3EZ20D5E3/TR8

Diodes - Zener - Single

3EZ20D5E3/TR8 is a single zener diode that belongs to the same family of zener diodes as other members of its family such as 1N4728A, 1N4727A, 1N4729A, 1N4730A, 1N4731A and 1N4732A. Zener diodes are diodes designed to be specifically utilized in the reverse direction, where they act as voltage regulators instead of passing current through them. Unlike ordinary rectifier diodes, which are designed to only allow current to flow in one direction, the voltage for a zener diode remains constant in either direction as long as power is applied to it. The 3EZ20D5E3/TR8 diode in particular has a maximum power rating of 500mW, a voltage rating of 20V, a tolerance of ±5%, and a maximum reverse current of 5mA.

Application Field

The 3EZ20D5E3/TR8 diode can be widely used in various projects and applications due to its low cost. It is particularly useful as a voltage regulator in situations where a constant, regulated voltage needs to be maintained. This makes it ideal for controlling LED brightness, power supply designs, and even audio amplification. The 3EZ20D5E3/TR8 can also be used in circuit protection, such as protecting circuits from voltage spikes and surges.

Working Principle

As previously stated, the 3EZ20D5E3/TR8 zener diode is designed to function in the reverse direction and regulate voltage. Its name refers to its inventor, Dr. Julius Edgar Lilienfeld, who developed the diode in the 1920s. The diode operates on the principle of avalanche breakdown, wherein when a voltage reaches a certain point, the current will increase dramatically for a short period of time. This is precisely what the 3EZ20D5E3/TR8 does when connected in reverse: when voltages reach 20V +/-5%, the current will rapidly increase until the voltage reaches a set point. At this set point, the zener diode will regulate the current, allowing it to remain at a constant level.

In addition to regulating voltage, the 3EZ20D5E3/TR8 can provide surge and ESD protection to a circuit. This is achieved by the diode having a maximum rated reverse current of 5mA - if a higher current is drawn for any reason, the diode will close the circuit, offering more protection than a simple resistor. Interestingly, the unit can also provide temperature compensation – as the temperature rises, the rated voltage drops.

Conclusion

The 3EZ20D5E3/TR8 diode is a low-cost single zener diode that can offer a multitude of features and benefits. It has a wide range of uses in various projects, such as controlled LED brightness, power supply designs, audio amplification, and circuit protection. The 3EZ20D5E3/TR8 operates using the principle of avalanche breakdown – when a voltage reaches a certain point, the current will increase dramatically until the voltage reaches a set point. At this set point, the zener diode will regulate the current, allowing it to remain at a constant level.