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Examples: Zener Diodes<^< Zener Diodes | Course Index | Worksheet: Zener Diodes >^> Example 1:
A 5.1 V zener diode is connected in series with a 680 Ω resistor across a 12 V DC supply. Determine the current flowing in the diode.
The voltage dropped across the resistor will be (12 - 5.1) = 6.9 V The current flowing in the diode will be the same as that flowing through the resistor. Thus I = V / R = 6.9 V / 680 Ω = 10.1 mA Example 2:
An LED has an operating voltage of 2 V and is designed to operate with a current of 15 mA. Determine the value of series resistance required if the LED is to operate from a 5 V supply.
The voltage dropped across the series resistor will be (5 - 2) = 3 V The current in the resistor will be the same as that flowing through the LED, i.e. 15 mA. Thus R = V / I = 3 V / 15 mA = 200 Ω. <^< Zener Diodes | Course index | Worksheet: Zener Diodes >^> |