Simulation No.

3
ZENER DIODE VOLTAGE REGULATION
Course: ECE 027 – FUNDAMENTAL OF Section: CPE21S1
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
Group Members: Date Submitted:
Allen Bayoneta Instructor: MS. SANCHEZ
Stephen Antonio
Jenelle Borja
Tyrone Garraton
Kyle Ching
Vincent Clarito
Renzo Cabanos

• Objective(s)
The activity aims to introduce the capability of zener diodes in regulating varying voltage
inputs.

• Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

The students shall be able to:
1) Analyze the forward-bias and reverse-bias characteristics of a Zener diode
2) Examine the significance of a regulator circuit and its employment
3) Inspect the capability of Zener diode and Transistor in regulating voltage.

• Discussion

Zener Diode is a type of diode that is designed operate in the reverse bias condion. As soon as the
reverse voltage reaches a pre-determined value which is called the breakdown voltage, the zener
diode begins to conduct in the reverse direction. The breakdown voltage of a Zener diode is set by
modifying and controlling the doping level during manufacture.

When forward biased voltage is applied to the zener diode, it works like a normal diode. However, when
reverse biased voltage is applied to the zener diode, it works in different manner. When a zener diode is reverse
biased, it admits only a little amount of leakage current until the voltage falls below the zener voltage. And when
it reaches the zener voltage, it begins to allow a considerable amount of electric current.A minor increase in
reverse voltage will dramatically increase the electric current at this moment.
 Zener diodes can also be used to provide voltage clipping. It helps to clip all amplitude noise or
voltage spikes such as an electrostatic discharge. The circuit of Figure below has two Zeners
connected series opposing to symmetrically clip a waveform at nearly the Zener voltage. The
resistor limits current drawn by the Zeners to a safe value.

Source: https://www.physics-and-radio-electronics.com

• Procedure
Activity 1 – Zener Diode Signal Clipping
• Represent the circuit below in Multisim.

• XFG1 represents a function generator. XSC1 is an oscilloscope. XMM1 is a multimeter.

For other components, you can refer to the part number given on the image. Make sure to
follow the parameters set on the function generator. An image is shown below.
 • Note for the amplitude of the clipping level of the Zener diode for the positive and the
negative half cycle.
• Draw the output waveform and measure the amplitude. To do this, make sure to open the
oscilloscope and the digital multimeter. Take note that the DMM should be in V (voltage)
and AC (alternating current).

• Data and Results

Figure 1. In this figure, we followed the given circuit in Multism.

Figure 2. In this figure, we set the function generator to its proper parameters. Frequency is set to 100 Hz
and the amplitude is set to 5 Vp.
 Figure 3. The output waveform from the oscilloscope. We can see the clipping the positive and negative
half cycles.

The clipping that the zener diodes made to the positive half cycle from approximately 5.13V was
reduced to approximately 4.839V with a 0.291V difference.

The clipping that the zener diodes made to the negative half cycle from approximately -4.961V
was reduced to approximately -4.002V with 0.959V difference.

Figure 4. The voltage shown in the multimeter is 3.314V.

 Figure 5. Amplitude comparison of the waveform with the Voltage output from the multimeter.

• Observation

From the experiment, we can see how the Zener Diode regulates the voltage from a source. The
oscilloscope shows the wave form of the current during the positive and negative half cycles. In the
positive half cycle, the voltage is clipped to 4.839V and -4.002V in the negative half cycle. Since the two
zener diodes face each other, it is expected that there will be clipping for both sides of the waveform. The
result also shows that the negative half cycle regulated a lesser voltage than the positive half cycle.

In the diagram, the voltage across the load is can be seen through the multimeter. From a source with
an amplitude of 5Vp the Zener diodes regulated the voltage to 3.314V across the load. This shows that
much voltage is regulated by the Zener diodes in the circuit.

• Interpretation

Therefore, it can be said that Zener Diodes can regulate a constant voltage across the load which is
3.314V in this diagram. In addition to voltage regulation applications, Zener diode can be used in ac
applications to limit voltage swings to desired levels. It can modify the shape of an alternating current
waveform which is why the clippings shows in the oscilloscope. This two conditions shows why Zener
Diode can be used as a voltage regulator.
 • Conclusion

Through the conducted experiment, we can therefore conclude that due to the constant 3.314V that
flows along with the load, the Zener Diodes temperature remains the same and thus not affect any changes
with the result/outcome.

• Assessment Tasks

Why is a zener diode used as a voltage regulator?

- When the Zener diode is given reverse bias feedback, there is a small number of leaked currents
until it attains the constant voltage. At this point, the current begins to move seamlessly without any
change in voltage. Therefore, the constant voltage helps the zener Diode as Voltage Regulator.
Explain how the zener diode maintains constant voltage across the load.
- With a change in an input voltage or in load resistance, the output voltage across the zener diode
remains constant. Therefore, the zener diode provides constant voltage though out the load.
What is the temperature coefficient? Does it affect the performance of the zener diode?
- When two different breakdown mechanisms exist, the actual zener effect predominates below
approximately 6 volts. It has a negative temperature coefficient. As evident in the activity, even if
only 4.839v came from the positive half cycle and -4.002v from the negative half cycle with a
constant 3.314v across the load, it did not affect the performance of the zener diodes. With that
said, it only has an effect when it reaches 6 volts and above. If that will be the case scenario, the
avalanche effect predominates, possessing a positive temperature coefficient. Meaning to say, as
temperature increases, the breakdown voltage increases as well.

Note:
• Procedures should have documentation. Meaning, while creating the simulation on the simulation
tool provided, save screenshots of the steps you have performed. Include them in Section V. Every
picture should have a caption and discuss what happened.
• Submission of simulation report is done by the group representative.

Honor Pledges:
“I accept responsibility for my role in ensuring the integrity of the work submitted by the group in which I
participated.” – Allen Bayoneta

“I accept responsibility for my role in ensuring the integrity of the work submitted by the group in which I
participated.” –Stephen Antonio

“I accept responsibility for my role in ensuring the integrity of the work submitted by the group in which I
participated.” – Jenelle Borja
“I accept responsibility for my role in ensuring the integrity of the work submitted by the group in which I
participated.” –Tyrone Garraton

“I accept responsibility for my role in ensuring the integrity of the work submitted by the group in which I
participated.” –Kyle Ching

“I accept responsibility for my role in ensuring the integrity of the work submitted by the group in which I
participated.” –Vincent Clarito

“I accept responsibility for my role in ensuring the integrity of the work submitted by the group in which I
participated.” –Renzo Cabanos