Three terminal high voltage zener diode

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a three-terminal zener-based shunt regulator IC capable of handling at least 125V DC output, with a specific current requirement of around 160 milliamps DC. Participants explore the feasibility of achieving this output from an 85V DC input and clarify the necessary specifications for such a component.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a specific zener-based shunt regulator IC that can handle 125V DC.
  • Another participant questions the feasibility of obtaining a 125V output from an 85V input using a shunt regulator, suggesting that shunt regulators typically only drop input voltage.
  • Several participants provide links to electronic component suppliers for potential solutions.
  • A participant expresses concern about the safety of working with high voltages and currents, emphasizing the need for caution.
  • One participant proposes a scheme using a standard 24V regulator in conjunction with a zener diode, discussing power dissipation and efficiency issues.
  • There are requests for clarification on the application and specifications, indicating a lack of understanding of the original question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express confusion about the feasibility of the proposed setup, with some questioning the compatibility of the input and output voltages. There is no consensus on how to achieve the desired output with the given input specifications.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of providing sufficient details regarding input and output requirements for accurate assistance. There are concerns about safety due to the high voltage and current involved, as well as discussions about the efficiency of the proposed solutions.

abstraktkid
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Good day all,

I am looking for a three terminal (zener based) shunt regulator IC that can handle at least 125V. If anyone knows where I can find it please post the url so that i can check the specs.

Thank you
 
Last edited:
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Is there a new rule at Physics Forums that says questioners must not provide enough information to answer the question?

125 volts what?

It is perfectly possible to set up a conventional regulator to float at a suitable voltage but the details depend on information not provided such as the input and required output voltage and current levels.
 
Have you checked the standard electronic components super-suppliers? They have advanced search capabilities that allow you to filter by component requirements like the ones you've listed.

www.digikey.com
www.mouser.com
www.globalspec.com
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The output must be 125V DC sir. Current I am looking for around 160 miliamps DC
 
So what is the input (or supply?)
 
the input is 85V DC however i need the zener regulator to be able to output/handle apporx 125V DC (minimum)
 
How about one of these?

http://www.solidstateinc.com/specsearch/specs/1N3305-ssi.pdf

Edit- by the way I found those by doing a 10 second Google search and finding a link to Newark...
 
abstraktkid said:
Good day all,

I am looking for a three terminal (zener based) shunt regulator IC that can handle at least 125V. If anyone knows where I can find it please post the url so that i can check the specs.

Thank you

abstraktkid said:
The output must be 125V DC sir. Current I am looking for around 160 miliamps DC

abstraktkid said:
the input is 85V DC however i need the zener regulator to be able to output/handle apporx 125V DC (minimum)

I'm with Studiot on this one -- not understanding what you are asking. You have an 85V input and want a 125V output by using a shunt regulator? Could you please be much more clear about the application and the specifications?
 
thank you all for your input. Mech_Engineer thank you for the search i searched every site you posted and could not find. I have done a google search also and still not found that website. I am sure it will help me out i will keep you posted. I am trying to be as specific as possible. I am an engineering student learning so guys please bare with me. Any other suggestions anyone please do not hesitate to comment I will respond with updates periodically.

God bless
 
  • #10
abstraktkid said:
thank you all for your input. Mech_Engineer thank you for the search i searched every site you posted and could not find. I have done a google search also and still not found that website. I am sure it will help me out i will keep you posted. I am trying to be as specific as possible. I am an engineering student learning so guys please bare with me. Any other suggestions anyone please do not hesitate to comment I will respond with updates periodically.

God bless

Could you please answer my question? 85V in and 125V out with a shunt regulator?

(Shunt regulators only work for dropping the input voltage. Vout cannot be higher than Vin with a shunt regulator...)
 
  • #11
If you have 85 volts DC that sounds rather like th old 90 volt vidor battery.

Do you want to generate 125 volts DC from this supply?

Whatever you actually want to do, 50 milliamps (you want 160 milliamp capability) is more than enough to kill a human and 125 volts enough to drive it through vulnerable parts of the body.

So be very careful.

I had worked out a scheme based on a cheap standard 24 volt regulator floating on a zener like Mech_Engineer offered (that one would be fine). I anticipated something like a 140 to 150 volt supply. You would need to provide about 100milliamps to the zener plus the 160milliamps you asked for leading to a zener dissipation of 25 watts so the 1N3340 offered would give a good safety margin.
Because this is a pretty inefficient way to do things and large voltages are involved a geat deal of unecessary heat would be generated and all the components need suitable heatsinking.

By the way I am sorry my first reply was a bit short but yours was the fifth post today I responded to that lacked most of the necessary information.
 

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