Zener Diode

Key Features

• Stable Voltage Regulation: Maintains a near-constant output voltage across its terminals when biased in reverse.
• Overvoltage Protection: Safely clamps voltage spikes to protect downstream ICs and sensors.
• Sharp Breakdown Knee: Provides a quick transition to the conducting state for precise voltage control.
• Wide Voltage Selection: Available in a vast range of standard voltages to suit any logic or power level.
• Durable Construction: Typically encapsulated in glass (DO-35) or high-temp plastic for excellent thermal dissipation.

Technical Specifications

Zener Voltages                2.4V, 3.3V, 4.7V, 5.1V, 12V, 15V, up to 100V+

Power Dissipation          500mW (Standard), 1W (Power), 5W (High Power)

Voltage Tolerance          ±5% (Standard) or ±2% (Precision)

Package Types                 Through-Hole (DO-35 Glass, DO-41 Plastic) / SMD (SOD-123)

Max Operating Temp    -65°C to +175°C

Common Series               1N52xx (500mW), 1N47xx (1W), BZX Series (SMD)

Common Applications

• Voltage Regulation: Creating a stable low-power supply rail (e.g., dropping 12V down to a stable 5.1V).
• Voltage Reference: Providing a precise reference voltage for Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) or Op-Amps.
• Clipper Circuits: Shaping waveforms by “clipping” the peaks of an AC signal to a specific level.
• Surge Protection: Shunting excess voltage to the ground to prevent damage from power surges.
• Logic Level Shifting: Helping different chips communicate by limiting signal voltages to safe levels (e.g., 5V to 3.3V).