In this tutorial, we are going to make a “Zener Diode Voltage Regulator Circuit”.
A voltage regulator is a system designed to automatically maintain a constant voltage. For a simple voltage regulation in the circuit or design, the Zener diode is the cost-effective solution. Zener diode is a silicon semiconductor with a p-n junction that is specifically designed to work in reverse biased conditions and is especially known for Zener breakdown operation. This diode operates in Zener breakdown or avalanche breakdown;
However, the word Zener is used for all components having sharp breakdown characteristics in the reverse direction. When forward biased, it behaves like a normal signal diode, but when the reverse voltage is applied to it, the voltage remains constant for a wide range of currents. Due to this feature, it is used as a voltage regulator in DC. circuit. The primary objective of the Zener diode as a voltage regulator is to maintain a constant voltage. Let us say if a Zener voltage of 5 V is used then, the voltage becomes constant at 5 V, and it does not change. Here we designed a simple Zener Diode Voltage Regulator Circuit to give 5-volt output from 9-volt input, you can replace the Zener diode to get desired output voltage.
Hardware Component
The following components are required to make Zener Diode Voltage Regulator Circuit
| S.no | Component | Value | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Resistor | 33Ω | 1 |
| 2. | Zener Diode | 5.1V/1W | 1 |
| 3. | Power Supply | 9V | 1 |
Zener Diode Voltage Regulator Circuit
Working Explanation
In this schematic, a 5.1 Volt Zener diode is used in reverse bias. As we can see Zener diode is connected in parallel with the load. The resistance Rs are connected in series with the Zener diode to limit the current in a circuit. The input voltage is set greater than the Zener voltage for proper operation. When the input voltage increases or above the Zener breakdown voltage then the Zener starts to conduct up to the breakdown voltage level and gives regulated output voltage.
Applications
Zener diode is used as a shunt voltage regulator for regulating voltage across small loads.
