Zener Diode

Purpose

Zener diode with controlled reverse breakdown voltage

Library

Electrical / Power Semiconductors

Description

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The Zener diode is a type of diode that permits current to flow in forward direction like a normal Diode, but also in reverse direction if the voltage is larger than the rated breakdown or Zener voltage. Zener diodes are widely used to regulate the voltage across a circuit.

Parameters

Zener voltage

Breakdown voltage \(V_{\mathrm{z}}\) in reverse direction, in volts \((\mathrm{V})\). If the diode is reverse conducting, the voltage drop across the diode is determined by this Zener voltage plus the voltage across the Zener resistance.

Zener resistance

The resistance \(R_{\mathrm{z}}\), in ohms \((\Omega)\), if the diode is reverse conducting.

Forward voltage

Additional dc voltage \(V_{\mathrm{f}}\) in volts \((\mathrm{V})\) between anode and cathode when the diode is forward conducting. The default is 0.

On-resistance

The resistance \(R_{\mathrm{f}}\) of the forward conducting device, in ohms \((\Omega)\). The default is 0.

Probe Signals

Diode voltage

The voltage measured between anode and cathode.

Diode current

The current through the diode flowing from anode to cathode.

Forward conductivity

Conduction state of the positive internal switch. The signal outputs \(1\) when the diode is conducting in forward direction, and \(0\) otherwise.

Reverse conductivity

Conduction state of the negative internal switch. The signal outputs \(1\) when the diode is conducting in reverse direction, and \(0\) otherwise.