Quote of the Day

Ten (10) Commandments of Success

5. Be Exact:
“Slipshod Methods bring Slipshod Results”

6. Have Spirit of Conquest:

“ Thus you can Successfully Battle & Overcome Difficulties”

CHARLES M. SCHWAB

06/11/2022 Engr Sardar Ahmad 2

 Electronics Devices & Circuits
(208158)
Lecture-5
Special Purpose Diodes-1

06/11/2022 Engr Sardar Ahmad 3

 Class Learning Objectives
 Introduction
 Zener Diodes
 Varactor Diodes
 Optical Diodes
 Laser Diodes
 PIN Diodes
 Schottky Diodes
 Current Regulator Diodes
 Summary
 Introduction
 General-Purpose Diodes and its Applications
 Rectifiers (Half, Full & Bridge)
 Filters, Limiters / Clampers & Multipliers
 Special Purpose Diodes designed for Specific
Applications including
 Zener Diodes
 Varactor Diodes
 Light-Emitting, Photo & Laser Diodes
 Schottky, Tunnel, PIN Diodes
 Current Regulator Diodes
Special Purpose Diodes
 Zener Diode
Operation
 Zener Diode designed for Limiting
Voltage across its terminals in
Reverse Bias
 Designed to Operate in Reverse
Breakdown Region
 Breakdown Voltage set by
Controlling Doping Level
 Diodes Voltage remains almost
Constant with Drastic Current
Changes
 Constant Voltage : Key to Zener
Diode Primary Applications Characteristic Curve
Zener Diode
Ideal & Practical Model : Zener Diode
 Ideal Zener Diode

 Practical Zener Diode

with ZZ
 Zener Diode
Zener Impedance +

ZZ

 Zener Impedance, ZZ : Ratio of Change in +

Voltage in breakdown region to Corresponding

VZ
–

Change in Current: –

VZ
ZZ 
I Z
Practical model

What is Zener Impedance if Zener Diode Voltage changes from 4.79

V to 4.94 V when Current Changes from 5.00 mA to 10.0 mA?

VZ 0.15 V
ZZ    30 W
I Z 5.0 mA
The Zener Diode
Zener Diode Applications
Zener Diode Applications
Zener Diode Applications
Zener Diode Applications
Zener Diode Applications
Zener Diode Applications
Zener Diode Applications
 Zener Diode Applications
Zener as Voltage Regulator
 In low current applications, Zener diode can be used as
Basic Voltage Regulator R

1.0 kW
+ 1N756
VIN 8.2 V RL
18 V –
 Zener used as 8.2 V Regulator

VIN  VZ 18 V  8.2 V
 No Load Zener Current : I NL    9.8 mA
R 1.0 k

 Maximum Load in Regulation 8.2 V 837 W

RL  
9.8 mA
 Zener Diode Applications
Zener Diode Applications
 Zeners : Used in Three-Terminal Regulators to establish a
Reference Voltage
 Circuits Capable of Larger Load Currents than Basic Zener
Regulators
 Zener Diode Applications
Zeners as Limiters
 Zeners : Used as Limiters
 Back-to-Back Zeners limit the Output to Breakdown
Voltage plus one Diode Drop
Special Purpose Diodes
 Special Purpose Diodes
Varactor Diodes
 Varactor Diode : Special Purpose Diode operated in Reverse-
Bias to form Voltage-Controlled Capacitor
 Width of Depletion Region increases with Reverse-Bias
A
C
d
 As Depletion Widens,
Capacitance Decreases

 As Effective Plate Separation

widens, capacitance will
decrease
 Varactor Diodes
 Varactors : Always operate in Reverse Bias
 Specially designed for Voltage-Controlled
Capacitors
 Doped to Maximize Capacitance
 Depletion region acts as Capacitor
Dielectric due non-conductive
 P & N regions conductive & Act as
Capacitor Plates
 Junction Capacitance varies with Reverse
Bias
 Used in Communication Systems as Tuning
& Resonant Circuits
 Varactor Diodes Applications
Applications
Optical Diodes
 Optical Diodes
Optical Diodes
 Diodes : Emit light or Sense Light
 Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) vary in Size & Brightness
 LEDs : Used as Small Indicating Lights / displays to high-
intensity LEDs for Traffic Signals, Outdoor Signs & General
Illumination
 LEDs : Efficient Light Emitters & extremely
reliable
 Automobile headlamps also use LEDs
 Optical Diodes
Operation
 Optical Diodes
Semiconductor Materials
 Optical Diodes
LEDs
 LEDs emit Specific
Wavelengths based on
Construction & Dye Material
used
 LEDs available for Visible
Light & Infrared

 Peak Wavelength of Green LED : 540 nm

 Optical Diodes
LEDs
 Another Characteristic of LEDs : Radiation Pattern
 Pattern shows Light Concentrated in one direction
 Wider viewing angle will show wider pattern
 Optical Diodes
LEDs
 Forward Voltage Drop : Vary from 1.5 V - 3 V depending on type
of Diode, its Color and Forward Current
 While Choosing Limiting Resistor, Take into account specified
Maximum Current allowed and Diode’s Forward Drop
 Optical Diodes
LEDs Applications
 Optical Diodes
LEDs Applications
 Optical Diodes

LEDs Displays
Optical Diodes
Optical Diodes
 Optical Diodes
Photo Diodes
 Photo Diode : Special Light Sensitive
diode with Clear Window to pn
Junction
 Operates with Reverse Bias
 Reverse Current increases with
Greater Incident Light
 Tiny current : Present when diode
not exposed to light-called Dark Current
 Optical Diodes
Operation
Thanks