Experiment 3

Components: 2 x resistors, 1 x 5V1 400mW Zener Diode

R= 100 ohm, RL= 100 ohm, Vs=12 volts


Vz value

Vz=4.98 volts at Vs=12 volts

Vary Vs from 10V to 15V

At 10V, Vz=4.81 volts

At 15V, Vz=5.1 volts

Explanation:

In this circuit zener diode in reverse bias takes maximum 5.1 volts to work and let the rest through to negative side of the circuit, so only 5.1 volts available for the second resistor in parallel with zener diode.

Such circuit can be used for voltage regulator.

Now we reverse polarity of zener diode and value of Vz now 0.853 volts and zener diode now in forward bias and needs around 0,8 volts to work so it takes 0.8 volts and let the rest through.