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EEB501 - Lab 8

This document describes a laboratory exercise to determine the characteristics of zener diodes. The exercise involves constructing circuits using 3.3V and 5.6V zener diodes in both forward and reverse bias configurations. Students will record voltage and current measurements and plot the forward and reverse characteristics curves on graphs. They will then analyze and explain terms like forward bias, reverse bias, zener point, slope resistance, and zener current. The aim is to investigate the uses of zener diodes by examining their electrical properties and behavior.

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Rahul Deo
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102 views

EEB501 - Lab 8

This document describes a laboratory exercise to determine the characteristics of zener diodes. The exercise involves constructing circuits using 3.3V and 5.6V zener diodes in both forward and reverse bias configurations. Students will record voltage and current measurements and plot the forward and reverse characteristics curves on graphs. They will then analyze and explain terms like forward bias, reverse bias, zener point, slope resistance, and zener current. The aim is to investigate the uses of zener diodes by examining their electrical properties and behavior.

Uploaded by

Rahul Deo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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EEB501

Introduction to Electrical & Electronics Engineering

LABORATORY EXERCISE: 8

Title: Zener Diode

Aim: To determine the characteristics of zener diode and to investigate their uses.

Materials:
 DC Power Supply
 Digital Multi-meter (DMM)
 Resistor – 220Ω (1W)
 Zener Diodes – 1 x 3.3V, 1 x 5.6V
 Cutter, Long Nose Pliers
 Breadboard & Connecting Wires

Introduction:
The Zener Diode or "Breakdown Diode" as they are sometimes called, are basically the
same as the standard PN junction diode but are specially designed to have a low pre-
determined Reverse Breakdown Voltage that takes advantage of this high reverse
voltage. The point at which a zener diode breaks down or conducts is called the "Zener
Voltage" (Vz).

The Zener diode is like a general-purpose signal diode consisting of a silicon PN


junction. When biased in the forward direction it behaves just like a normal signal diode
passing the rated current, but when a reverse voltage is applied to it the reverse
saturation current remains fairly constant over a wide range of voltages. The reverse
voltage increases until the diodes breakdown voltage VB is reached at which point a
process called Avalanche Breakdown occurs in the depletion layer and the current
flowing through the zener diode increases dramatically to the maximum circuit value
(which is usually limited by a series resistor). This breakdown voltage point is called the
"zener voltage" for zener diodes.

Procedure:
Part A: Forward Characteristics
1. Connect the circuit using the 3.3V Zener Diode as shown in Figure 1.
2. Select 100mA range on the Ammeter and 10V range on the Voltmeter.
3. Switch on the power supply and adjust it to give a reading of 0.1V on the Voltmeter.
4. Record the corresponding reading on the Ammeter.

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5. Repeat for the different values of voltages until current reaches 30mA.
6. Tabulate your results.
7. Repeat for different values of zener diode.

Figure 1: Circuit diagram for Part A

Part B: Reverse Characteristics

1. Repeat part A using zener diodes connected in reverse biased mode as shown in
Figure 2.

Figure 2: Circuit diagram for Part B

Results:
Record your results in the table given below

Applied Voltage Forward Bias Reverse Bias


No.
Vs VF IF IR VR
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

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Discussion:
1. Plot a graph of I vs. V for 3.3V zener diode on a pair of axes. Label the reverse and
forward characteristics.
2. Plot a graph of I vs. V for 5.6V zener diode on a pair of axes. Label the reverse and
forward characteristics.
3. Comment on the Forward and Reverse characteristics curve.
4. Explain the following terms:
 Forward bias
 Reverse bias
 Zener point
 Slope resistance
 Zener current, IZ

Requirements:
i. Please remember that all Laboratory exercise have to be supervised and results
verified while it is still connected on the breadboard and signed by the Supervisor or
Lecturer conducting the class.
ii. Any unsigned lab sheet, when submitted will be classified as null and void.

LAB SUPERVISOR:____________________ DATE:______________

Due before next Lab Class

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