Within its breakdown region, a zener diode operates as a _______________source?
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Answer: A. constant voltage
Explanation
Within its specified reverse breakdown region, a Zener diode maintains a nearly constant voltage drop. Changes in source voltage or load current result in current adjustments rather than voltage fluctuations. This unique property allows the Zener diode to function as a reliable constant voltage source. The characteristic curve of a Zener diode is nearly vertical in the breakdown region, indicating steady voltage. This voltage stability remains consistent across a wide range of reverse current values specified by the manufacturer. Zener diodes are graded by their specific breakdown voltages, ranging from under two volts to over two hundred volts.
A constant current source requires active semiconductor circuitry rather than a simple two-terminal Zener diode. Constant resistance describes linear ohmic components rather than the non-linear voltage regulation behavior of Zeners. None of the above is incorrect because the Zener diode is a well-known constant voltage reference source.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Electrical Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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