9/14/2004 Zener Diode Models.

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Zener Diode Models

The conventional diode models we studied earlier were based
on junction diode behavior in the forward and reverse bias
regions—they did not “match” the junction diode behavior in
breakdown!
iD

−VZK
vD
0.7V

CVD Junction
Model Diode
Breakdown
However, we assume that Zener diodes most often operate in
breakdown—we need new diode models!

Specifically, we need models that match junction/Zener diode

behavior in the reverse bias and breakdown regions.
iZ
New
Zener
Model vZ

VZK

Jim Stiles The Univ. of Kansas Dept. of EECS

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We will study two important zener diode models, each with

familiar names!

1. The Constant Voltage Drop (CVD) Zener Model

2. The Piece-Wise Linear (PWL) Zener Model

The Zener CVD Model

Let’s see, we know that a Zener Diode in reverse bias can be
described as:

iZ ≈ I s ≈ 0 and v Z < VZK

Whereas a Zener in breakdown is approximately stated as:

iZ > 0 and v Z ≈VZK

Q: Can we construct a model which behaves in a similar

manner??

A: Yes! The Zener CVD model behaves precisely in this way!

Note the
iz + iz +
direction
of ideal
Ideal diode !
with: diode
Replace: vz vz
+
Zener
VZK
_ _ CVD
_
Model

Jim Stiles The Univ. of Kansas Dept. of EECS

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Analyzing this Zener CVD model, we

iZ = 0 + find that if the model voltage vZ is less
than VZK (i.e., v Z < VZK ), then the ideal
+
diode will be in reverse bias, and thus
vdi < 0
− v Z <VZK the model current iZ will equal zero.
+ In other words:
VZK
_ iZ = 0 and v Z <VZK
_
Just like a Zener diode in reverse bias!

Likewise, we find that if the model

current is positive (iZ >0), then the ideal iz > 0 +
diode must be forward biased, and thus +
the model voltage must be vZ =VZK. In vdi = 0
other words: − v Z = VZK
+
iZ > 0 and v Z = VZK VZK
_
_
Just like a Zener diode in breakdown!

Problem: The voltage across a zener diode in breakdown is

NOT EXACTLY equal to VZK for all iz > 0 . The CVD is an
approximation.

Jim Stiles The Univ. of Kansas Dept. of EECS

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In reality, vZ increases a very small (tiny) amount as iZ

increases.
iZ Real zener diode
characteristic
CVD
model

vZ
VZK

Thus, the CVD model causes a small error, usually

acceptable—but for some cases not!

For these cases, we require a better model:

The Zener (PWL) Piece-Wise Linear model.

The Zener Piecewise Linear Model

Note the
iz +
iZ + direction
of ideal
Ideal diode!
diode
vz
Replace: VZ with: +
VZ0 Zener
_ _ PWL
_
rZ Model

Jim Stiles The Univ. of Kansas Dept. of EECS

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Please Note:

* The PWL model includes a very small series resistor,

such that the voltage across the model vz increases
slightly with increasing iz .

* This small resistance rZ is called the dynamic

resistance.

* The voltage source VZ0 is not equal to the zener

breakdown voltage VZK, however, it is typically very close!
iZ = 0 +
+
Analyzing this Zener PWL model, we find
vdi < 0
that if the model voltage vZ is less than
− VZ0 (i.e., v Z <VZ 0 ), then the ideal diode
+ v Z <VZ 0 will be in reverse bias, and the model
VZ0
_ current iZ will equal zero. In other
words:
rz iZ = 0 and v Z < VZ 0 ≈VZK
_

Just like a Zener diode in reverse bias!

iz > 0 +
Likewise, we find that if the model
+
current is positive ( iZ > 0), then the ideal
vdi = 0
diode must be forward biased, and thus:
iZ > 0 and v Z =VZ 0 + iZ rZ
− vZ =
Note that the model voltage vZ will be
+ VZ 0 + iz rz
VZ0
nearVZK, but will increase slightly as the _
model current increases.
rz
_
Just like a Zener diode in breakdown!

Jim Stiles The Univ. of Kansas Dept. of EECS

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CVD
Comparison between iZ model
CVD and PWL models

Zener
Diode PWL model

vZ
VZ0 VZK

Q: How do we construct this PWL model (i.e., find VZ 0 and rz )?

A: Pick two points on the zener diode curve (v1, i1) and (v2, i2),
and then select rz and VZ0 so that the PWL model line
intersects them.
iZ

i2

1/rz

i1 vZ

VZ0
i.e., v1 v2

v 2 − v1
rz =
i2 − i1

and

Vz 0 = v1 − i1rz or Vz 0 = v2 − i2rz

Jim Stiles The Univ. of Kansas Dept. of EECS