Chapter 2:

Diode Applications

Islamic University of Gaza

Dr. Talal Skaik

Zener Diodes
A Zener diode is a type of diode that permits current
not only in the forward direction like a normal diode,
but also in the reverse direction if the voltage is larger
than the breakdown voltage known as "Zener voltage
(VZ).
Common Zener voltages are between 1.8 V and 200 V.
Zener diode is used as regulator.

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Zener Diodes

Approximate equivalent circuits for the Zener diode in the three

possible regions of application.
Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e
Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Example 2.24

Determine the reference voltages

provided by the network which uses a white LED
(4V) to indicate power is on. What is the power
delivered to the LED and to the 6 V Zener diode.

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Basic Zener Regulator

Remove Zener diode from network.
Calculate V across open circuit.
If VVz , Zener diode is on.
If V<Vz, Zener diode is off.

Substituting the Zener equivalent

for the on situation

Determining the state

of the Zener diode.
Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e
Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Example 2.26
(a) For the Zener diode network, determine VL, VR, IZ and PZ.
(b) Repeat part (a) with RL=3 k.

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Example 2.26 - Solution

(a) determine VL, VR, IZ and PZ. (RL=1.2 k)

V=8.73 V (<10)
IZ=0

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Example 2.26 - Solution

(b) determine VL, VR, IZ and PZ. (RL=3 k)

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

8

Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Voltage Doubler

This half-wave voltage doublers output can be calculated by:

Vout = VC2 = 2Vm
where Vm = peak secondary voltage of the transformer

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

9

Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Voltage Doubler

Positive Half-Cycle
o D1 conducts
o D2 is switched off
o Capacitor C1 charges to Vm

Negative Half-Cycle
o D1 is switched off
o D2 conducts
o Capacitor C2 charges to 2Vm

Vout = VC2 = 2Vm

(a) positive half-cycle; (b) negative half-cycle.

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e
Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

10

Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Voltage Doubler

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Practical Applications
(AC to DC Converter)

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Practical Applications
Battery Charger

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Practical Applications
Battery Charger

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Practical Applications - Polarity insurance

(a) Polarity protection for an expensive, sensitive piece of equipment; (b) correctly
applied polarity; (c) application of the wrong polarity.
Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e
Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Practical Applications - Polarity Detector

Polarity detector using diodes and LEDs.

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e
Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Practical Applications Exit sign using LEDS

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Practical Applications AC Regulator

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

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Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Practical Applications Square-Wave Generator

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 10/e

Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky

Dr. Talal Skaik 2014

19

Copyright 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.