Aim

To understand the working and design circuit of zener diode as voltage regulator using zener diode, potentiometer, multimeter and suitable resistances.

Introduction

Zener diode is a p-n junction diode with high amount of doping, so as to decrease the width of p-n junction depletion layer which leads to large amount of electric field in depletion layer for small potential difference across zener diode.

Voltage regulator circuit have application in various filed of electronics where a constant voltage is required, zener diode is its important component without which voltage regulation is not possible.

Apparatus used

Zener diode

Circuit board

Wires

9V battery and battery connector

LED (5mm, 1.5V)

Resistors

Push button type toggle switch

Potentiometer (10KΩ)

Theory and working

1.)Working of zener diode in forward and reverse biasing

2.)Understanding the functioning of zener diode as voltage regulator

3.)Circuit diagram used in making of voltage regulator using zener diode

Conclusion

The output of zener diode is constant and equal to its breakdown voltage, rest of the potential difference is dissipated across a series resistance in form of heat.

Sources of errors

Write yourself

Precautions

Do not connect any electronic component without resistance in series, it can burn the component.

Applications

In inverters, voltage stabilizers, battery eliminators and almost all electronic devices.

Bibliography

NCERT textbook of class 12

Physics by S.L.Arora

Circuits available on internet