PDZ12BZ

Diodes - Zener - Single - PDZ12BZ Application Field and Working Principle

The PDZ12BZ is a type of single zener diode fabricated using NXP Semiconductors’ proprietary planar technology. It is widely used in various low-power applications such as power supply regulation, overvoltage protection and reverse bias switching. It can also be used in microprocessors as a convenient way to reduce resetting time by providing a low impedance path for resetting current.

It is typically a 12-V, 0.5-W diode and it has a forward resistance of 150 ohm and a breakdown voltage of 11.8-V. Its maximum reverse current rating is 2 μA at 12-V reverse bias. In addition, the operating temperature range of the PDZ12BZ is -55°C to +125°C.

Working Principle

The PDZ12BZ consists of a PN junction. When this PN junction is reverse biased, an electric field is created across the junction. This electric field is strong enough to cause an electric current to flow through the diode from an H+ layer to an L+ layer and ultimately to the substrate.

The electric current is limited by the diode’s forward resistance, which is typically 150 ohm in a PDZ12BZ diode. Once the current reaches a hard limit of 2 μA, the electric field will become too strong and thus the electrons will be accelerated and move toward the P side. This process of moving electrons produces a self-regulated flow of electrons and thus creates the breakdown voltage of 11.8-V.

Application Fields

The PDZ12BZ is applied in many different applications, including:

• Power supply regulation: This is a common application of single zener diodes. The PDZ12BZ can be used to regulate the output of a power supply.
• Overvoltage protection: The PDZ12BZ can be used to protect circuit components from over voltage spikes.
• Reverse bias switching: The PDZ12BZ can be used to switch circuit paths between the Vdd (positive voltage supply) and Gnd (ground) quickly. It can also be used in microprocessors to reduce resetting time by providing a lower impedance path for resetting current.

Conclusion

The PDZ12BZ is a single-zener diode with a 12-V breakdown voltage and a 2 μA reverse current rating. It is primarily used for power supply regulation, over voltage protection, and reverse bias switching. Its operating temperature range is -55°C to +125°C.