I.

Objectives:
a. General Objectives:
The general objectives of this experiment is for the students to apply their knowledge
in electronic circuits and devices focusing on Zener diode. The students must show
their skills while performing the experiment and put the Zener diode and its application
to practice.
b. Specific Objectives:
Test and determine if a diode is functioning properly, both in and out of a circuit.
Analyze circuits containing diodes and predict their behavior.
Troubleshoot circuits containing diodes.
Use Zener diodes properly.
Improve in analyzing circuit designs.
II. Abstract:
The zener diode is a semiconductor device unique in its mode of operation and
completely unreplaceable by any other electronic device. Because of its unusual
properties it fills a long-standing need in electronic circuitry. It provides, among other
useful functions, a constant voltage reference or voltage control element available over
a wide spectrum of voltage and power levels. The zener diode is unique among the
semiconductor family of devices because its electrical properties are derived from a
rectifying junction which operates in the reverse breakdown region. In the sections that
follow, the reverse biased rectifying junction, some of the terms associated with it, and
properties derived from it will be discussed fully. The zener diode is fabricated from the
element silicon. Special techniques are applied in the fabrication of zener diodes to
create the required properties.
Numerous electronic circuits require a signal or voltage level to be sensed for circuit
actuation, function control, or circuit protection. The circuit may alter its mode of
operation whenever an interdependent signal reaches a particular magnitude (either
higher or lower than a specified value). These sensing functions may be accomplished
by incorporating a voltage dependent device in the system creating a switching action
that controls the overall operation of the circuit. The zener diode is ideally suited for
most sensing applications because of its voltage dependent characteristics.
III. Background of the Study:
Our group came up with this experiment to demonstrate the characteristic of a
zener diode as a reference voltage element in the circuit. We think that this is helpful for
some electronic equipment to avoid unwanted voltage changes in the circuit that may
damage them. The zener diode we used serves as a reference voltage element in the
circuit, in instance that when the input voltage drops low, the transistor will not conduct
therefore causing high voltage from collector to emitter.





IV. Schematic Diagram:
Figure 1a

V. Simulation:
The zener diode probably finds its greatest use in sensing applications in
conjunction with other semiconductor devices. In both of these circuits the output is a
function of the input voltage level. As the input goes from low to high, the output will
switch from either high to low (base sense circuit) or low to high (emitter sense circuit)
The base sense circuit of Figure 1a operates as follows: When the input voltage is low,
the voltage dropped across R2 is not sufficient to bias the zener diode and base emitter
junction into conduction, therefore, the transistor will not conduct. This causes a high
voltage from collector to emitter. When the input becomes high, the zener is biased into
conduction, the transistor turns on, and the collector to emitter voltage, which is the
output, drops to a low value.