CH 03 Special-Purpose Diodes

Chapter 3
Special-Purpose Diodes
1
The Zener Diode
The zener diode is designed to operate in the reverse

breakdown region. I F
Ideally, the reverse

Cathode (K)
breakdown has a Breakdown
VZ
constant breakdown VR VF
voltage. This makes it

Reverse-
Anode (A) useful as a voltage breakdown
region
reference, which is its
Symbol
primary application. IR
Characteristic curve
Electronic Devices, 9th edition © 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Thomas L. Floyd All rights reserved. 2
Quiz
Q. A zener diode can be used as a

a. constant current source
b. voltage reference
c. both of the above
d. none of the above
Reverse Characteristics
Ideal Model
Practical Model
The Zener Diode
+
ZZ
The zener impedance, ZZ, is the ratio of a Cathode (K)
change in voltage in the breakdown region to +

VZ
–
the corresponding change in current: –
Anode (A)
∆VZ
ZZ =
∆I Z
Practical model
What is the zener impedance if the zener diode voltage changes from
4.79 V to 4.94 V when the current changes from 5.00 mA to 10.0 mA?
∆VZ 0.15 V
ZZ = = = 30 Ω
∆I Z 5.0 mA
The Zener Diode
The Temperature Coefficient of a zener diode can be

specified as the percent change in zener voltage for each
degree Celsius change in temperature:
 ∆V 
TC =  Z  ∆T
 VZ 
where TC has units of %/oC.
Alternatively, it can be specified in terms of change in
voltage per degree Celsius change in temperature.
∆VZ
TC =
∆T
where TC has units of mV/oC.
A positive TC means that the zener voltage increases
with an increase in temperature or decreases with a
decrease in temperature.
A negative TC means that the zener voltage decreases
with an increase in temperature or increases with a
The Zener Diode decrease in temperature.
The temperature coefficient can be positive or negative,

depending on the zener voltage. Above 5.6 V, zeners
generally have a positive temperature coefficient; below
about 5.6 V, they have a negative temperature coefficient.
A 1N756 is an 8.2 V zener diode (8.2 V at 25o C) with a positive

temperature coefficient of 5.4 mV/oC. What is the output voltage if
the temperature rises to 50o C?
∆VZ = TC × ∆T = ( 5.4 mV ) ( 25o C ) = 189 mV
oC
VZ = 8.2 V + 0.189 V = 8.389 V

Remember! Ideal Model IZ=0
VZ can have different values.
Regulation lost!
Zener Diode Applications
In low current applications, a zener diode can be used as a

basic regulator.
R
A 1N756 (8.2 V at 25o C) is used as an 1.0 kΩ

8.2 V regulator in the circuit shown. + 1N756
VIN 8.2 V
What is the smallest load resistor that 18 V –
RL
can be used before losing regulation?

Assume an ideal zener diode model.
VIN − VZ 18 V − 8.2 V
The no load zener current is I NL = = = 9.8 mA
R 1.0 kΩ
8.2 V
This is the maximum load current in regulation. Therefore, RL = = 837 Ω
9.8 mA
Quiz
Q. The load current for the circuit shown is

a. 3.0 mA R
b. 6.0 mA 1.0 kΩ
+ 1N5233B RL
VIN 6.0 V
1.0 kΩ
c. 7.5 mA 15 V –
d. 9.0 mA
IL = 6 / 1k = 6 mA
Quiz
Q. The zener current for the circuit shown is

a. 3.0 mA R
b. 6.0 mA 1.0 kΩ
+ 1N5233B RL
VIN 6.0 V
1.0 kΩ
c. 7.5 mA 15 V –
d. 9.0 mA
IL = 6 / 1k = 6 mA
ITotal = (15 – 6) / 1k = 9 mA
IZ = 9 – 6 = 3 mA
Zeners are used in three-terminal regulators to establish a

reference voltage. These circuits are capable of much larger
load currents than basic zener regulators.
Control
VIN VOUT
element
Ref Error Feedback

amplifier element
Voltage
VIN VOUT
regulator
Reference ground
Zener Datasheet
Remember! Reverse Characteristics
min max ∆
VIN 4.86 25.7 20.84
VOUT 4.76 6.13 1.37
© 2012 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458.
Electronic Devices, 9th edition
Zeners can also be used as limiters. The back-to-back zeners

in this circuit limit the output to the breakdown voltage plus
one diode drop.
R
+VZ1 + 0.7 V
D1
What are the maximum Vin
D2 0
positive and negative –VZ1 – 0.7 V
voltages if the zener
breakdown voltage is 5.6 V?
5.6+0.7=6.3 V ± 6.3 V
Quiz
Q. If each of the zener diodes has a zener voltage of 5.0 V,

the positive output will be limited to
a. +4.3 V R
b. +5.0 V D1
Vin
D2
c. +5.7 V
d. +10 V
5+0.7=5.7 V
Varactor Diodes
A varactor diode is a special purpose diode operated in

reverse-bias to form a voltage-controlled capacitor. The
width of the depletion region increases with reverse-bias.
If the depletion widens, does

the capacitance increase or p n
decrease?
Aε
Hint: C = Plate Plate
d Dielectric
Notice that as the effective – VBIAS +
plate separation widens, the

capacitance will decrease.
Quiz
Q. A varactor is a diode used as a voltage-controlled

a. current source
b. light sensor
c. resistor
d. capacitor
Varactor Diodes
Capacitance tolerance range are the range of values of
capacitance for a given varactor. The data sheet will show
the minimum nominal and maximum values, which are
often plotted on a graph. 100
70 TA = 25°C
50 f = 1 MHz
C T, diode capacitance (pF)

For example, you can 30
use this graph to read
the capacitance as a 10
function of reverse 7
5
voltage for various 3 1N5148
diodes. 1N5144
1N5139
1
1.0 3.0 5.0 7.0 10 30 50 60
VR, reverse voltage (V)
Varactor Diodes
The capacitance ratio is the ratio of the diode’s capacitance

at the minimum reverse voltage (largest C) to the diode’s
capacitance at the maximum reverse voltage (smallest C).
Maximum Ratings (TC = 25°C unless otherwise noted)
Data sheets also include Reverse voltage

Rating Symbol
VR
Value
60
Unit
Volts
parameters such as maximum Forward current IF

Pin
250 mA
RF power input* 5.0 Watts
ratings for current, power Device dissipation @ TA = 25 °C
Derate above 25°C
PD 400
2.67
mW
mW/°C
and temperature. Device dissipation @ TC = 25°C
Derate above 25°C
PC 2.0
13.3
Watts
mW/°C
Junction temperature TJ +175 °C
Storage temperature range T stg –65 to +200 °C
*The RF power input rating assumes that an adequate heat sink is provided
Varactor Diodes
Varactor diodes are used in tuning applications. The applied

voltage controls the capacitance and hence the resonant
frequency.
+
VBIAS
By varying R2, the –
R2
reverse bias on D is R3
R1 C1 C2
changed. This changes Vin Vout
the capacitance, and
hence the resonant
L D
frequency.
Optical Diodes
Diodes can be made to emit light (electroluminescence) or
sense light. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) vary widely in
size and brightness – from small indicating lights and
displays to high-intensity LEDs that are used in traffic
signals, outdoor signs, and general illumination.
LEDs are very efficient light emitters,

and extremely reliable.
Typical LEDs
Electro-luminescence
Basic Operation of LEDs
When the device is forward-biased, electrons cross the pn junction from

the n-type material and recombine with holes in the p-type material.
These free electrons are in the conduction band and at a higher energy than
the holes in the valence band.
The difference in energy between the electrons and the holes corresponds
to the energy of visible light.
When recombination takes place, the recombining electrons release energy
in the form of photons.
The emitted light tends to be monochromatic (one color) that depends on
the band gap (and other factors).
A large exposed surface area on one layer of the semi-conductive material
permits the photons to be emitted as visible light.
This process is called electroluminescence.
Optical Diodes
LEDs emit a specific range 1.0
of wavelengths which 0.9
normalized)
0.8
depend on the construction 0.7

0.6
and dye material used. The
Light output (n
0.5
0.4
wavelength is given on the 0.3
0.2
specification sheet. LEDs 0.1
are available for visible 0

420 460 500 540 580 620 660 700 740
λ, wavelength (nm)
light and infrared.
What is the peak wavelength of a green LED? 540 nm
Quiz
Q. The peak wavelength of an LED is related to

a. the viewing angle
b. the maximum power dissipated
c. the color
d. all of the above
Optical Diodes
Another characteristic shown in specification sheets is the

radiation pattern for the LED. This plot is an example of a
typical pattern in which light is concentrated in one direction.
30°
30° 20°
20° 10°°
10 00°° 10°
10° 20°
20° 30°
30°
40° 40°
A wider viewing 40° 40°
angle will show a
output
50° 50°
wider pattern such
output
50° 50°
Light
as the TLDR5400:
Light
60°
60° 60°
60°
70°
70° 70°
70°
80°
80° 80°
80°
90°
90° 90°
90°
V-I Characteristic
Optical Diodes
The forward voltage drop can vary from about 1.5 V to over
3 V depending on the type of diode, its color, and the
amount of forward current. You need to take into account the
specified maximum current allowed and the diode’s forward
drop when choosing a limiting resistor.
A certain bright red LED drops 2.2 V at a maximum current of 20 mA.

What series resistor is required to limit the current to 20 mA from a 5.0 V
source? 2.2V
20mA
Vs − VLED 5.0 V − 2.2 V
R= = = 140 Ω 5V
I 20 mA
Quiz
Q. The forward voltage drop for an LED depends on

a. the type of diode
b. the forward current
c. the color
d. all of the above
Optical Diodes
Other specifications, such as maximum power dissipation are

given on the manufacturer’s specification sheet. To determine
the power dissipated by the LED, multiply the forward
voltage by the forward current.
A certain bright red LED drops 2.2 V at 20 mA. What power is dissipated
by the LED?
P = IV = ( 20 mA )( 2.2 V ) = 44 mW
Applications of LEDs
Optical Diodes
A photodiode is a special light

sensitive diode with a clear
rrent, (I λ)
window to the pn junction. It is
Reverse curr
operated with reverse bias.
Reverse current increases with
greater incident light. Dark current
0 Irradiance, H
The tiny current that is present when the diode is not

exposed to light is called dark current.
Quiz
Q. A photodiode
a. has three layers
b. operates with reverse bias
c. is a light emitter
d. all of the above
Photodiodes
Quiz
Q. You would expect to find a laser diode in a

a. automobile tail light
b. bright sign board
c. bar-code reader
d. all of the above
Schottky Diodes
A Schottky diode is a metal-to-semiconductor contact diode

that is used primarily in high frequency and fast-switching
applications.
It has a low forward voltage drop (typically around 0.3 V)
because there is no depletion region as in a pn junction diode.
Metal-silicon junction
n region Metal region
Cathode Anode
n
Schottky Diodes
The Schottky diode operates only with majority carriers.

There are no minority carriers and thus no reverse leakage current as in other
types of diodes.
The metal region is heavily occupied with conduction-band electrons, and the
n-type semiconductor region is lightly doped.
When forward-biased, the higher energy electrons in the n region are injected
into the metal region where they give up their excess energy very rapidly.
Since there are no minority carriers, as in a conventional rectifier diode, there
is a very rapid response to a change in bias.
The Schottky is a fast-switching diode, and most of its applications make use
of this property.
It can be used in high-frequency applications and in many digital circuits to
decrease switching times.
Common Diode Symbols
Zener Light-emitting Photo
Varactor Laser Schottky
PIN Tunnel Current-regulator
Selected Key Terms
Zener diode A diode designed for limiting the voltage

across its terminals in reverse bias.
Varactor A variable capacitance diode.
Light-emitting diode A type of diode that emits light when

there is forward current.
Electroluminescence The process of releasing light energy by

the recombination of electrons in a
semiconductor.
Selected Key Terms
Pixel In an LED display screen, the basic unit for

producing colored light and consisting of red,
green and blue LEDs.
Photodiode A diode in which the reverse current varies

directly with the amount of light.
Laser Light amplification by stimulated emission of

radiation.

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Chapter 3

The zener diode is designed to operate in the reverse

Ideally, the reverse

voltage. This makes it

Q. A zener diode can be used as a

change in voltage in the breakdown region to +

The Temperature Coefficient of a zener diode can be

The temperature coefficient can be positive or negative,

A 1N756 is an 8.2 V zener diode (8.2 V at 25o C) with a positive

VZ = 8.2 V + 0.189 V = 8.389 V

In low current applications, a zener diode can be used as a

A 1N756 (8.2 V at 25o C) is used as an 1.0 kΩ

can be used before losing regulation?

Q. The load current for the circuit shown is

Q. The zener current for the circuit shown is

Zeners are used in three-terminal regulators to establish a

Ref Error Feedback

Zeners can also be used as limiters. The back-to-back zeners

Q. If each of the zener diodes has a zener voltage of 5.0 V,

A varactor diode is a special purpose diode operated in

If the depletion widens, does

plate separation widens, the

Q. A varactor is a diode used as a voltage-controlled

C T, diode capacitance (pF)

The capacitance ratio is the ratio of the diode’s capacitance

Maximum Ratings (TC = 25°C unless otherwise noted)

Data sheets also include Reverse voltage

parameters such as maximum Forward current IF

Varactor diodes are used in tuning applications. The applied

LEDs are very efficient light emitters,

When the device is forward-biased, electrons cross the pn junction from

This process is called electroluminescence.

LEDs emit a specific range 1.0

of wavelengths which 0.9

depend on the construction 0.7

are available for visible 0

What is the peak wavelength of a green LED? 540 nm

Q. The peak wavelength of an LED is related to

Another characteristic shown in specification sheets is the

angle will show a

A certain bright red LED drops 2.2 V at a maximum current of 20 mA.

Q. The forward voltage drop for an LED depends on

Other specifications, such as maximum power dissipation are

A photodiode is a special light

The tiny current that is present when the diode is not

Q. You would expect to find a laser diode in a

A Schottky diode is a metal-to-semiconductor contact diode

n region Metal region

The Schottky diode operates only with majority carriers.

Zener Light-emitting Photo

Varactor Laser Schottky

PIN Tunnel Current-regulator

Zener diode A diode designed for limiting the voltage

Varactor A variable capacitance diode.

Light-emitting diode A type of diode that emits light when

Electroluminescence The process of releasing light energy by

Pixel In an LED display screen, the basic unit for

Photodiode A diode in which the reverse current varies

Laser Light amplification by stimulated emission of

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