Diodes - Zener - Single

The 1PGSMA4746 R3G is one of many Zener Diode single products available from on semiconductor. This particular VZ options from 3.2 V to 45 V and provides reverse current leakage of 2 µA at 2.5 V.

The application of Zener diodes is widely used in voltage regulation, overvoltage protection and even pulse generation. In general, when the diode is placed in reverse bias, the voltage applied to the anode will become larger than the voltage applied to the cathode, however when the reverse bias reaches the Zener breakdown voltage (Vz) and the reverse current (IR) exceeds the "knee current" (IZK), the diode behaves like a short circuit and the voltage across it remains constant.

The working principle behind this is the emergence of a large number of electron and holes, filled with electrons in the depletion region of a Zener diode, when subject to reverse bias. Zener diodes also pinches off in the forward biased direction but with a very low current compared to their reverse bias current. This renders them useful in applications such as voltage references, voltage divider circuits, overvoltage protection and clipping circuits.

Coming back to the 1PGSMA4746 R3G, this diode is suitable for a wide range of over voltage protection (OVP), spike protection, transient, range setting and circuit tightening protection requirements and such can be used in various electrical and electronic devices, communication equipments, consumer electronics and automotive solutions.