PN Junction diode and Zener diode

What is a PN junction diode and how does it work?

• A PN junction diode can conduct current in both directions equally.

• A PN junction diode is a type of resistor that regulates voltage.

• A PN junction diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction and blocks it in the opposite direction.

• A PN junction diode is a device that amplifies electrical signals.

Explain the concept of forward and reverse bias in a PN junction diode.

• Forward bias allows current to flow through the diode, while reverse bias prevents current flow.

• Forward bias blocks current, while reverse bias allows it to flow.

• Both forward and reverse bias allow current to flow freely.

• Forward bias prevents current flow, while reverse bias allows it.

Describe the operation of a Zener diode in voltage regulation.

• A Zener diode acts as a fuse to protect circuits from overcurrent.

• A Zener diode increases voltage by allowing current to flow in the forward bias.

• A Zener diode converts AC voltage to DC voltage for regulation.

• A Zener diode regulates voltage by clamping the output to its breakdown voltage in reverse bias, maintaining a stable voltage across the load.

What are the key differences between a PN junction diode and a Zener diode?

• A PN junction diode is primarily used in amplifiers, while a Zener diode is used for signal modulation.

• A PN junction diode can only operate in reverse bias, while a Zener diode can operate in both forward and reverse bias.

• A PN junction diode is used for rectification and conducts in one direction, while a Zener diode is used for voltage regulation and conducts in reverse bias at a specified voltage.

• A PN junction diode is used for voltage regulation and conducts in both directions, while a Zener diode is used for rectification.

List three common applications of PN junction diodes.

• Data storage

• Power generation

• Signal amplification

• Rectification, signal modulation, voltage regulation

In what scenarios would you use a Zener diode instead of a regular diode?

• Use a Zener diode for high-frequency signal amplification.

• Use a Zener diode for current limiting in LED applications.

• Use a Zener diode for voltage regulation and protection against voltage spikes.

• Use a Zener diode for rectification in AC circuits.

Solve the following circuit problem involving a PN junction diode: If a diode has a forward voltage drop of 0.7V and is connected to a 5V source, what is the voltage across the load?

• 2.7V

• 0V

• 4.3V

• 5V

Calculate the Zener voltage in a circuit where a Zener diode is used with a series resistor and a supply voltage of 12V, given the Zener breakdown voltage is 5.1V.

• 5V

• 12V

• 5.1V

• 10V

What is the effect of series resistance on the current flowing through a PN junction diode when it is forward biased?

• It controls the current flowing through the diode.

• It maintains the current constant in the diode.

• It has no effect on the current.

• It causes the diode to operate in reverse bias.

In a circuit with a Zener diode, what happens when the input voltage exceeds the Zener breakdown voltage?

• The Zener diode stops conducting.

• The Zener diode conducts and maintains a constant output voltage.

• The Zener diode will burn out.

• The Zener diode will switch to forward bias mode.