Zener diode circuit-variable voltage source

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem involving a Zener diode circuit, specifically focusing on determining the appropriate series resistance (Rs) to maintain a stable output voltage (VL) of 8.2V across a load resistor (RL) of 9 Ω, while considering variations in the supply voltage (Vb). The context includes both theoretical calculations and practical implications of the circuit design.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the load current (IL) based on the Zener voltage and load resistance, concluding that it is approximately 0.911 A.
  • Another participant points out that with a maximum supply voltage (Vb) of 13.2 V and a minimum Rs of 1.3612 Ω, the resulting supply current exceeds the Zener's maximum rating, indicating a potential issue.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about whether they correctly understood the problem, suggesting that there may be a set of values for Rs that could work with various Vb values.
  • One participant advocates for finding a safe range of Rs values that would work across the full range of Vb values.
  • Another participant reflects on the difficulty of finding the correct range of Rs through substitution and expresses a need for further understanding.
  • A hint is provided suggesting to calculate Rs for the minimum and maximum Zener currents to determine a safe range under varying Vb conditions.
  • A participant reports finding a range for Rs (2.6178 <= Rs <= 2.6399) but acknowledges that it may not be complete due to their approach to the calculations.
  • Corrections are made regarding the Zener current values used in calculations, indicating a need for precision in the problem-solving process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to determining Rs. There are multiple viewpoints on how to handle the variations in Vb and the implications for the Zener diode's operation, indicating ongoing uncertainty and exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the assumptions underlying their calculations and the completeness of their approaches. There are indications that some values may be missing or incorrect, and the discussion reflects a need for clarity on the relationships between the variables involved.

Rampart
Messages
27
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


This diode zener has breakdown voltage equal to Vz=8.2V for currents: 75mA<=iz<=1A.If RL=9 Ω,how much must Rs be,so that VL=Vz=8.2V,while Vb changes at about _+10% in relation with the nomimal operating current,displayed in the data sheet which is 12V?

gWrhlJS.png


The Attempt at a Solution


It is located in the pdf below.Also i have to apologize if the exercise wasn't totally understood,but i did my best in order to translate it from my language.Thank you in advance for your time and effort.
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
Do a check of your results. The load current ##I_L## is fixed at:

##I_L = \frac{V_z}{R_L} = \frac{8.2 V}{9\Omega} = 0.911 A##.

If ##V_b## is at its maximum of 13.2 V and ##R_s## is at your minimum value of 1.3612 Ω then the supply current is

##i_s = \frac{13.2 V - 8.2 V}{1.3612 Ω} = 3.673 A##

which means that the zener needs to conduct ##i_s - I_L = 2.762 A## , exceeding the zener's maximum current of 1 A.
 
At first let me thank you sir for your reply.Now as far as the exercise is concerned yes the numbers aren't right if Rs=1,3612Ω and Vb=13.2V but who said they were.I just found the set for Rs.Of course the numbers cannot be right for each element of the set Rs for each element of the set Vb.But surely there is an element in the set of Rs,which in combination with at least one element in the set of Vb, gives me the right numbers.
Or
Have i understood wrong the exercise?Maybe i am asked to find a set for Rs(or a specific number) with which,for every Vb that belongs to the set Vb,the numbers must be always right?Because if that is the case then,well dang :P
 
In a practical situation the idea would be to find a value (or range of values) for ##R_s## that would be safe for the full range of ##V_b##. That is the approach that I would advocate.
 
Then this exercise got to a new level.I don't believe i can find the right range by substituting or by approaching values and trying.I must be missing a relation or sth.Anyway i will give it some thought.Thank you again sir.
 
Hint:

Suppose you were to find an allowed range of values for Rs when Vb is at its low value: What is Rs if Iz is 0.75 A? What is it if Iz is 1 A? Since that's the allowed range for the zener current, the zener would be safe under low voltage conditions with Rs in that range.

Do the same for when Vb is at its high value. Do the two ranges for Rs overlap?
 
Yes sir they do.I found 2,6178<=Rs<=2,6399.Actually it is not the right right answer as some values are missing, because of the approaches i took to the numbers in order to help myself.But it is somewhere there :)
 
gneill said:
Hint:

Suppose you were to find an allowed range of values for Rs when Vb is at its low value: What is Rs if Iz is 0.75 A? What is it if Iz is 1 A? Since that's the allowed range for the zener current, the zener would be safe under low voltage conditions with Rs in that range.

Do the same for when Vb is at its high value. Do the two ranges for Rs overlap?
Correction: line 1 should read "... if Iz is 0.075A."
 
NascentOxygen said:
Correction: line 1 should read "... if Iz is 0.075A."
Whoops. You're right. My bad :oops:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
9K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K