Zener diode (Zener diode) is a semiconductor device that utilizes reverse breakdown characteristics to achieve voltage stability. It can be classified in various ways, mainly based on performance parameters and application requirements:
Classified by working voltage range
Low voltage regulator tube:
The breakdown voltage range is usually 2.4V~6.8V (such as 1N5225 series), based on the principle of Zener breakdown, suitable for low-power circuits (such as sensor power supply).
High voltage regulator tube:
The breakdown voltage can reach tens to hundreds of volts (such as 100V for 1N5388B), relying on avalanche breakdown mechanism, used for high-voltage power protection or industrial equipment voltage stabilization.
Classified by power capacity
Low power type:
The power range is below 0.5W (such as the 500mW BZX55 series), with small size and low heat dissipation requirements, suitable for consumer electronics products.
Medium to high power type:
The power can reach 1W~5W (such as 5W for 1N5349B), and it needs to be equipped with heat sinks for use in switch mode power supplies or automotive electronic systems.
High power module:
Integrating multiple diodes or using special packaging (such as TO220), with a power exceeding 10W, commonly used in industrial grade voltage stabilization circuits.
Classified by packaging form
Direct insertion packaging:
Such as DO41 glass packaging or DO15 plastic packaging, with long pins and easy manual soldering, suitable for traditional circuit boards.
Surface mount packaging:
SOD123 or SMA, with small size and suitable for high-density integration, are used for compact devices such as mobile phones and laptops.
Modular packaging:
Integrated heat dissipation substrate (such as TO247), supporting high current scenarios (such as motor drive power supply).
Classified by temperature characteristics
Ordinary type:
The temperature coefficient is relatively high (about ± 5mV/℃), and the voltage is prone to fluctuate with temperature, making it commonly used in normal temperature environments.
Temperature compensation type:
By series connecting forward diodes (such as 1N829A) to counteract the negative temperature coefficient of the Zener diode, the temperature drift can be as low as ± 0.001%/℃, making it suitable for precision instruments (such as medical equipment).
Special function type
Bidirectional voltage regulator (TVS):
Can suppress forward and reverse transient high voltage (such as P6KE series), used for lightning protection or ESD protection, commonly found in communication interface circuits.
Adjustable voltage regulator:
By adjusting the voltage regulation value through an external resistor (such as TL431), it also serves as a reference voltage source and is widely used in power feedback circuits.
Selection and Application Scenarios
Low voltage precision circuits: prioritize selecting temperature compensated low-power surface mount voltage regulators.
Industrial power protection: using high-voltage, high-power modular packaging devices.
Transient voltage protection: Use TVS tubes to quickly absorb energy and protect sensitive components.
Zener diodes play a crucial role in various scenarios, from microelectronics to power systems, and are indispensable voltage stabilizing components in circuit design.
