High Current Zener Diode Datasheet, Application Circuit

Zener diodes that are normally available are mostly 1/4 watt or 1/2 watt types. And it is quite valid since the basic function of zener is to create stabilized reference voltage. Zener diodes are not designed for current regulation directly.

However, for some applications where shunting excess voltage and current is necessary a high current or high watt zener diode becomes useful.

The 1N53 series provides a complete range of high watt zener diodes specially created for high current and voltage regulation.

The maximum power is 5 watt and voltage is upto 200V. Dividing the wattage with the voltage rating of the diode gives its effective current handling capacity.

The pinout and marking diagram are shown below:

Main Features can be studied as given below:

Voltage Range − 3.3 V to 200 V

ESD Rating of Class 3 (>16 kV) per Human Body Model

Surge Handling Capacity of up to 180 W for 8.3 ms

Maximum Steady State Power Dissipation @ TL = 25°C, Lead Length = 3/8 in Derate above 25°C is 5 watts

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The following list gives the various symbols used for indicating the electrical parameters and tolerance levels of the device. (TA = 25°C unless otherwise noted, VF = 1.2 V Max @ IF = 1.0 A for all types).

• V_Z = Reverse Zener Voltage @ I_ZT
• I_ZT = Reverse Current
• Z_ZT = Maximum Zener Impedance @ I_ZT
• I_ZK = Reverse Current
• Z_ZK = Maximum Zener Impedance @ I_ZK
• I_R = Reverse Leakage Current @ V_R
• V_R = Breakdown Voltage
• I_F = Forward Current
• V_F = Forward Voltage @ I_F
• I_R = Maximum Surge Current @ TA = 25°C
• V_Z = Reverse Zener Voltage Change
• I_ZM = Maximum DC Zener Current 

By referring to the above symbols we can easily check the voltage and current specifications of the high power zeners diodes from the following table. This table can be used for selecting the preferred zener diode as per our requirements:

TOLERANCE AND TYPE NUMBER DESIGNATION: The JEDEC type numbers shown above symbolize a tolerance of ±5%.

ZENER VOLTAGE (V_Z) and IMPEDANCE (I_ZT and I_ZK): The zener voltage test condition and its impedance can be learned from this data:

Current I_Z is applied 40ms ±10% before the measurements.

Mounting terminals are positioned 3/8″ to 1/2″ above the inner margin of mounting clips to the diode case (T_A = 25°C +8°C, −2°C).

SURGE CURRENT (I_R): Surge current is defined as the maximum peak, non−recurrent square−wave current having a pulse width, of 8.3 ms that can be tolerated by the device.

The information available in the following image can be referred to identify the maximum surge current for a square wave of any pulse width between 1 ms and 1000 ms.

This may be implemented by plotting the relevant points on logarithmic paper. The above figure shows an example result for a 3.3 V and 200 V zener.

VOLTAGE REGULATION (DV_Z): The voltage regulation specifications for this series can be studied as given below:

V_Z measurements are established at 10% and subsequently at 50% of the I_Z max value as per the info provided in the electrical characteristics table. The time duration for the test current for each V_Z reading was recorded as 40 ms ±10%.

How to Identify Maximum Current Handling Capacity

MAXIMUM REGULATOR CURRENT (I_ZM): This can be calculated by referring to the maximum voltage of a 5% type unit. Meaning this is applicable only to the B−suffix device.

The effective current handling capacity I_ZM for any of these high current zener diodes cannot be exceeded the over 5 watts divided by the actual V_Z of the device. With a condition where T_L = 25°C at 3/8″ for the device body.

Meaning, suppose you are using a 3.3V zener, then the maximum tolerable current for this device can be calculated by dividing 5 with 3.3. That's equal to around 1.5 amp.

† The “G’’ suffix tells us about Pb−Free package or Pb−Free packages that are presently available.

High Current Zener Diode Application

As stated earlier a high current diode can be used in applications where power dissipation may be OK and not a factor to be considered.

Solar Panel Output Control

For example it can be used for controlling a solar panel output effectively without involving complex and expensive controllers. The following image shows the bare minimum setup required for implementing a panel output control using a high power zener diode.

Simple LED Driver

A high current diode can be also effectively used for manufacturing cheap yet highly reliable LED drivers, as shown below:

Over to You

OK so this was a short description regarding the specifications of high watt zener diode IN53. The tutorial explained us regarding the electrical features, tolerance, and how to use this type of zener diodes in practical application designs. I hope you liked. If you have any further doubts or suggestions, you may express them through comments below.

About Swagatam

I am an electronic engineer (dipIETE ), hobbyist, inventor, schematic/PCB designer, manufacturer. I am also the founder of the website: https://www.homemade-circuits.com/, where I love sharing my innovative circuit ideas and tutorials.
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