Easy zener diode circuit questions

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the current through a zener diode and load resistor in a circuit with supply voltages of 10V and 15V. The zener diode in question has a breakdown voltage of 5.1V, which is crucial for accurate calculations. For a 10V supply, the zener does not conduct, resulting in a zener current of 0A and a load current of 5mA. For a 15V supply, the zener conducts, yielding a zener current of 4.8mA and a load current of 5.1mA.

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  • Understanding of zener diode operation and breakdown voltage
  • Basic circuit analysis techniques, including Ohm's Law
  • Familiarity with series and parallel resistor configurations
  • Ability to perform voltage and current calculations in electrical circuits
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  • Learn how to analyze circuits with multiple power supplies and components
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Electronics students, hobbyists, and engineers seeking to deepen their understanding of zener diode circuits and improve their circuit analysis skills.

  • #31
nothing909 said:
I don't understand what you mean. :/
If your load current is 5 mA, what is the voltage V1 in the following diagram?
upload_2016-11-5_16-45-18.png


nothing909 said:
Can I ask one more question about this circuit. What is zener voltage supposed to be? 9.1?
Yes.
 
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  • #32
gneill said:
If your load current is 5 mA, what is the voltage V1 in the following diagram?
View attachment 108524Yes.
The voltage is 5V.

And just quickly about that second circuit, just so I know this is correct. The reading on the voltmeter would be 9.1V and the reading on the ammeter would be:

Voltage across resistor = 20 - 9.1 = 10.9V

Reading on ammeter = 10.9/10000 = 1.09mA
 
  • #33
nothing909 said:
The voltage is 5V.
Correct. Which is less that the zener voltage of 5.1 V. So the zener placed there would not conduct. That's the test I was urging you to carry out.
And just quickly about that second circuit, just so I know this is correct. The reading on the voltmeter would be 9.1V and the reading on the ammeter would be:

Voltage across resistor = 20 - 9.1 = 10.9V

Reading on ammeter = 10.9/10000 = 1.09mA
Yes, that looks good.
 
  • #34
gneill said:
Correct. Which is less that the zener voltage of 5.1 V. So the zener placed there would not conduct. That's the test I was urging you to carry out.

Yes, that looks good.
okay, great, thanks very much for all your help. :)
 

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