- #1
ttttrigg3r
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The following link is a picture of my zener diode set up with variable load resistor. The Source is 15VDC and the first resistor is a constant 330 ohm. When I use 470ohm up to 15Kohm for the Load resistor RL, I get a 6V voltage drop across the diode. However, when I go down to 330 ohm for RL, I get Vo to be 0.
I have come up with an explanation for this, but I'm not too sure about it. Please read over and correct me if I am wrong.
When the load resistor falls out of range(too small) it takes all of the current away from the zener diode therefore the zener diode is no longer working in its breakdown region. If the diode is within range (390 ohm and above), there is enough current flowing through the diode to kickstart the diode and bring it to conducting state(breakdown).
Thank you for your help. Below is a picture of the way I have the circuit set up. On the right side is where the load resistor RL would be.
http://hades.mech.northwestern.edu/images/7/74/Zener_voltage_regulator.gif
I have come up with an explanation for this, but I'm not too sure about it. Please read over and correct me if I am wrong.
When the load resistor falls out of range(too small) it takes all of the current away from the zener diode therefore the zener diode is no longer working in its breakdown region. If the diode is within range (390 ohm and above), there is enough current flowing through the diode to kickstart the diode and bring it to conducting state(breakdown).
Thank you for your help. Below is a picture of the way I have the circuit set up. On the right side is where the load resistor RL would be.
http://hades.mech.northwestern.edu/images/7/74/Zener_voltage_regulator.gif