What is the Maximum Power Dissipation for a Zener Diode Regulator?

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SUMMARY

The maximum power dissipation for a Zener diode regulator occurs when the Zener current (Iz) is at its maximum value. The power dissipation can be calculated using the formula Pz,max = Iz,max × Vz, where Vz is determined by the load current (IL) and the resistance of the series resistor (100 Ω in this case). To find the maximum Zener current, one must analyze the circuit under both loaded and unloaded conditions, considering the input voltage of 12 V across the capacitor.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Zener diode operation and characteristics
  • Basic circuit analysis skills, including Ohm's Law
  • Familiarity with load current calculations in DC circuits
  • Knowledge of power dissipation formulas in electronic components
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Zener diode voltage regulation techniques
  • Learn about calculating load current in series resistor circuits
  • Explore power dissipation calculations for electronic components
  • Investigate the effects of varying load conditions on Zener diode performance
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Electrical engineering students, hobbyists designing power supplies, and professionals working with voltage regulation circuits will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement



The following is a diagram of dc power supply with a Zener diode regulator. For what load current is the power dissipation of the Zener diode maximum? How would you find the approximate value of this maximum power dissipation?

[PLAIN]http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7325/diagrami.png

The Attempt at a Solution



I think P_{z,max}=I_{z,max} V_z. Then to find Vz

V_z = I_z \times 100 \Omega

Is this right? I just know that I=Iz+IL, but how do we work out
when is Iz maximum?

(IL is the current through the load)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Assume an input of 12 V across the capacitor Cs.

What is the voltage across the 100 ohm resistor with and without a load?

So, what is the current in the 100 ohm resistor?

Where does this current go when there is a load and when there isn't a load?
 

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