Experiment No: 04
Experiment Name: Verification of voltage stabilizer by using zener
diode.
Objectives:
1. To understand the working of a Zener diode in forward and
reverse bias conditions.
2. To study the voltage regulation property of a Zener diode.
3. To verify how a Zener diode maintains a constant output voltage
despite variations in input voltage or load resistance.
4. To calculate the Zener power dissipation and compare practical
results with theoretical values.
Apparatus Required:
1. Resistance (1k-0.25W, 1.3k-0.25 W, 4.3k-0.25 W)
2. Zener diode (BZX79, 10V)
3. Analog Ammeter (DC-mA)
4. Voltmeter (DC)
5. Trainer board
6. Connecting wires
Theory:
A Zener diode is a special type of diode designed to operate in the
reverse breakdown region without damage. Unlike a standard diode,
which only allows current in the forward direction, a Zener diode
maintains a nearly constant voltage (Zener voltage, VZVZ) across its
terminals when reverse-biased beyond its breakdown voltage. This
property makes it ideal for:
Voltage regulation: Stabilizing output voltage despite input
fluctuations or load variations.
Overvoltage protection: Safeguarding sensitive components by
clamping excess voltage.
Reference voltage circuits: Providing a stable voltage for
precision applications.
The Zener diode's ability to regulate voltage depends on its dynamic
resistance and proper selection of a series resistor to limit current.
Circuit diagram:
Procedure:
1. Connect the circuit on the trainer board according to the given
diagram.
2. Place a voltmeter across the Zener diode to measure its voltage.
3. Gradually increase the input voltage from 0 V.
o Note that the diode remains OFF when V<VzV <
V_zV<Vz.
o When V≥VzV \geq V_zV≥Vz, the diode turns ON and
maintains a constant output voltage.
4. Measure the current through the Zener diode with an ammeter.
5. Calculate the power dissipation using:
Pz=Vz×IzP_z = V_z \times I_zPz=Vz×Iz
6. Repeat the procedure for different load resistances and record
the readings.
7. Compare the practical values with theoretical calculations and
determine the percentage error.
Calculations:
Formula:
Voltage across load:
RL
V RL= ×Vi
R+ R L
Power across Zener diode:
P z=V z × I z
Example Calculation for 1.3 kΩ Load (Zener ON):
Practical Vz: V z ( prac ) ≈ I × R L=0.004 ×1300=5.2
Zener diode rating: V z ( rated )=5.1V
Percentage Error:
|V z ( rated )−V z ( prac )| |5.1−5.2|
Error= ×100 %= ×100 %
V z ( rated ) 5.1
≈ 1.96 %
Results:
Observation Table
I on 1.3 kΩ I on 4.3 kΩ
Vi (V) Zener State
(mA) (mA)
8.3 0 0 OFF
ON (1.3 kΩ) / OFF (4.3
9.0 4 2
kΩ)
Discussion:
The experiment verified that the Zener diode maintains a nearly
constant voltage once the applied reverse bias voltage reaches its
breakdown value (VzV_zVz). Below this value, it remains in the OFF
state with negligible current. When the input voltage increases beyond
VzV_zVz, the diode conducts and clamps the voltage across itself to
approximately VzV_zVz.
This property makes the Zener diode an effective voltage regulator.
The experimental results closely matched the theoretical values, with
small variations caused by instrument limitations and component
tolerances.
Precautions:
1. Ensure correct polarity of the Zener diode in the circuit.
2. Do not exceed the maximum rated power of the Zener diode.
3. Verify all resistor values and connections before applying
voltage.
4. Increase the input voltage gradually to avoid sudden surges.
5. Handle measuring instruments carefully to avoid errors or
circuit damage.
Conclusion:
The experiment successfully demonstrated the voltage stabilization
property of a Zener diode. It was observed that the diode maintained a
constant voltage equal to its breakdown voltage under reverse bias,
even with varying input voltage and load resistance. Thus, the Zener
diode is confirmed as an effective component for voltage regulation
and circuit protection