American International University- Bangladesh

Faculty of Science and Technology (FST)

Electronic Devices

Fall 2024-2025

Section: Z, Group: 02

LAB REPORT - 04

Study of Zener Diode

Supervised By

SADIA YASMIN

Submitted by

Name ID Contribution
1.M.Sakib Sadman Arian 23-54986-3 Experimental Data, Abstract,
Simulation
2. Jarin Tasnim 23-54985-3 Procedure, Discussion,Simulation
3. Md Tahsin Ur Rahman 23-54884-3 Analysis, Simulation
4. Asmaul Husna 23-54988-3 Theory, Data Table
5. Salman Arefin 22-47262-1 Data Table

Date of Submission : 2 December 2024

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 Title of the Experiment: Study of Zener Diode.

Abstract:

In this experiment, the main objective is to know what Zener diode is and about its voltage-current
characteristics. Also, we will study about the voltage regulation characteristics of a Zener diode. A Zener diode is
a silicon semiconductor device that permits current to flow in either a forward or reverse direction. The Zener
diode operates just like the normal diode when in the forward-bias mode. However, when connected in the
reverse mode, if the reverse voltage increases to its predetermined breakdown voltage (Vz), a current start
flowing through the diode. That certain breakdown voltage is also known as "Zener voltage"

Theory:
A Zener diode is a diode that allows current to flow in the forward direction in the same manner as an ideal diode
but also permits it to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value known as the
breakdown voltage, Zener knee voltage, Zener voltage, avalanche point, or peak inverse voltage. If the voltage is
increased beyond this certain value, there is a sudden rapid rise in current causing the destruction of the device.
The basic function of the Zener diode is to maintain a specific voltage across its terminals within given limits of
line or load voltage. Usually, it is used to provide a stable reference voltage for power supplies and other
equipment. Figure 1 shows a Zener diode-based circuit that maintains a 10 V reference voltage. When a reverse
voltage equal to the Zener voltage is applied, the reverse current is limited only by the small value of Zener
resistance and the circuit series resistance, R.

Figure 1: Zener diode circuit that maintains a 10 V across the load.

A Zener diode is much like a normal diode, the exception is that it is placed in the circuit in reverse bias mode
and operates in reverse breakdown. The typical characteristic curve in Fig. 2 illustrates the operating range (ash
color region) for a Zener diode. Note that its forward characteristics are just like a normal diode as in Fig. 2.

Figure 2: The normal operating region of a Zener diode is shaded.

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The doping process determines the Zener diode’s breakdown characteristics. One of the most important features
of the characteristic curve in the reverse direction is called the Zener voltage (Vz), which is the voltage at which
avalanche or Zener breakdown occurs. This region is shown in Fig. 3.
There are two types of Zener diodes based on the breakdown voltage ranges, such as
1. Low voltage Zener diodes
2. High voltage Zener diodes.
Low voltage Zener diodes have operating Zener breakdown less than 5 V. Those designed to operate more than
5 V, operate mostly in avalanche breakdown range, are known as high voltage Zener diodes. Zener diodes are
available with breakdown voltage ranges from 1.8 V to 200 V.
At a particular Zener voltage, there is a minimum and maximum current called the Zener knee or minimum (IZK)
and maximum (IZM) currents. The minimum Zener current (IZK) is necessary to cause the Zener diode to avalanche,
that is, to work in the Zener mode. The maximum Zener current (IZM) is necessary to limit the power dissipation
in the Zener diode in the Zener mode. This is illustrated in Fig. 3.
The resistance of the Zener diode in the breakdown region is called the dynamic resistance that can be obtained
by finding the slope of the line in the breakdown region (i.e., in the third quadrant). For most applications, it is
desirable that dynamic resistance (Rz) should have as low a value as possible. The small value of Rz is reflected
in the steep slope of the Zener characteristics in the reverse direction and this is the reason why the Zener diode
finds so many applications as a voltage reference regulator circuit, in voltage surge protection, and in waveform
shaping circuits.

Figure 3: The minimum and maximum ranges of operating current for a Zener to maintain its voltage effectively.

A Zener diode can be operated in both forward and reverse-biased modes. In forward-biased mode, the anode of
the Zener is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, and the cathode of the Zener is connected to the
negative terminal of the battery. Then it will act as a normal diode. In reverse-biased mode, the anode of the Zener
is connected to the negative terminal of the battery, and the cathode of the Zener is connected to the positive
terminal of the battery as shown in Fig. 4 (a). In the latter mode, the Zener diode can act as a voltage regulator.
A voltage regulator is designed to keep the output voltage of a circuit at a constant value, independent of the input
voltage and independent of the load current. A Zener diode connected in parallel to the load is the simplest form
of such a voltage regulator circuit shown in Fig. 4 (b). If the voltage across the load tries to rise, then the Zener
diode takes more current. The increase in current through the resistor causes an increase in voltage drop across
the resistor and causes the voltage across the load to remain at its correct value. Similarly, if the voltage across
the load tries to fall, then the Zener diode takes less current. The current through the resistor and the voltage across
the resistor both fall. The voltage across the load remains at its correct value.

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 (a) (b)
Figure 4: Zener diode-based circuit diagram: (a) Characteristics study; (b) Voltage regulator study.

Pre-Lab Homework:
Students will be provided with the upcoming lab manuals, and they will be asked to prepare the theoretical
(operations/working principle) information on the topic from the textbook.
Besides, they must implement the circuit (as given in Figures 5-6) using a MultiSIM simulator. Observe the input-
output wave shapes and take the snapshots using the snipping tool. Measure the values of different key parameters
and fill up the tables (Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4) based on the simulation results.

Apparatus:
SL# Apparatus Quantity
1 Zener Diode 1
2 Resistance (100  220  0 ) 1 each
3 Potentiometer (0-20 k, 0-1 k) 1 each
4 Project Board 1
5 Function Generator 1
6 Oscilloscope 1
7 DC milliammeter (0-500 mA) 1
8 Multimeter 1
9 Connecting Leads 10

Precaution!
1. Diodes should never be removed or inserted into a circuit while voltage is applied.
2. The replacement diode must be oriented correctly within the circuit.
3. Proper connection of the transformer should always be ensured.
4. When testing a diode:
a. The test voltage must not exceed the diode’s maximum allowable voltage.
b. The replacement diode must be correctly oriented in the circuit.

Experimental Procedures:
(A) Study of Zener diode characteristics:
1. The actual value of the 470 Ω resistor is to be measured.
2. The circuit is to be connected as shown in Fig. 5 (a).
3. A multimeter (in voltmeter mode) and a milliammeter should be connected to measure the line
voltage (VR) and diode voltage (VD).
4. The DC power supply should be turned on with the voltage control knob set to 0 V.
5. The voltage control knob is to be gradually rotated from 0 to +15 V, in steps of 0.1 V up to 1 V, and
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 then in steps of 1 V up to 15 V, as outlined in Table 1 (a).
6. The voltage across the supply terminals, diode, and resistor should be measured for all cases.
7. The DC power supply is to be turned off.
8. The diode current (Id) is to be calculated, and Table 1 (a) should be completed.
9. The circuit is then to be connected as shown in Fig. 5 (b).
10. Steps 3–8 are to be repeated, with the results recorded in Table 1 (b).
11. Images of the circuit diagram should be recorded.
12. The Id-VD and IZ-VZ characteristic curves for the Zener diode in forward and reverse bias modes
are to be plotted.
13. The knee voltage and static and dynamic resistance of the Zener diode are to be determined from the
forward curve.

(a) (b)
Figure 5: Circuit diagram for the determination of Zener diode’s (a) forward and (b) reverse characteristics

Table 1 (a) Data for the Id – VD Curve

Source Voltage, Es (V) Diode Voltage, VD (V) Resistor Voltage, VR (V) Diode Current, Id (mA)
0 0.0013 0 0

0.1 0.105 0 0

0.2 0.181 0 0

0.3 0.248 0 0

0.4 0.382 0 0

0.5 0.447 0 0

0.6 0.557 0.0017 0.0037

0.7 0.641 0.033 0.0718

0.8 0.677 0.114 0.248

0.9 0.686 0.160 0.348

1.0 0.694 0.213 0.464

2.0 0.743 1.191 2.594

3.0 0.761 2.226 4.849

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(B) Study of Zener diode voltage regulation characteristics against the source voltage variation:

1. The actual values of the potentiometers are to be measured.

2. The circuit is to be connected as shown in Fig. 6.
3. A multimeter (in voltmeter mode) and a milliammeter should be connected.
4. The DC power supply is to be turned on with the voltage control knob set to 0 V.
5. The line resistance, R=470 ΩR = 470 \, \Omega, and load resistance, RL=10 kΩR_L = 10 \,
\text{k}\Omega, should be set.
6. The voltage control knob is to be gradually rotated from 0 V to +15 V in steps of 1 V, as outlined in Table
2.
7. For each step, the line voltage (VRV_R), load voltage (VLV_L), line current (II), Zener current (IZI_Z),
and load current (ILI_L) are to be measured.
8. All data should be recorded in Table 2.
9. Images of the circuit diagram during data collection are to be captured.
10. The DC power supply is to be turned off.

Table 1 (b) Data for the IZ – VZ Curve [Put minus sign (–) before VZ and IZ]

Source Voltage, Es (V) Diode Voltage, VZ (V) Resistor Voltage, VR (V) Diode Current, IZ (mA)
0 0.0011 0 0

0.1 0.029 0 0

0.2 0.113 0 0

0.3 0.224 0 0

0.4 0.318 0 0

0.5 0.474 0 0

0.6 0.568 0 0

0.7 0.712 0 0

0.8 0.754 0 0

0.9 0.876 0 0

1.0 0.938 0 0

2.0 2.015 0 0

3.0 2.987 0 0

4.0 3.96 0 0

5.0 5 0.0007 0.0015

6.0 5.61 0.372 0.810

7.0 5.62 1.36 2.962

8.0 5.63 2.38 5.185

9.0 5.64 3.281 7.148

10.0 5.65 4.33 9.833

12.0 5.66 6.27 13.66

15.0 5.67 9.24 20.13

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 Experimental Data for the IZ – VZ Curve

E3swae

Figure 6: Circuit diagram for the determination of Zener diode’s voltage regulation characteristics

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 Table 2(a) Data for the voltage regulation curve against the source voltage variation
Source Voltage, Line Voltage, Load Voltage, Line Current, Zener Current, Load Current,
Es (V) VR (V) VL (V) I (mA) IZ (mA) IL (mA)
0.0 0.0001 0.0017 0.00021 0.00004 0.00017

1.0 0.04 0.867 0.087 0 0.087

2.0 0.087 1.926 0.189 -0.006 0.195

3.0 0.130 2.801 0.283 -0.001 0.284

4.0 0.174 3.77 0.379 -0.003 0.382

5.0 0.218 4.72 0.474 -0.004 0.478

6.0 0.332 5.60 0.723 0.156 0.567

7.0 1.33 5.62 2.897 2.328 0.569

8.0 2.356 5.63 5.123 4.562 0.570

9.0 3.33 5.64 7.254 6.682 0.572

10.0 7.37 5.65 9.520 8.947 0.573

12.0 6.35 5.66 13.834 13.26 0.574

15.0 9.28 5.67 20.217 19.642 0.575

Study of Zener diode voltage regulation characteristics against the load resistance variation:
1. The actual values of the potentiometers are measured.
2. The circuit is connected as shown in Fig. 6.
3. A multimeter (in voltmeter mode) and a milliammeter are connected.
4. The DC power supply is turned on with the voltage control knob set to +15 V.
5. The line resistance (R=100 ΩR = 100 \, \Omega) and load resistance (RL=1 kΩR_L = 1 \, \text{k}\Omega) are
set using the 50 kΩ\Omega potentiometer.
6. The resistance control knob is gradually rotated from 1 kΩ\Omega to 20 kΩ\Omega in steps of 1 kΩ\Omega, as
outlined in Table 3.
7. For each step, the line voltage (VRV_R), load voltage (VLV_L), line current (II), Zener current (IZI_Z), and
load current (ILI_L) are measured.
8. All data are recorded in Table 2(b).
9. Images of the circuit diagram during data collection are captured.
10. The DC power supply is turned off.
Table 2(b) Data for the voltage regulation curve against the load resistance variation
Load Resistance, Line Voltage, Load Voltage, Line Current, Zener Current, Load Current,
RL (k) VR (V) VL (V) I (mA) IZ (mA) IL (mA)
0.0 14.00 0.750 30.501

1.0 13.54 1.411 29.49 28.079 1.411

2.0 12.40 2.561 27.015 21.105 1.28

3.0 11.43 3.527 24.901 23.731 1.17

4.0 10.68 4.27 23.26 22.2 1.06

5.0 10.01 4.94 21.808 20.82 0.988

6.0 9.39 5.56 20.45 19.524 0.926

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 7.0 9.36 5.60 20.39 19.59 0.8

8.0 9.35 5.60 20.37 19.67 0.7

9.0 9.35 5.60 20.37 19.74 0.622

10.0 9.35 5.60 20.37 19.81 0.56

12.0 9.34 5.60 20.34 19.87 0.466

14.0 9.35 5.60 20.37 19.97 0.4

16.0 9.34 5.60 20.34 19.99 0.35

18.0 9.36 5.60 20.39 20.07 0.311

20.0 9.50 5.61 20.69 20.41 0.28

Simulation & Measurement:

Table 1 (a)

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Table 1 (b)

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Table 2 (a)

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Table 2 (b)

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 Table 1 (a) Simulated Data for the Id – VD Curve

Source Voltage, Es (V) Diode Voltage, VD (V) Resistor Voltage, VR (V) Diode Current, Id (mA)
0 0 0 0

0.1 0.099 0.0000049 0.000000013

0.2 0.199 0.0000098 0.000000027

0.3 0.299 0.000013 0.000000055

0.4 0.4 0.00000037 0

0.5 0.499 0.000033 0.00000011

0.6 0.599 0.000229 0.00000044

0.7 0.698 0.0015 0.0000033

0.8 0.788 0.011 0.000023

0.9 0.854 0.045 0.00096

1.0 0.893 0.106 0.00022

2.0 0.998 1.002 0.0021

3.0 1.03 1.97 0.0041

Table 1 (b) Simulated Data for the IZ – VZ Curve [Put minus sign (–) before VZ and IZ]

Source Voltage, Es (V) Diode Voltage, VZ (V) Resistor Voltage, VR (V) Diode Current, IZ (mA)
0 0
0 0
0.1 0.0000042
0.099 0.00000013
0.2 0.0000054
0.199 0.00000027
0.3 0.000014
0.299 0
0.4 0.0000077
0.4 0
0.5 0.000059
0.499 0
0.6 0.000102
0.599 0.00000016
0.7 0.000192
0.699 0.00000022
0.8 0.000393
0.799 0.00000044
0.9 0.000807
0.899 0.00000088
1.0 0.0015
0.998 0.0000017
2.0 0.243
1.756 0.0000034
3.0 1.028
1.972 0.00051
4.0 1.933
2.067 0.0021
5.0 2.874
2.126 0.0041
6.0 3.831
2.169 0.0061
7.0 4.797
2.203 0.0081

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 8.0 5.769
2.231 0.012
9.0 6.745
2.254 0.014
10.0 7.725
2.275 0.016
12.0 9.691
2.309 0.02
15.0 12.651
2.349 0.026

Simulated Data for the IZ – VZ Curve

Discussion & Conclusion:

The purpose of this experiment was fulfilled which was study of Zener Diode. In this experiment the Zener
voltage was identified by varying supply voltage and monitoring current through the Zener diode and resistor.
From the graph of I-V characteristic of a Zener diode its shown that our Zener voltage is 5V. From this
experiment it was learned that Zener diode work for a circuit as a overvoltage protection or it can be said that it
can protect a circuit from voltage spike. Because Zener diode reverse voltage stay constant if voltage to the
circuit increased. Also, the voltage regulation circuit was learned in this experiment where current increase when
load resistance decreases as a result voltage drop in Load decreased.

References:
[1] Robert L. Boylestad, Louis Nashelsky, Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 9th Edition, 2007-2008
[2] Adel S. Sedra, Kenneth C. Smith, Microelectronic Circuits, Saunders College Publishing, 3rd ed., ISBN: 0-03-
051648-X, 1991.
[3] American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) Electronic Devices Lab Manual.
[4] David J. Comer, Donald T. Comer, Fundamentals of Electronic Circuit Design, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.,
ISBN: 0471410160, 2002.
[5] Resistor values: https://www.eleccircuit.com/how-to-basic-use-resistor/, accessed on 20 September 2023.

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