AZ23B18-G3-18

AZ23B18-G3-18 application field and working principle

The AZ23B18-G3-18 is a type of Zener array composed of 18 individual Zener diodes. The diodes have a maximum total power dissipation of 0.5 watts, and can be operated in the temperature range of -20 to +80 Celsius. The AZ23B18-G3-18 is primarily used for voltage regulation and current limiting circuitry, due to its low cost and low power consumption.

Application Field

The AZ23B18-G3-18 is commonly found in automotive, power, and industrial analog circuits. In these areas, the AZ23B18-G3-18 is used as an over-voltage protection device, limiting current and voltage by short-circuiting dangerous signals. The array can also be used as a simple voltage limiter, allowing a designer to quickly set a maximum voltage for a circuit.

In addition, the AZ23B18-G3-18 is a preferred choice for applications requiring several differently rated Zener diodes, as it is less expensive than buying and installing individual Zeners. The array simplifies the installation process, as all 18 diodes are connected in parallel.

Working Principle

The AZ23B18-G3-18 works on the principle of a Zener diode, which is a semiconductor device consisting of a p-n junction. When the reverse voltage across the junction is above the breakdown voltage of the device, it behaves as a diode and current starts flowing through it. The current is limited to what is required to maintain the voltage across the junction at the breakdown voltage.

When the AZ23B18-G3-18 is used as a voltage limiter, it limits the voltage across a circuit by short-circuiting the input voltage if it exceeds a certain level. This is achieved by connecting the array in series with the voltage source and the load, as shown in the figure below.

When the input voltage is below the array’s breakdown voltage, the diodes remain off and the voltage across the load is the same as that of the input source. However, when the input voltage exceeds the array’s breakdown voltage, current starts flowing through the array, lowering the voltage across the load to the breakdown voltage.

Using this principle, the AZ23B18-G3-18 provides voltage protection and overvoltage protection, as well as acting to limit the voltage across a circuit. This makes the array ideal for use in a variety of applications, including power supplies, automotive electronics, and industrial analog circuits.