Zener Diode - 5 Volt
Key Features:-
Voltage Regulation: The primary purpose of a 5V Zener diode is to maintain a constant output voltage of around 5V across its terminals when operated in the reverse breakdown region. This voltage is known as the Zener voltage (Vz).
Reverse Breakdown: Unlike standard diodes that block reverse current, Zener diodes are designed to operate in the reverse breakdown region. When the reverse voltage applied across the diode reaches or exceeds its Zener voltage (5V in this case), it starts conducting in the reverse direction.
Stable Voltage Reference: Zener diodes serve as stable voltage references in electronic circuits, providing a known and fixed voltage for other components. They are commonly used for voltage regulation and precision voltage references.
Functionality:
The primary function of a 5V Zener diode is to provide a stable and constant output voltage of approximately 5V when the reverse voltage across it is greater than or equal to its Zener voltage (Vz). This makes it useful for voltage regulation purposes, ensuring that the output voltage remains constant regardless of variations in input voltage or load conditions.
Applications:
Voltage Regulation: They are commonly employed as voltage regulators to stabilize and control the output voltage in power supplies, ensuring it remains at 5V despite fluctuations in the input voltage or changes in load.
Voltage Reference: Zener diodes serve as stable voltage references in analog circuits, providing a precise voltage for calibration, measurement, and reference purposes.
Overvoltage Protection: Zener diodes can be used to protect sensitive components from voltage spikes and overvoltage conditions by shunting excess voltage away from the protected components.
Signal Clipping: In signal processing circuits, Zener diodes can be used to clip or limit the amplitude of signals to a specific voltage level.
Voltage Measurement: They are used in voltage measurement circuits and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) as known voltage references.