SDZT15R5.6 Discrete Semiconductor Products

Diodes have long been used in electronic circuits for various applications and the use of Zener Diodes is even more widespread. Zener Diodes can be used for voltage regulation, rectification, voltage division and even as protection devices. The SDZT15R5.6 is a single Zener Diode and is typically used as a voltage regulator or a spike protection device.

Main Components

The SDZT15R5.6 is a single Zener Diode which consists of two main components: an anode and a cathode. The type of diode used in the SDZT15R5.6 is an axial leaded, metal-oxide-silicon junction diode. The anode is typically labeled with an ‘A’ while the cathode is usually labeled with a ‘K’. This type of diode has a reverse breakdown voltage of 15.6 volts and can handle currents up to 3 amperes.

Working Principle

In its most basic form, a Zener Diode works by passing current in the forward direction, until the Zener voltage (Vz) is reached. When the Vz is passed, then the diode enters a state known as the breakdown region (also referred to as the avalanche region). During the breakdown region, the current does not adhere to the normal diode voltage rules; instead, it is exponentially increasing with a corresponding decrease in the voltage. Once this breakdown condition is reached, the SDZT15R5.6 can maintain a precise voltage across its terminals, even when the current changes. This voltage is referred to as the ‘zener voltage’ or ‘zener reference’. This zener voltage is a critical characteristic during operation and it must be set correctly to prevent damage to the diode or component.

Applications

The SDZT15R5.6 is commonly used as a voltage regulator or as a surge protection device. In either case, the diode is used to maintain a precise voltage across its terminals and protect other components from overvoltage. In a voltage regulation application, the Zener Diode is connected in a series circuit between the input voltage and the load. The diode is then used to limit the voltage to a precise value, which can be adjusted by changing the zener voltage. As an example, the SDZT15R5.6 can be used to regulate a 5 volt power supply to maintain a constant 5 volts regardless of load conditions or input voltage.

The SDZT15R5.6 can also be used as a transient suppression device. In this configuration, the diode is connected in parallel with the input voltage and load, which allows for current to be diverted away from the load in the event of an overvoltage condition. The diode then absorbs the excess voltage and dissipates it as heat, whereby protecting the system. This type of circuit is commonly used in surge protection devices, such as those found in electronic equipment and appliances.

Conclusion

The SDZT15R5.6 is a single Zener Diode, which is commonly used for voltage regulation and surge protection applications. It has a reverse breakdown voltage of 15.6 volts and can handle currents up to 3 amperes. This type of diode works by passing current in the forward direction, until the zener voltage is reached, and then entering into a breakdown condition. During the breakdown, the diode maintains a precise voltage across its terminals, even when the current changes, allowing it to be used for various voltage regulation and surge protection applications.