Diodes - Zener - Single

The 2EZ3.9D5E3/TR8 is a Zener Diode, commonly used as a voltage regulator and as a transient suppressor. Zener diodes are essentially the opposite of regular diodes. While regular diodes allow electricity to flow in one direction, Zener diodes pass a certain amount of electricity in either direction.

A common usage of a Zener diode is to regulate the output voltage from a power supply, as the current increases in order to protect the power supply from unexpected power surges. Zener Diodes can also be used for radio receivers, as a clipper or for various other switching, voltage limiting and signal clipping applications.

The 2EZ3.9D5E3/TR8 is packaged in a DO-213AA package, making it suitable for mounting on a printed circuit board or for surface mount technology. It has a reverse surge current rating of 400 mA, with an operating temperature range of -55°C to +150°C.

Zener diodes work on the principle of reverse bias breakdown. A reverse bias breakdown occurs when a certain amount of voltage is exceeded and the diode begins to conduct in a reverse direction. The amount of current needed to activate the device is directly proportional to the reverse voltage across it. As the reverse voltage increases, more current is required to activate the Zener diode. This is how the device functions as a voltage regulation device; when the voltage exceeds the fixed value specified by the device, the Zener diode limits the voltage to that value.

As a transient suppressor, the 2EZ3.9D5E3/TR8 is used to limit current and voltage transients from incoming or outgoing signals. This makes it suitable for protection of sensitive electronic devices and circuits. Transient suppressors work by allowing the current to pass through them when the voltage spike or dip does not exceed a certain limit and diverting the current away from the protected circuitry when the voltage exceeds a certain limit.

In conclusion, the 2EZ3.9D5E3/TR8 is a Zener Diode designed to be used as a voltage regulator or a transient suppressor. It is suitable for use on a printed circuit board or as a surface mount device. Zener diodes work on the principle of reverse-bias breakdown and when used as a voltage regulator can protect against voltage spikes. Transient suppressors on the other hand, divert current away from protected circuitry when the voltage exceeds a certain limit.