ZENER DIODE

Aim:

To draw the characteristic curve of a Zener diode and to determine their reverse break down
voltage.

Apparatus required:

A Zener diode, Milli Ammeter, Voltmeter , a ten volt battery ,a high resistance zero stat, one
20 Ω resistance, one way key, wires.

Theory:

1. Zener Diode:
It’s a semiconductor diode, in which n-type and p-type sections are heavily dope,
(i.e), they have more percentage of impurity atoms. This heavy doping results in a low
value of reverse breakdown voltage (BVR). this value can be controlled during
manufacture.
The reverse breakdown voltage of a Zener diode, is called Zener voltage (V Z). the
reverse current that results after breakdown, is called Zener current (IZ).
2. Circuit Parameters:
In the circuit given before,
BI=Input voltage (Reverse Bias)
V0=Output voltage (RL/ IL)
RI=Input Resistance
RL=Load Resistance
II=Input current (Reverse current)
IZ=Zener diode current
IL=Load current
3. Relations:
IL=II-IZ
VO=VI-RI
Initially as V, is increased, I1increases a little, then VOincreases.
At back down, increase of VI increases II by large amount, so that VO= VI-
RIIIbecomes constant.
This constant value of VOwhich is reverse breakdown voltage, is Zener voltage.
4. Formula:
VO=VI - RIII
Constant value of VO gives reverse breakdown voltage.

Procedure:

1. Arrange the apparatus as shown.

2. Make the connections neat, clean and tight.
3. Note least count/zero error of voltmeter/ammeter(micro).
 4. Bring moving contact of potential divider (rheostat) near negative and insert the key K.
5. Move contact towards positive and to apply some reverse bias voltage(V1). Ammeter
reading is zero and voltmeter gives equal reading [(i.e) VO=V1 since I=0 (eqn.2)]
6. As VI is further increased, II starts flowing. Then VO BECOMES LESS THAN
VI.NOTE VI, II,VO
7. Go on increasing VI in small steps of 0.5V. Note the corresponding II and VO which
would have been increased.
8. As VI is made more and more, II and VO increases.
9. At one stage as VI increased further, II increases by large amount and VO does not
increase. This is reverse breakdown situation.
10. As VI increased further, only II is found to.
11. Increase VI to value of 10V, noting corresponding values.
12. Record your observations.

OBSERVATIONS:

1)Least count of the voltmeter (v1)=____v

2)Zero error of the voltmeter(v1) =____v
3)Least count of the voltmeter (v2)=____v
4)Zero error of the voltmeter (v2) =____v
5)Least count of milli-Ammeter =____mA
6)Zerro erro of milli-Ammeter =____

2)Table for vI , vo ,II :

S.NO OUTPUT VOLTAGE INPUT CURRENT (mA)
V0 (VOLTS)
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.
 11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Result:

The reverse breakdown voltage of Zener diode is ______ Volts.

Sources of error:

1. Zener diode supplied may not be perfect or may be faulty.

Precautions:

1. All connections should be neat, clean and tight.

2. Key should be in circuit and opened when not in use.

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