Experiment Laboratory Report

Title of Experiment Activity:

ZENER DIODE

Experiment No: _1__

Nam Signature
e
Stacy Shane Cortes

Simulation Activity performed on date

Report submitted on date

Instructor : Engr. Darwin Espera

I. OBJECTIVES

1. To construct a circuit using Zener diode as a voltage regulator.

2. To observe the output voltage of the circuit as the input voltage varies.
 II. MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT USED

1. Zener Diode
2. Resistor
3. Wires
4. Tester
5. Analog reader
6. Bread board

III. PROCEDURE
The Zener diode laboratory experiment activity involves testing the characteristics and behavior
of a Zener diode in a circuit. Here is a general procedure that you can follow for this
experiment:

Using the Schematic Diagram that was drawn on the board, set up the circuit on the
breadboard. Connect the positive terminal of the power supply to one end of the series
resistor and connect the other end of the resistor to the anode (positive terminal) of the
Zener diode. Connect the cathode (negative terminal) of the Zener diode to the negative
terminal of the power supply of the analog reader.

Using the tester that is set to read the output voltage, connect it in parallel to the Zener
diode to measure the output voltage. Ensure that the tester is set to the appropriate
voltage range.

Double-check all the connections and ensure that there are no short circuits or loose
connections.

Turn on the power supply and gradually increase the voltage until the Zener diode starts
regulating the voltage. Monitor the output voltage on the multimeter. It should remain
relatively constant once the Zener diode enters the breakdown region.

Record the input and output voltages in a table, noting the corresponding values for
different input voltage levels.

To observe the effect of load variation, you can change the value of the load resistor and
measure the corresponding output voltage and current.

Analyze the data obtained and observe the behavior of the Zener diode as a voltage
regulator. Note any deviations from the desired output voltage and consider the
limitations of the Zener diode.
 IV. DATA AND RESULTS
Input Voltage Voltage Load

1V 0.838 V

2V 1.539 V

3V 2.305 V

4V 3.286 V

5V 3.90 V

6V 4.61 V

7V 5.39 V

8V 6.15 V

9V 6.28 V

10 V 6.29 V

11 V 6.28 V

12 V 6.30 V

Fig 1.1 SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

VOLTAGE LOAD
7
6
5
4
Fig. 1.2 RESULTS
3
2
1
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
 Fig. 1.3 Voltage Load Plot

V. CONCLUSION
The design of rectifier diodes makes it possible for them to conduct current when
sufficiently forward biased (that is, when the voltage at the anode is 0.2-0.7V greater than the
voltage at the cathode), but they are able to stop the flow of current when reverse biased. If the
reverse voltage is allowed to exceed the design spec for too long, the blocking ability diode will
suddenly fail at some point in the future. In general, small silicon rectifiers can block up to one
thousand volts. Small diodes will typically explode up at this stage, with the exception of
situations in which the available current is extremely low or the overvoltage event is extremely
brief, in which case the diode may be able to survive. Zener or avalanche diodes were
developed to operate in a manner analogous to that of a rectifier, but with a more consistent and
dependable reverse breakdown point. The Zener effect should not be confused with the
avalanche breakdown, but both of them. Play a role in a given diode with the Zener effect
dominant below 6V and avalanche above. The terms are often used interchangeably. The
voltage that is created across the device is able to remain constant once the breakdown
threshold has been achieved, provided that the remainder of the circuit is able to limit the
amount of current that is flowing through it.
VI. DOCUMENTATION