TO DRAW THE

CHARACTERISTICS CURVE OF A
ZENER DIODE AND TO
DETERMINE ITS REVERSE
BREAK DOWN VOLTAGE

A PHYSICS PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by
 THEEJASWINI S, CLASS XII

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my sincere thanks to my instructor Mrs.Sushila

Mary who guided me to the successful completion of this
project. I take this opportunity to express my deep sense of
gratitude for their individual guidance, constant
encouragement and immense motivation which have sustained
my efforts at all stages of this project work. Provided for the
preparation of this project work.
In the end, I would wish to thank everyone, who motivated
me to continue my work.
I extend my sincere thanks to my principal Ms.Dimple for her
support and for all the facilities provided the facilities
provided for the preparation of this project work.
In the end, I would wish to thank everyone, who motivated
me to continue my work.
 ABSTRACT

A Zener diode is a semiconductor device that exhibits

unique voltage-regulation properties, making it crucial in
various electronic circuits. This experiment aims to draw
the characteristics curve of a Zener diode and determine its
reverse breakdown voltage. The characteristics curve
provides valuable insights into how the diode behaves
under different voltage conditions.
The experiment involves setting up a simple circuit with a
Zener diode, a current-limiting resistor, and a variable
power supply. By gradually increasing the voltage across
the Zener diode and measuring the current flowing through
it, data points are collected to plot the characteristics curve.
This curve typically consists of two regions: the forward-
biased region and the breakdown region.
In the forward-biased region, the Zener diode behaves like
a regular diode, allowing current to flow only when the
voltage is above its forward voltage rating. As the voltage
exceeds the Zener voltage (VZ), the diode transitions into
the breakdown region. In this region, it maintains a
relatively constant voltage (VZ) across its terminals while
conducting a nearly constant current. This unique property
makes Zener diodes ideal for voltage regulation.
The reverse breakdown voltage (VZ) can be determined from
the graph by identifying the point where the current begins to
increase significantly with a relatively small increase in
reverse voltage. This voltage represents the reverse
breakdown voltage, a critical parameter for Zener diodes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.NO TOPIC
1. INTRODUCTION

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPERIMENT

3. CONCLUSION

4. BIBILIOGRAPHY
 Introduction

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this presentation on the

fascinating world of Zener diodes. Today, we will explore
the mysteries behind these tiny electronic components that
play a critical role in many circuits.
Have you ever wondered how your smartphone charger
manages to convert high voltage AC power to low voltage
DC power? Or how your car's alternator keeps the battery
charged while you drive? The answer lies in the humble
Zener diode, a device that allows current to flow in reverse
when a certain voltage is reached.
This experiment provides valuable insights into the
characteristics and functionality of Zener diodes, which
are widely used in voltage regulation, signal clamping,
and voltage reference applications in electronic circuits.
Understanding their characteristics and reverse breakdown
voltage is essential for proper utilization in various
electronic designs.
WHAT IS A ZENER DIODE
A Zener diode is a special type of diode that is designed to
operate in the reverse breakdown region, which allows it
to maintain a constant voltage across its terminals. Unlike
regular diodes, which conduct current in only one
direction, Zener diodes can conduct current in both
directions when they are in the reverse breakdown region.

Zener diodes are important in electronic circuits because

they can be used as voltage regulators, limiting the voltage
that is applied to a circuit. They are also used in surge
protectors to prevent damage from power surges.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A ZENER
DIODE
Zener diodes are unique in their ability to maintain a
constant voltage across their terminals, even when there is a
significant change in current flowing through them. This is
due to their unique construction, which creates a depletion
region that allows for controlled breakdown at a specific
voltage level.
When a zener diode is forward biased, it behaves like a
regular diode and allows current to flow through it.
However, when it is reverse biased, it maintains a nearly
constant voltage until the breakdown voltage is reached, at
which point the voltage drops rapidly. This makes Zener
diodes useful in voltage regulation and protection circuits.
DRAWING THE CHARACTERISTICS
CURVE
To draw the characteristics curve of a zener diode, we first
need to set up a circuit in which the diode is connected in
reverse bias. We then gradually increase the voltage across the
diode and measure the corresponding current flowing
through it. This data is plotted on a graph with voltage on
the x-axis and current on the y-axis.
The resulting curve shows the relationship between voltage
and current for the zener diode. One important parameter that
can be obtained from this curve is the reverse breakdown
voltage, which is the voltage at which the diode starts
conducting in reverse bias. By analyzing the curve, we can
also determine the dynamic resistance of the diode and its
maximum power rating.

DETERMINING THE REVERSE

BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE
To determine the reverse breakdown voltage of a Zener
diode, we need to look at the characteristics curve. This
curve shows us the relationship between the current passing
through the diode and the voltage across it. By analyzing
this curve, we can identify the point where the Zener diode
enters breakdown mode and starts conducting current in the
reverse direction.
The reverse breakdown voltage is the voltage at which the
Zener diode begins to conduct current in the reverse
direction. This voltage is an important parameter that
determines the usefulness of the Zener diode in electronic
circuits. By knowing the reverse breakdown voltage, we
can design circuits that use the Zener diode as a voltage
regulator or voltage reference.
 EXPERIMENT
AIM

To draw the characteristic curve of a Zener diode and to

determine its reverse breakdown voltage.

APPARATUS

A Zener diode (with small reverse breakdown voltage of about

6 volts), [i.e., Vz= 6 V], a ten-volt battery, a high resistance
rheostat, two 0-10 V voltmeter, one 0-100 mA ammeter, one
20 Ω. resistance, one way key, connecting wires.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED

1. Zener diode
2. Power supply (variable DC)
 3. Resistor (around 470 ohms)
4. Breadboard or PCB for circuit assembly
5. Digital voltmeter
6. Digital ammeter
7. Connecting wires
8. Graph paper or a computer with graphing software

METHODOLOGY
1.CIRCUIT SETUP:
a. Assemble the circuit on the breadboard or PCB. The
basic circuit configuration for this experiment is a series
circuit consisting of a Zener diode and a resistor
connected in series across the variable DC power supply.
b. Connect the positive terminal of the power supply to the anode
(A) of the Zener diode.

c. Connect the cathode (K) of the Zener diode to one end of the
resistor.
d. Connect the other end of the resistor to the
negative terminal of the power supply.
e. Connect the ammeter in series with the Zener diode to measure
the current (I) flowing through the diode.
f. Connect the voltmeter in parallel with the Zener diode
to measure the voltage (V) across the diode.
2.INITIAL SETUP:
a. Set the power supply voltage (Vs) to a value higher
than the rated Zener voltage, but below the Zener diode's
maximum rated voltage.
b. Turn on the power supply and adjust it to the lowest voltage setting
initially.
c. Record the initial voltage (Vz) and current (Iz) values
from the voltmeter and ammeter. These values represent
the Zener diode's behavior under normal, non-breakdown
conditions.
3. DATA COLLECTION:
a. Gradually increase the power supply voltage in small
increments (e.g., 0.1V) while keeping an eye on the
voltmeter and ammeter readings.
b. At each voltage step, record the corresponding voltage (Vz)
and current (Iz) values.
c. Continue increasing the voltage until you observe a sudden significant
increase in current (breakdown current). This indicates that the Zener
diode has entered the breakdown region.
d. Record the voltage (Vb) at which the breakdown occurs. This
voltage is the reverse breakdown voltage of the Zener diode.
e. Note any changes in the Zener diode's behaviour beyond
the breakdown voltage, such as a constant voltage drop
(Vz) across the diode.
4. GRAPH PLOTTING:
a. Plot a graph with voltage (Vz) on the x-axis and
current (Iz) on the y-axis using the data you collected.
b. The graph will show a relatively flat region for voltages below
the breakdown voltage (Zener region) and a steep increase in
current beyond the breakdown voltage.
5. ANALYSIS:
 a. Determine the reverse breakdown voltage (Vb) from
the graph. It's the voltage at which the current starts to
increase significantly.
6.CONCLUSION:
a. Summarize your findings and ensure they align with
the expected behavior of a Zener diode.
b. Remember to handle electronic components and
equipment carefully and follow safety guidelines while
conducting experiments. Always refer to the datasheet of
your specific Zener diode for its rated values and
specifications.

THEORY
Typically, a Zener diode is a type of semiconductor in
which the p-type and the n-type parts are heavily doped. In
other words, it has a higher percentage of impurity atoms.
The doping produces a low reverse breakdown voltage.
This breakdown value can be regulated during production.
Zener voltage (V_z) is the Zener diode's reverse
breakdown voltage. The reverse current that is produced
prior to the breakdown is known as Zener current
(I_z).Circuit Parameters In the given circuit,

VI =Input reverse bias voltage

RI=Input resistance
RL=Load resistance
II =Input current
V o =Output voltage (Ri/IL)
Iz =Zener diode current
IL=Load current
At breakdown, value of VI rises II by a large value, in a way
that V0=VI — RI II turns into a constant. This constant
quantity Vois the reverse breakdown voltage, which is
also known as the Zener voltage.
Equations
V0 =VI – RIII
Constant value of V₀ shares reverse breakdown
voltage.
PROCEDURE
1. Arrange apparatus as shown in circuit diagram.
2. Make all connections neat, clean, and tight.
3. Note least count and zero error of voltmeters and
milli-ammeter. (micro-ammeter)
4. Bring the moving contact of potential divider
(rheostat) near negative end and insert the key K.
Voltmeters and milli-ammeter will give zero
reading.
5. Move the contact a little towards positive end to
apply some reverse bias voltage (VI). Milli-
ammeter reading remains zero. Voltmeters give
equal readings.
[i.e.,V0 =VI... II=0 (eqn. 2)]
6. As VI is further increased, II starts flowing. Then
Vo becomes less than VI Note the values of Vp
IIand Vo.
7. Go on increasing VIin small steps of 0.5 V. Note
 corresponding values of II and Vowhich will be
found to have increased.
8. As VI is made more and more, II and Voare found
to increase. Values are noted.
9. At one stage, as VI is increased further, II
increases by large amount and Vodoes not
increase. This is a reverse breakdown situation.
10. As VI is increased further, only II is found to
increase, Vo becomes constant. Note values of
VI, II and Vo.
11. Increase V, to a value of 10 V,
noting corresponding values.
Record your observations as given ahead.
ZENER DIODE:
Zener diode is a heavily doped PN junction diode. Due to
being heavily doped, its depletion layer is very thin and is
order of micrometer. The forward bias characteristic of
Zener diode is same as the normal PN junction diode but in
reverse bias it has different characteristic. Initially, a
negligible constant current flow through the Zener diode in
its reverse bias but at certain voltage, the current becomes
abruptly large. This voltage is called Zener voltage. This
sudden and sharp increase in Zener current is called Zener
breakdown.

1. CIRCUIT SETUP:
• Connect the Zener diode to the breadboard, ensuring
correct polarity (anode to positive, cathode to
negative).
• Connect a series resistor in series with the Zener diode
 to limit the current (between the anode of the diode and
the positive terminal of the power supply).
• Connect the negative terminal of the power supply
to the cathode of the Zener diode.
• Connect the positive terminal of the power supply to
the anode of the Zener diode.
• Connect the multimeter in parallel to the Zener diode to measure
voltage across it.
•Connect the multimeter in series with the Zener diode or
the series resistor to measure the current through it.

2. INITIAL SETUP:
• Set the power supply voltage to a value
slightly below the expected Zener voltage.
• Turn on the power supply.

3.DATA COLLECTION:
• Gradually increase the voltage supplied by the
power supply while monitoring the voltage
across the Zener diode.
• Record the voltage and current values at regular
intervals.

4.PLOTTING THE CHARACTERISTICS CURVE:

• Use the recorded voltage and current values to
plot the I-V (current-voltage) characteristic curve
for the Zener diode. The curve will show a nearly
constant voltage region (the Zener voltage) and a
sharp knee where the Zener diode begins to break
down in reverse-biased mode.

5.DETERMINING THE REVERSE BREAKDOWN:

• The point on the graph where the current
 abruptly increases is the reverse breakdown
voltage point (usually denoted as Vz or VBR). It
represents the Zener voltage, which is the
voltage at which the Zener diode begins
conducting in reverse-biased mode.
• Read the voltage value corresponding to this
point from the graph. This is your reverse
breakdown voltage.

DISCUSSION

• The Zener diode has a specific voltage (Vz or VBR) at

which it starts conducting in reverse-biased mode. This
voltage is a characteristic of the diode and is specified
in its datasheet.
• The Zener diode operates in the breakdown region
when reverse-biased, maintaining a nearly constant
voltage across its terminals. This makes it useful for
voltage regulation.
• By plotting the I-V curve, you can visually observe the
Zener voltage and its sharp transition from the off-state
to the on-state.
• Ensure that the current through the Zener diode does
not exceed its rated maximum current during the
experiment to prevent damage.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

Fig 1: Zeiter Diode in FB

1'oltoietei

Zener diode
 Fig 2: Zeiter Diode in RB

OBSERVATION:
1. Least count of voltmeter (0-2volt) =0.02 volt
2. Least count of voltmeter (0-30volt) =0.5 volt
3. Least count of milliammeter =0.2 mA
4. Least count of micro-ammeter =5 μA
5. VF and IF for PN junction Diode in FB

1. 0 0
2. 0.1 0
3. 0.2 0
4. 0.3 0
5. 0.4 0
6. 0.5 0
7. 0.6 0.2
8. 0.62 0.2
9. 0.64 0.4
10. 0.66 0.6
10. 0.68 0.8
11. 0.70 1.2
12. 0.72 2.2
13. 0.74 3.2
14. 0.76 5..2
15. 0.78 7.0
16. 0.80 9.4

6. VR and IR for PN junction diode in RB

 PRECAUTIONS

1. The connection should be tight otherwise fluctuation

in voltage and current will happen.
2. At the turning point of curve, more reading should be
taken.
3. For the plot of Graph, current should be taken mA for
both forward and reverse biased diode.
4. The reading should be in multiple of least count

DATA COLLECTION:
Collect data by increasing the voltage in small increments
and recording the current and voltage at each step. Ensure
that you cover both the rising and falling parts of the curve
around the Zener voltage.

DRAWING THE CHARACTERISTICS

CURVE:
1. Plot the voltage (V) on the x-axis and the current
(I) on the y-axis of a graph paper.
2. Plot the data points you collected on the graph paper.
3. Connect the data points with a smooth curve.

APPLICATIONS
1. Voltage Regulation: Zener diodes are commonly
used to regulate voltage in electronic circuits. They
maintain a nearly constant output voltage across their
terminals, even when the input voltage varies.
2. Voltage Reference: Zener diodes can provide a
stable and precise voltage reference for analog and
digital circuits.
3. Overvoltage Protection: Zener diodes can be used
to protect sensitive components from overvoltage
conditions by shunting excess voltage to the
ground.
4. Waveform Clipping and Clamping: Zener diodes
can be used to clip or clamp voltage waveforms in
various signal processing applications.
By understanding the characteristics and reverse breakdown
voltage of a Zener diode, you can effectively use it in
these and other applications where stable voltage regulation
and protection are required.
 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we have learned about the basics of Zener
diodes and their characteristics. We discussed how they
work, their forward and reverse bias behavior, and their
breakdown voltage. We also learned how to draw the
characteristics curve and how to determine the reverse
breakdown voltage using this curve.
It is important to understand the properties of Zener
diodes as they play a critical role in electronic circuit
design. By knowing their characteristics, we can use them
effectively in regulating voltage and protecting circuits
from overvoltage.
As technology continues to advance, Zener diodes will
remain a key component in many electronic devices and
systems.
Make sure to include any observations or difficulties
encountered during the experiment. The characteristics
curve and the knowledge of the Zener voltage are essential
for understanding and utilizing Zener diodes in voltage
regulation applications.

BIBILIOGRAPHY

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