Assignment 1 EC3011

DC voltage regulator using Zener diode

Introduction

A Zener diode is a type of diode that allows current to flow not only from its anode to
its cathode, but also in the reverse direction, when the Zener voltage is reached. Zener
diodes have a highly doped p–n junction. Normal diodes break down with a reverse
voltage, but the voltage and sharpness of the knee are not as well defined as for a Zener
diode. Normal diodes are not designed to operate in the breakdown region, whereas
Zener diodes operate reliably in this region.

Objectives
 Identify the applications of Zener diode.
 Design a DC voltage regulator using Zener diode.

Implementation

A 12 V regulated DC power supply to be designed from 15 V DC supply. The following

circuit diagram is selected as the regulated DC power supply.

1. When the load resistance RL is vary from 500 Ω to 2 kΩ, Select an appropriate
value of RS form the standard resisters available.
2. Calculate the minimum and maximum power ratings of the Zener diode.
3. Select an appropriate Zener diode from the commercially available Zener diode
in the market. Also state its commercial code number.
Discussion
1. What are the significant factors of selecting a Zener diode?
2. Provide an alternative circuit for DC voltage regulation.
3. Compare the advantages and disadvantages between the circuits that you have
designed and you have stated in (2).