My first task was to measure the voltage across the Zener Diode, and recorded 4.95V.
Then I was to vary the voltage to 10V and 15V and recorded 4.70V and 5.06V.
As the Vs of 12V passes through the 1st resistor it reaches the Zener Diode. The zener Diode rated at 5V1 then starts operating and lets current through. The 1st resistor acts as a current limiting resistor and has a Pd of 7V from being connected in series with the Zener Diode. The 2nd resistor is the load.
Because the zener diode has a breakdown region of 5v1 it acts as a 5V1 Regulator circuit.
Reversing the polarity of the Zener diode into forward bias gave me a reading of 0.852V. This is because when the zener diode is connected in forward bias, it acts the same as a normal diode.
The first resistor limits the current and has a pd of 7 V.
ReplyDeleteThe second resistor is the LOAD!
The zener diode breaks down at 5.1 V and keeps the voltage there.