Engineering Analyzing circuit with Silicon and Zener diode

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on analyzing a circuit involving a Silicon diode and a Zener diode to determine the output voltage (Vout), current through a resistor (R), and power dissipated by the Zener diode. The participant initially applied Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) incorrectly by assuming both diodes were off, leading to miscalculations. The correct approach involves recognizing that the Silicon diode is on, providing a forward voltage of 0.7V, while the Zener diode operates in reverse bias, contributing a voltage of 12V. Understanding the operational states of diodes is crucial for accurate circuit analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
  • Knowledge of diode operation, specifically Silicon and Zener diodes
  • Familiarity with circuit analysis techniques
  • Basic electrical engineering concepts, including voltage and current calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the characteristics and applications of Zener diodes in voltage regulation
  • Learn advanced circuit analysis techniques, such as Thevenin's and Norton's theorems
  • Explore practical applications of Silicon diodes in rectification
  • Investigate power dissipation calculations in semiconductor devices
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone involved in analyzing or designing circuits with diodes.

JasonHathaway
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Homework Statement



Determine Vout, the current flowing through R and power power dissipated the Zener diode.

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Homework Equations



Circuit analyzing techniques.

The Attempt at a Solution



I've done this problem by assuming each diode is off while ignoring the other.

E.g. Applying KVL: -24+VD=0 --> VD=24 (Silicon diode is on and will be replaced with 0.7V voltage source).
Applying KVL again: -24-VDZ --> VDZ=-24 (Zener diode is reverse biased and will be replaced with VZT, which 12V voltage source).

Is this approach correct?
 
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Can you explain why someone might construct this crcuit?
 
That was a good hint from NascentOxygen.

Make sure you understand what Zener diodes are commonly used for.
 
JasonHathaway said:

I've done this problem by assuming each diode is off while ignoring the other.


Not a good idea. Why do you assume the diodes are off? They're not.
 
rude man said:
Not a good idea. Why do you assume the diodes are off? They're not.
Poster is closely following a generalized technique he has been taught. Assume one "state" and prove or disprove it is true. With experience, will be able to short-circuit his procedures.
 

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