Zener Diode Voltage Regulator
Value: 10.0 V
Value: 6.0 V
Value: 4.0 mA
Value: 5x IL
Calculated Series Resistor (RS): 167 Ω
Nearest Standard Resistor: 150 Ω
Actual Zener Current (IZ): 20.0 mA
Total Current (IT): 24.0 mA
About Zener Voltage Regulators
A Zener diode can be used to maintain a constant voltage across a load in a circuit, even when the input voltage varies. The series resistor (RS) is chosen to ensure sufficient current flows through the Zener diode for proper regulation.
RS = (Vin - VZ) / (IL + IZ)
where:
Vin = input voltage
VZ = Zener voltage
IL = load current
IZ = Zener current (typically 3-10× IL for good regulation)
where:
Vin = input voltage
VZ = Zener voltage
IL = load current
IZ = Zener current (typically 3-10× IL for good regulation)
Circuit Elements
Unregulated Power Supply: Provides a varying input voltage that needs to be stabilized.
Series Resistor (RS): Limits current and drops excess voltage (Vin - VZ).
Zener Diode: Conducts in reverse bias at VZ, maintaining constant voltage across the load.
Load: The device receiving the regulated voltage.
