Tutorial

Chapter 4. Diodes
1. Differentiate between:
a. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductor
b. Forward and Reverse Characteristics of Diode
c. Avalanche Breakdown and Zener Breakdown
d. Half-wave and Full-wave Rectifier
2. Derive the parameters of full-wave rectifier.
3. Why is zener diode used as a voltage regulator?
4. In the circuit shown in Figure 1, is the zener diode in the on or off state? [Ans: OFF]

Figure 1 Figure 2

5. In the circuit shown in Figure 2, determine the range of RL which will result in constant
voltage of 10V across RL. [Ans: 250Ω to 1.5 kΩ]
6. For the circuit shown in Figure 3, find:
(i) the output voltage
(ii) the voltage-drop across series resistance
(iii) the current through zener diode.

Ans: 50 V, 70 V, 9 mA
Figure 3

7. Over what range of input voltage will the zener circuit shown in figure 4 maintain 30 V
across 2000 Ω load, if the series resistance R = 200 Ω and zener current rating is 25
mA? [Ans: 33V – 38V]

Figure 4 Figure 5

Er. Kobid Karkee 1

Himalaya College of Engineering
 Tutorial
Chapter 4. Diodes
8. The circuit of figure 5 uses two zener diodes, each rated at 15 V, 200 mA. If the circuit
is connected to a 45-volt unregulated supply, determine:
(i) The regulated output voltage
(ii) The value of series resistance R.
Ans: 30 V, 75 Ω
9. A 10-V zener diode is used to regulate the voltage across a variable load resistor as
shown in figure 6. The input voltage varies between 13 V and 16 V, and the load current
varies between 10 mA and 85 mA. The minimum zener current is 15 mA. Calculate the
value of series resistance R. [Ans: 30 Ω]

Figure 6

10. For the following clamping circuits determine the output waveforms:
a.

b.

c.

Er. Kobid Karkee 2

Himalaya College of Engineering
 Tutorial
Chapter 4. Diodes
d.

e.

f.

g.

Er. Kobid Karkee 3

Himalaya College of Engineering
 Tutorial
Chapter 4. Diodes
11. For the following clipper circuits determine the output waveforms:
a.

b
.

c.

d
.

Er. Kobid Karkee 4

Himalaya College of Engineering
 Tutorial
Chapter 4. Diodes
e.

f.

Er. Kobid Karkee 5

Himalaya College of Engineering