BZX84C10-7

BZX84C10-7 is a single Zener diode, manufactured by various companies, such as NXP, STMicroelectronics, and Vishay. It is an all-around diode, with multiple applications and fairly basic functionality. This diode is of the junction type, which means that it has two semiconducting layers, most typically of semiconducting silicon material, which, when put together, create a junction between them. The symbol for the diode, in a circuit diagram, is a triangle and a line, as shown in figures 1 and 2.

BZX84C10-7 is a very versatile diode, and can be used for many applications in different scenarios. One such area is circuit protection, where the diode can be used to protect the rest of the circuit from high levels of voltages and/or currents, preventing damage to the circuit. Another area where BZX84C10-7 is useful is voltage regulation, where the diode can be used to regulate the flow of current in a circuit. In this scenario, the protection of the circuit remains, while a certain predefined voltage level is also maintained. Generally, these uses are limited to applications operating at the range of 0.5 to 8 Volts.

The working principle of BZX84C10-7 is fairly simple. The two semiconductor layers found in junction diodes create a zone of reduced electric potential between them, called a depletion layer. When the negative side of the anode is connected to the positive pole of the cathode, charges flow from the anode to the cathode, until the depletion layer is completely filled up. When the anode voltage increases, so does the depletion layer, creating a "valley" of sorts that prevents further charge from flowing from the anode to the cathode. This is known as the breakdown voltage.

The magnitude of the breakdown voltage is a fixed value for a BZX84C10-7, determined by its parameters. This makes it very useful in applications where a certain level of voltage needs to be maintained, such as in voltage regulation. When the voltage increases beyond the breakdown voltage, current will flow in the opposite direction, allowing the diode to protect the rest of the circuit from overvoltages.

BZX84C10-7 is a single Zener diode, classified as a junction diode. It has multiple uses, such as for protection or voltage regulation. The basic working principle lies in the depletion layer between the semiconducting layers, which prevents further charge from flowing when a certain voltage is exceeded. In this way, the diode can be used to both protect a circuit, as well as maintain a certain predetermined voltage level.