Single Zener Diodes

Zener diodes (also known as voltage reference diodes) are a special type of diode specifically designed to maintain a constant voltage level. They are made of semiconductor material which allows them to conduct in either direction and function as both an electrical insulator and a conductor. The most commonly used diode in this category is the BZX585-C8V2,135.

Application Field

Single zener diodes such as the BZX585-C8V2,135 are used in a variety of applications from power supply protection to alternative current rectification. They are especially suited for use in high voltage power supplies due to their high breakdown voltage and low reverse leakage current. They are also used for regulating and stabilizing the operating voltage in noise reduction, filtering and testing circuits.

Working Principle

Single zener diodes work on the principle of reverse bias breakdown. When the reverse voltage across the diode exceeds a certain threshold voltage, known as the breakdown voltage, the diode begins to conduct in the reverse direction and allows current to flow in the opposite direction to the normal current flow. This action causes the diode to maintain a constant voltage even when the supply voltage is varying.

The diode works by exploiting the decrease in the reverse saturation current (Iz) with increasing applied reverse voltage (VZ). When the reverse voltage across the diode reaches the breakdown voltage, there is a dramatic increase in the current, causing the voltage to drop to the breakdown voltage level. The breakdown voltage depends on the size of the junction, which in turn depends on the doping concentration of the semiconductor used.

Summary

The BZX585-C8V2,135 single zener diode is an excellent choice of diode for a variety of applications. It works on the principle of reverse bias breakdown, allowing it to maintain a constant voltage level regardless of the varying supply voltage. It is well suited for use in high voltage power supplies, voltage regulation and noise reduction circuits.