1N3517A

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1N3517A is a kind of Zener diode, belonging to the Single category. It is widely used in the applications of voltage regulation, over-voltage protection and other low power circuit fields.

1N3517A is constructed with a three-layer semiconductor junction of PNPN structure, which is the basic structure of a Zener diode. The working principle of 1N3517A relies on the uncertainty of diffusion of opposite charges to generate and control a reverse breakdown voltage.

The layer structure of the Zener diode is the main difference between it and ordinary diodes. Traditional diodes are known as “forward-biased” diodes, which means that when current flows through the diode, it loops in the forward direction and no current flows through the diode in the reverse direction.

Conversely, the Zener diode is constructed in a way that when the voltage is increased up to the Zener breakdown voltage (Vz), current will pass through it in the opposite direction. The diode is called “reverse-biased” at this point. When the voltage exceeds the Vz, a certain current Id will flow through the diode steadily as long as this voltage is kept at a constant.

Now in the particular case of 1N3517A, when its voltage exceeds the rated Zener voltage Vz, electrons and electron holes effectively recombine in the junction region of the diode. This means the current through it will remain the same, creating a constant voltage across the diode at the Zener voltage Vz.

This particular feature makes 1N3517A suitable for applications in the fields of voltage regulation, over-voltage protection, and other low power circuit fields. 1N3517A is a reliable constant voltage source as it is able to regulate itself to the Vz specified value when the input voltage increases.

The symbol for 1N3517A comprises two arrows under a ‘Junction’ label. Arrows indicate the flow of electric current through the diode. The arrow pointing towards the diode anode indicates the direction of the current flowing in, as opposed to the arrow pointing away from the diode anode, which indicates the direction of current flowing out.

As in all diode applications, the maximum allowable current must be taken into account before the diode is connected to any power source. The equation ID (Amps) = PD (Watts) / VF (Voltage) is used to calculate the maximum current it can take in, wherein PD is the power dissipation rating and VF is the forward voltage of the diode. Excessive currents would lead to non-linearities, further leading to instability and malfunction.

Hence, given its properties of voltage regulation and voltage stabilization, 1N3517A is indeed a suitable and reliable choice of diode for applications of voltage regulation, over-voltage protection and other low power circuit fields.

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