Questions and Answers
What happens to the reverse current as the reverse voltage is increased in a zener diode?
It remains extremely small
What is the main purpose of a zener diode?
To operate in the reverse-breakdown region
What effect does the breakdown have on the zener impedance in a zener diode?
It decreases
What remains essentially constant at the bottom of the knee in a zener diode?
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What is the consequence of a change in zener current in a zener diode?
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What is a zener diode designed for?
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In a zener diode, what characteristic curve portion exhibits a certain change in VZ for a certain change in IZ?
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What does Ohm's law define the ratio of?
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What happens when the zener diode is forward-biased?
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Which semiconductor material was used in early LEDs and emits IR radiation?
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What determines the light output (intensity and color) of an LED?
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What is IR radiation?
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What is the direct relationship between power output translated into light and the forward current in an LED?
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What decreases with higher temperature in an LED?
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Study Notes
Zener Diode Characteristics
- As the reverse voltage is increased in a zener diode, the reverse current increases rapidly.
- The main purpose of a zener diode is to provide a stable reference voltage.
- When the breakdown occurs, the zener impedance in a zener diode decreases.
- The voltage at the bottom of the knee in a zener diode remains essentially constant.
- A change in zener current in a zener diode results in a corresponding change in voltage.
Zener Diode Design and Operation
- A zener diode is designed for voltage regulation and voltage reference applications.
- The knee portion of the characteristic curve exhibits a certain change in VZ (zener voltage) for a certain change in IZ (zener current).
- When a zener diode is forward-biased, it operates as a normal diode.
LEDs
- Early LEDs used gallium arsenide (GaAs) semiconductor material and emitted IR (Infrared) radiation.
- The light output (intensity and color) of an LED is determined by the semiconductor material used.
- IR radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than visible light.
- There is a direct relationship between power output translated into light and the forward current in an LED.
- The luminous efficiency of an LED decreases with higher temperature.
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