I

EEE 313

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Lecture 3

The Zener Diode

The zener diode is designed to operate in the reverse

breakdown region. I F

Cathode (K)
Ideally, the reverse
breakdown has a Breakdown
VZ
constant breakdown VR VF

voltage. This makes it

Reverse-
Anode (A) useful as a voltage breakdown
region
reference, which is its
Symbol
primary application. IR

Characteristic curve

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Summary

The Zener Diode

+

Z
The zener impedance,
ZZ, is the ratio of a Z

change in voltage in the breakdown region to+– V

Z

the corresponding change in current: –

VZ
ZZ 
IZ
Practical model

What is the zener impedance if the zener diode voltage changes from
4.79V to 4.94 V when the current changes from 5.00 mA to 10.0 mA?
VZ 0.15V
ZZ    30 W
IZ 5.0 mA
© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Lecture 3

The Zener Diode

The temperature coefficient of a zener diode can be

specified as the percent change in zener voltage for each
degree Celsius change in temperature:
V 
TC   Z T
 VZ 
o
whereTC has units of %/
C.
Alternatively, it can be specified in terms of change in
voltage per degree Celsius change in temperature.
VZ
TC 
T
© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
o
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
whereTC has units of mV/
C. All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Summary

The Zener Diode

The temperature coefficient can be positive or negative,

depending on the zener voltage. Above 5.6 V, zeners
generally have a positive temperature coefficient; below
about 5.6 V, they have a negative temperature coefficient.

A 1N756 is an 8.2 V zener diode (8.2 Vo C)

at 25
with a positive
temperature coefficient of 5.4 omV/
C. What is the output voltage if
the temperature rises too 50
C?

5.4 mV25 C189 mV

o

VTCT
Z

V 8.389V
VZ = 8.2 V + 0.189 =
© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Lecture 3

Zener Diode Applications

In low current applications, a zener diode can be used as a

basic regulator.
R

A 1N756 (8.2 V ato C)25 is used as an 1.0 kW

8.2 V regulator in the circuit shown. + 1N756
VIN 8.2 V
What is the smallest load resistor that18V – RL

can be used before losing regulation?

Assume an ideal zener diode model.

VIN VZ 18 V8.2 V

The no load zener currentINLis   9.8 mA
R 1.0 kW
8.2 V
RL 
This is the maximum load current in regulation. Therefore,  837W
©9.8
2012mA
Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Summary

Zener Diode Applications

Zeners are used in three

-terminal regulators to establish a
reference voltage. These circuits are capable of much larger
load currents than basic zener regulators.

Control
VIN VOUT
element

Ref Error Feedback

amplifier element
Voltage
VIN VOUT
regulator

Reference ground

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Lecture 3

Zener Diode Applications

Zeners can also be used as limiters. The -to-back zeners

in this circuit limit the output to the breakdown voltage plus
one diode drop.
R

+VZ1 + 0.7V
D1
What are the maximum V
in
D2 0

positive and negative –VZ1 – 0.7V

voltages if the zener

breakdown voltage is 5.6 V?
± 6.3 V

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Summary

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Lecture 3

Varactor Diodes
Capacitance tolerance range are the range of values of
capacitance for a given varactor. The data sheet will show
the minimum nominal and maximum values, which are
often plotted on a graph. 100
70 TA = 25°C
)F 50 f = 1 MHz
For example, you can p 30
(
ec
use this graph to read na
tic
the capacitance as a ap 10
ac 7
function of reverse ed 5
o
voltage for various id
,T 3 1N5148
C
diodes. 1N5144
1N5139
1
1.0 3.0 5.0 7.0 10 30 50 60
VR, reverse voltage (V)
© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Summary

Varactor Diodes

The capacitance ratiois the ratio of the diode’s capacitance

at the minimum reverse voltage (largestC) to the diode’s
capacitance at the maximum reverse voltage (smallestC).

Maximum Ratings(T = 25°C unless otherwise noted)

C
Rating Symbol Value Unit
Data sheets also include Reverse voltage VR 60 Volts

parameters such as maximumFRForwpoardwercurrent

input*
I
Pin
F
250
5.0
mA
Watts

ratings for current, power DeDerate

vice dissipation @T = 25°C
above 25°C
A
P
D
400
2.67
mW
mW/°C

and temperature. Device dissipation @T = 25°C

Derate above 25°C
C
PC 2.0
13.3
Watts
mW/°C
Junction temperature T +175 °C
J
Storage temperature range Tstg –65 to +200 °C
*The RF power input rating assumes that an adequate heat sink is provided

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Lecture 3

Varactor Diodes

Varactor diodes are used in tuning applications. The applied

voltage controls the capacitance and hence the resonant
frequency.
+
VBIAS
–
By varyingR2, the R2

reverse bias on
D is R3
R1 C1 C2
changed. This changesV
i Vout
the capacitance, and n

hence the resonant L D

frequency.

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Summary

Optical Diodes

Diodes can be made to emit light (electroluminescence) or

sense [Link]-emitting diodes
(LEDs) vary widely in
size and brightness– from small indicating lights and
displays to high
-intensity LEDs that are used in traffic
signals, outdoor signs, and general illumination.
LEDs are very efficient light emitters,
and extremely reliable, so even wider
use of LEDs can be expected in the
future. Even automobile headlamps
may use LEDs in the future.

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Lecture 3

Optical Diodes

LEDs emit a specific range 1.0

of wavelengths which )d
ez
0.9
0.8

depend on the construction ila

m
ro
0.7
0.6
n
and dye material used. The (
tu
p
0.5
0.4
tu
wavelength is given on the o
th
g
iL
0.3
0.2
specification sheet. LEDs 0.1
0
are available for visible 420 460 500 540 580 620
λ , wa velength (nm)
660 700 740

light and infrared.

What is the peak wavelength of a green LED? 540 nm

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Summary

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Lecture 3

Optical Diodes

The forward voltage drop can vary from about 1.5 V to over
3 V depending on the type of diode, its color, and the
amount of forward current. You need to take into account the
specified maximum current allowed and the diode’s forward
drop when choosing a limiting resistor.

A certain bright red LED drops 2.2 V at a maximum current of 20 mA.

What series resistor is required to limit the current to 20 mA from a 5.0 V
source?

Vs VLED 5.0 V2.2 V

R   180W
I 20 mA
© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Summary

Optical Diodes

Other specifications, such as maximum power dissipation are

given on the manufacturer’s specification sheet. To determine
the power dissipated by the LED, multiply the forward
voltage by the forward current.

A certain bright red LED drops 2.2 V at 20 mA. What power is dissipated
by the LED?

P 
IV 20 mA2.2V 44 mW
© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Lecture 3

Optical Diodes

A photodiodeis a special light

sensitive diode with a clear )l
I(
window to thepn junction. It is ,tn
e
rr
operated with reverse bias. cu
es
re
Reverse current increases with evR

greater incident light. Dark current

0 Irradiance,H

The tiny current that is present when the diode is not

exposed to light is calleddark current.
© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Summary

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Lecture 3

Laser Diodes

Laser diodes are the most common form of lasers made.

They are used in applications such as bar code readers, fiber
optic transmitters, CD readers, laser pointers, and
instruments such
as rangefinders.

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Summary

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Lecture 3

PINDiodes

A PINdiodeis a three layer diode consistingp and

of na
layers separated by a narrow intrinsic layer. In microwave
applications, the pin diode acts as a-controlled
voltage
resistor. Certain types are used as photodetectors in fiber optic
systems.
A K
intrinsic
n region region p region

Anode Cathode
p i n

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Summary

Tunnel Diodes

A tunneldiodehas a characteristic curve that shows a

negative resistance reading between
B andC with a small
forward voltage. The negative resistance region is unstable.
Taking advantage of this characteristic, the tunnel diode can
be used in an oscillator IF

circuit at microwave B Negative-

resistance
frequencies. region

Tunneling C
A current
VF
0

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Lecture 3

Current Regulator Diodes

A current-regulator diodeis a specialized diode that

maintains a constant current when operated within a specific
region. It is never operated with reverse bias. The constant
current region is the horizontal portion of the characteristic
curve. 5.0
4.0
ZK @ VK IP & ZT @ VT

3.0
)A
m 2.0
( VL @ IL POV
tn 1.0
er
ru
c 0
ed
o –20
id
,D –40
I
–60
–80
–100
–2 –1 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
VAK, anode-cathode voltage (V)
© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Summary

Common Diode Symbols

Zener Light-emitting Photo

Varactor Laser Schottky

PIN Tunnel Current-regulator

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Zener diode A diode designed for limiting the voltag
across its terminals in reverse bias.

Varactor A variable capacitance diode.

Light-emitting diode A type of diode that emits light when th

is forward current.

Electroluminescence The process of releasing light energy by

recombination of electrons in a
semiconductor.
© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Selected Key
Terms

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

Pixel In an LED display screen, the basic unit for

producing colored light and consisting of red,
green and blue LEDs.

Photodiode A diode in which the reverse current varies

directly with the amount of light.

Laser Light amplification by stimulated emission of

radiation.

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Selected Key
Terms

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

1. A zener diode can be used as a

a. constant current source
b. voltage reference
c. both of the above
d. none of the above

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 © 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

2. The zener current for the circuit shown is

a. 3.0 mA R

b. 6.0 mA +
1.0 kW
1N5233B
V IN RL
6.0 V
1.0 kW
c. 7.5 mA 15 V –

d. 9.0 mA

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

3. The load current for the circuit shown is

a. 3.0 mA R

b. 6.0 mA +
1.0 kW
1N5233B
V IN RL
6.0 V
1.0 kW
c. 7.5 mA 15 V –

d. 9.0 mA

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

4. If each of the zener diodes have a zener voltage of 5.0 V,

the positive output will be limited to
a. +4.3 V R

b. +5.0 V D1
Vin
D2
c. +5.7 V
d. +10 V

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

5. A varactor is a diode used as a voltage-controlled

a. current source
b. light sensor
c. resistor
d. capacitor

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

6. The peak wavelength of an LED is related to

a. the viewing angle
b. the maximum power dissipated
c. the color
d. all of the above

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

7. The forward voltage drop for an LED depends on

a. the type of diode
b. the forward current
c. the color
d. all of the above

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

8. You would expect to find a laser diode in a

a. automobile tail light
b. bright sign board
c. bar-code reader
d. all of the above

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

9. A diode with a negative resistance region in its

characteristic curve is a
a. tunnel diode
b. Schottly diode
c. varactor
d. photodiode

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

10. A photodiode
a. has three layers
b. operates with reverse bias
c. is a light emitter
d. all of the above

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Quiz

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 Assignment 1

1. Watch and Download these TED Talks

from [Link]

a. How to "sketch" with electronics

b. Building blocks that blink, beep and teach

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd
 2. Identify and discuss the Top 10
Technology
Trends For 2018

© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.

Electronic Devices, 9th edition
All rights reserved.
Thomas L. Floyd