MM5Z27V Discrete Semiconductor Products

The MM5Z27V is a semiconductor diode designed to operate as a Zener diode. The device allows current to flow in the forward direction, yet blocks current in the reverse direction. In the forward direction, current is limited only by the dynamic resistance of the device. In reverse direction, the voltage applied to the device is limited to the Zener voltage of the device. The MM5Z27V has a Zener voltage rating of 27V.

The principle of operation of the MM5Z27V diode is based on the fact that a current can flow through a diode even if a reverse voltage is applied. This current flow is caused by a process known as avalanche breakdown. When a reverse voltage is applied to the MM5Z27V device, electrons in the junction region undergo acceleration and gain enough kinetic energy to break the covalent bonds of the semiconductor material. This process causes the anode and cathode to become momentarily connected, resulting in the Zener effect.

Due to its positive conduction characteristics, the MM5Z27V diode is primarily employed in a variety of applications in the industrial and commercial sectors. The device is well suited for voltage regulation, voltage transient suppression, and voltage reference circuits. It is also used in reverse-biased clamping applications, rectifiers, power supplies, and switching circuits. The MM5Z27V is typically used in low-power circuits, as well as in medium-power applications such as inverters and power amplifiers.

In voltage regulation and transient protection circuits, the MM5Z27V device is connected in parallel with the load and acts as a short circuit for any excessive or transient current flow. This limits the voltage across the load to the diode’s Zener voltage. Since the diode efficiently absorbs the transient energy, it prevents damage to circuitry components downstream of the load.

The MM5Z27V is also utilized as a voltage reference in control and timing circuits. In this application, the diode is connected in series with a regulated voltage supply and acts as a voltage limiter. The regulated voltage supply is limited to the diode’s Zener voltage, preventing the possibility of catastrophic over-voltage conditions. The controlled current flow through the device forms a stable reference voltage that can be used to regulate and control other circuit functions.

The MM5Z27V is a single-layer, axial-leaded Zener diode. It is provided in an industry standard DO-35 package and is designed to work within an operating temperature range of -55°C to +150°C. The device is available in a variety of current ratings from 2.2 mA to 5.1 mA and a variety of Zener voltage ratings from 2.4 V to 28 V.