BZD17C68P MTG

A zener diode is a two-terminal electronic device that is designed to have a voltage available across it, that is very close to the breakdown voltage of the device. An example of a zener diode is the BZD17C68P, a single-level device. This particular diode is commonly used in applications such as voltage regulation, reverse bias protection, and surge protection.

The BZD17C68P is an axial lead diode with a maximum power dissipation of 100mW. It has an average forward current of 100mA, and reverse voltage of 6.8 volts. It is often used in power supplies to protect components from surges, or to act as a low-cost voltage regulator. The device can also be used for voltage limiting, due to its low reverse leakage current.

To understand the working principle of the BZD17C68P, we need to understand what a zener diode is. A zener diode is similar to a regular semiconductor diode, with two exceptions. First, the zener diode has a significantly larger "zener breakdown voltage" than a regular diode, and second, its characteristics allow it to operate in a reverse voltage breakdown mode. When a reverse voltage is applied to the diode, the electrons in the diode are forced to jump across the very thin depletion layer, causing current to flow in the reverse direction.

The BZD17C68P is designed to start conduction when it is exposed to a reverse voltage of 6.8 volts. This is the "zener breakdown voltage" it is designed to have. Once the reverse voltage exceeds this breakdown voltage, the device will start conducting, allowing current to flow in the reverse direction. This keeps the applied voltage at the diode\'s breakdown voltage, ensuring a stable voltage across the diode.

The BZD17C68P is mainly used in the field of AC line protection, switching power supplies, regulated power supplies, overvoltage protection, and level shifters. It is also used in automotive applications, for instance for protecting voltage-sensitive circuits from voltage fluctuations.

In conclusion, the BZD17C68P is a zener diode with a single breakdown voltage of 6.8 volts. It is used in many different applications, from voltage regulation and AC line protection to automotive circuit protection. By understanding the device\'s working principle and its different application fields we can ensure its optimal use.