diode by looking at the code number on the body of the diode.
Every zener has the word “ZD” printed by the manufacturers on its main board.
Here the word “Z” is referred as zener and the word “D” represent a diode.
In addition to this, some diodes only have the letter “D” and that represent the
zener diode, which makes it little confusing for technicians to identify if the diode
is a normal single diode or zener diode.
the component’ body from a semiconductor data book is the only way to find out
if the referring code number printed represent zener diode or normal diode. It is
next to impossible to know the actual zener diode voltage, without data book. It is
important to be alert when checking the part number of a zener diode. You
should carefully observe the marking on the main board and read the zener diode
part number. You can easily find the right voltage of a zener diode, with the help
of the semiconductor book and right kind of knowledge.
Things to remember while choosing a distributor of zener diode
It is simply impossible to purchase right kind of zener diode without dependable
wholesale zener diodes distributors. You should only contact reliable distributors
who can supply all kinds of zener diodes in a timely manner. Distributors have
3. appointed trained logistics team and have developed wide distribution network,
in order to deliver the zener diodes within promised time frame.
As a quality focused name, some of the zener diode suppliers and distributors
should ensure that the quality of the zener diode is always maintained in
accordance with electronic component industry laid norms and regulations.
While selecting zener diode distributor for your company, you must consider
timely delivery, quality of zener diodes, and the ability of the diodes wholesale
distributor & suppliers to meet the bulk demands of zener diode within promised
time frame. The range of zener diodes offered and inventory of the suppliers or
wholesalers should also be considered by you while selecting distributors and
suppliers of zener diodes.