Electrical

Zener Diode Voltage Regulator Circuit

Electrical Diagrams · made in Skemio

Circuit schematic showing an unregulated 12V DC source with a series resistor and reverse-biased Zener diode clamping the output voltage.
Circuit schematic showing an unregulated 12V DC source with a series resistor and reverse-biased Zener diode clamping the output voltage.
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What it shows

  • Zeners enter controlled avalanche breakdown at a precise reverse voltage.
  • A series resistor drops excess voltage and limits Zener shunt current.
  • Output voltage remains fixed even if the unregulated input fluctuates.

The takeaway

Zener shunt regulators maintain a constant voltage by absorbing supply spikes in reverse breakdown mode.

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