ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT

Electronic Circuits Manual

ACTIVITY 4: Light-Emitting and Zener Diodes

4.1 Program Outcomes (POs) Addressed by the Activity

a. ability to apply knowledge of mathematics and science to solve engineering problems
b. ability to design and conduct fieldworks, as well as to analyze and interpret data
c. ability to function on multidisciplinary teams

4.2 Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (AILOs)

At the end of this activity, the student shall be able to:
a. identify the required voltage to turn on an LED and the zener diode characteristics
b. calculate the minimum supply voltage and the minimum load resistance necessary to
turn the zener diode on
c. evaluate the precision of the experiment conducted

4.3 Objectives of the Activity

The objective of this activity is to:

a. become familiar with the characteristics and use of a light-emitting diode (LED) and
Zener diode.

4.4 Principle of the Activity

The light-emitting diode (LED) is, as the name implies, a diode that will give off visible
light when sufficiently energized. In any forward-biased p-n junction there is, close to the junction,
a recombination of holes and electrons. This recombination requires that the energy possessed by
unbound free electrons be transferred to another state. In LED materials, such as gallium arsenide
phosphide (GaAsP) or gallium phosphide (GaP), photons of light energy are emitted in sufficient
numbers to create a visible light source – a process referred to as electroluminescence. For every
LED, there is a distinct forward voltage and current that will result in a bright, clear light, whether
it be red, yellow or green. The diode may, therefore, be forward-biased, but until the distinct level
of voltage and current are reached, the light may not be visible. In this experiment, the
characteristics of an LED will be plotted and the “firing” levels of voltage and current determined.
The Zener diode is a p-n junction device designed to take full advantage of the Zener
breakdown region. Once the reverse-bias potential reaches the Zener region, the ideal Zener diode
is assumed to have a fixed terminal voltage and zero internal resistance. All practical diodes have

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 1

some internal resistance even though, typically, it i limited to 5 to 20 Ω. The internal resistance is
the source of the variation in Zener voltage with current level. The experimental procedure will
demonstrate the variation in terminal voltage for different loads and resulting current levels.
For most configurations, the state of the Zener diode can usually be determined simply by
replacing the Zener diode with an open circuit and calculating the voltages across the resulting
open circuit. If the open circuit voltage equals or exceeds the Zener potential, the Zener diode is
“on” and the Zener diode can be replaced by a supply equal to the Zener potential. The foregoing
procedure is used to determine the state of the Zener diode. Once the Zener voltage is substituted,
the remaining voltages and currents of the network can be determined.

4.5 Materials/Equipment

Instruments:
1 unit DMM

Components:
Resistors:
1 piece 100-Ω
1 piece 220-Ω
1 piece 330-Ω
1 piece 2.2k-Ω
1 piece 3.3k-Ω
2 pieces 1k-Ω

Diodes:
1 piece Silicon
1 piece LED
1 piece Zener diode (10-V)

Supplies:
1 unit DC power supply

4.6 Circuit Diagrams / Figures / Source Codes (if Applicable)

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 2

 99.9 Ω

Figure 5.1

216.1 Ω

Figure 5.3

99.9 Ω

Figure 5.4

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 3

 0.987kΩ 10.02 V
0.980kΩ

Figure 5.7

329 Ω

2.182k Ω

Figure 5.8

4.7 Procedure/s

Part 1. LED Characteristics

a. Construct the circuit of Fig. 5.1. Initially, set the supply to 0V and record the measured
value of the resistor R.

b. Increase the supply voltage E until the “first light” is noticed. Record the value of VD and
VR using the DMM. Calculate the corresponding level of ID using ID = VR/R and the
measured resistance value.

1.884V
VD(measured) = ________
162.7 mV
VR(measured) = ________
ID(calculated) = ________
1.63 mA

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 4

 c. Continue to increase the supply voltage E until “good brightness” is first established. Don’t
overload too much current) the circuit and possibly damage the LED by continuing to raise
the voltage beyond this level. Record the values of VD and VR and calculate the
corresponding level of ID using ID = VR/R and the measured resistance value.

2.23 V
VD(measured) = ________
VR(measured) = ________
1.53 V
ID(calculated) = ________
15.3
mAC
d. Set the DC supply to the levels appearing in Table 5.1 ad measure both VD and VR. Record
values of VD and VR in Table 5.1 and calculate the corresponding level of ID using ID =
VR/R and the measured resistance value.

e. Using the data of Table 5.1, sketch the curve of ID vs. VD on the graph of Fig. 5.2. Choose
an appropriate scale for both ID and VD.

f. Draw a light dashed horizontal line across the graph of Fig. 5.2 at the current ID required
for “good brightness.” In addition, draw a light dashed vertical line the full height of Fig.
5.2 at the point of intersection between the curve and the light dashed horizontal line. The
intersection of the vertical line with the horizontal axis should result in a level of VD close
to that measured in Part 1(c). Shade in the region below the ID line to the left of the VD line
and label the region as the region to be avoided if “good brightness” is to be contained.
Label the remaining unshaded region of Fig. 5.2 as the region for “good brightness.”

g. Construct the circuit of Fig. 5.3. Be sure that both diodes are connected properly and record
the measured resistance value.

h. Do you expect the LED to burn brightly? Why?

- No.

i. Energize the network of Fig. 5.3 and verify your conclusion in step h.

j. Reverse the silicon diode of Figure 5.3 and repeat step h.

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 5

 k. Repeat step i. If the LED is “on” with “good brigthness” measure VD and VR and calculate
the level of ID. Find the intersection of ID and VD on the graph of Fig. 5.2. Is the intersection
on the curve part of the “good brightness” region?

1.987 V
VD(measured) = ________
VR(measured) = ________
0.991 V
ID(calculated) = ________
4.59mA

Part 2. Zener Diode Characteristics

a. Construct the circuit of Figure 5.4. Initially set the DC supply to 0V and record the
measured value of R.

b. Set the DC supply (E) to the values appearing in Table 5.2 and measure both VZ and VR.
You may have to use the millivolt range of your DMM for low values of VZ and VR.

c. Calculate the Zener current IZ in mA at each level of E using Ohm’s law as indicated in the
last row of Table 5.2 and complete the table.

d. This step will develop the characteristics curve for the Zener diode. Since the Zener region
is in third quadrant of a complete diode characteristic curve place a minus sign in front of
each level of IZ and VZ for each data point. With this convention in mind plot the data of
Table 5.2 on the graph of Figure 5.5. Choose an appropriate scale for IZ and VZ as
determined by the range of values for each parameter.

e. For the range of measureable current IZ in the linear (straight line) region that drops from
VZ axis, what is the average value of VZ? In other words, for all practical purposes, what
is VZ for this Zener diode?
10.02 V
VZ(approximated) = _______

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 6

 f. For the range of measurable current Iz in the linear region that drops from the VZ axis,
estimate the average resistance of the Zener diode using rav = ∆VZ/∆IZ, where ∆VZ is the
change in Zener voltage for the corresponding change in the Zener current. Choose an
interval of at least 20 V on the linear region of the curve. If necessary, use the data of Table
5.2.

28 Ω
RZ(calculated) = _______

g. Using the results of steps 2(e) and 2(f), establish the Zener diode equivalent circuit of Fig.
5.6 for the “on” linear region. That is, insert the values of RZ and VZ.

h. For the region from VZ and IZ = 0 to the point where the characteristic curve drops sharply
from the VZ axis, calculate the resistance of the Zener diode using the equation r = ∆VZ/∆IZ.
Choose ∆VZ = VZ – 0 = VZ and substitute the resulting change in current (∆IZ) for this
interval.

RZ(calculated) = _______
219.82 Ω

Is the calculated level the level you expected for the region in which the Zener diode is
“off”? What would be an appropriate approximation for the Zener diode in this region?

Part 3. Zener Diode Regulation

a. Construct the network of Fig. 5.7. Record the measured value of the resistor R.

b. Determine whether the Zener diode of Fig. 5.7 is in “on” state, that is, operating in the
Zener breakdown region. Use the measured resistor values and the VZ determined in Part
2(e). Ignore the effects of RZ in your calculations. For the diode in the “on” state, calculate
the expected values of VL, VR, IR, IL and IZ. Show all calculations.

7.4 V
VL(calculated) = _______
7.53 V
VR(calculated) = _______
7.63 mA
IR(calculated) = _______
7.55 mA
IL(calculated) = _______
0.08 mA
IZ(calculated) = _______

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 7

 c. Energize the network of Fig. 5.7 and measure VL and VR. Using these values, calculate the
levels of IR, IL and IZ.

7.37 V
VL(measured) = _______
7.43 V
VR(measured) = _______
7.43 mA
IR(calculated) = _______
7.37 mA
IL(calculated) = _______
0.06 mA
IZ(calculated) = _______

d. Change RL to 3.3 kΩ and repeat step b. That is, calculate the expected levels of VL, VR,
IR, IL and IZ using measured resistor values and the VZ determine din step 2(e).

VL(calculated) = _______
9.99 V
25 V
VR(calculated) = _______
25 mA
IR(calculated) = _______
3.03 mA
IL(calculated) = _______
21.97 mA
IZ(calculated) = _______

e. Energize the network of Fig. 5.7 with RL = 3.3 kΩ and measure VL and VR. Using these
values calculate the levels of IR, IL and IZ.

9.5 V
VL(measured) = _______
3.54 V
VR(measured) = _______
3.54 mA
IR(calculated) = _______
2.87 mA
IL(calculated) = _______
IZ(calculated) = _______
0.7 mA

f. Using the measured resistor values and VZ determined from step 2(e), determine the
minimum value of RL required to ensure that the Zener diode is in “on” state.

647.67 Ω
RLmin(calculated) = _______

g. Based on the results of step 3(f), will a load of resistor 2.2 kΩ place the Zener diode of
Fig. 5.7 in the “on” state?

Insert RL = 2.2 kΩ into the Fig. 5.7 and measure VL.

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 8

 9.56 V
VL(measured) = _______

Are the conclusions of steps 3(f) and 3(g) verified?

Part 4. LED-Zener Diode Combination

a. In this part of the experiment we will determine the minimum supply voltage necessary to
turn on (good brightness) the LED and the Zener diode of Fig. 5.8. The LED will reveal
when the Zener diode is “on” and the required supply voltage will be the minimum value
that can be applied if the Zener diode is to be used to regulate the voltage VL.

b. Refer to step 1(c) and record the level of VD and ID that resulted in a “good brightness”
level for the LED.
2.55 V
VD = ______
39.5 mA
ID = ______

Refer to step 2(e) and record the level of Vz for your Zener diode.
10.02 V
VZ = ______

Using the above data determine the total voltage necessary to turn both the LED diode
“on” in the Fig. 5.8. That is, determine the required voltage from point a to b.

12.57 V
Vab(calculated) = _______

c. Using the result of step 4(b) calculate the voltage VL and resulting current IL. Use measured
resistor values.

11.9 V
VL(calculated) = _______
5.76 mA
IL(calculated) = _______

d. Calculate IR from IR = IL + IZ = IL + ID using the level of ID from part 4(b). Then calculate
the voltage VR using Ohm’s law.

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 9

 45.2 mA
IR(calculated) = _______
14.87 V
mA
VR(calculated) = _______

e. Using Kirchhoff’s voltage law calculate the required supply voltage E to turn on the Zener
diode and establish “good brightness” by the LED. Use measured resistor values.

26.77 V
E(calculated) = _______

f. Turn on the supply of Fig. 5.8 and increase the voltage E until the LED has “good
brightness”. Record the required level of E below.

25.5 V
E(measured) = _______

g. Measure the voltage VD and compare with the level listed in step (b).

VD(measured) = _______
2.55 V

Measure the voltage VZ and compare with the level listed in step (b).

10.12 V
Vz(measured) = _______

4.8 Activity Report

Section: Date Performed:

Course Code: Date Submitted:
Course Title:
Instructor:
Group No.: Activity No.:

Group Members: Signature:

1.
2.
3.

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 10

 4.
5.

5.8.1 Data and Results

`
Table 5.1

E(V) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

VD(V) 0.0052 1.42 2.018 2.207 2.380 2.53 2.695

VR(V) 0 0 0.535 1.427 2.354 2.95 4.10

ID = VR/R (mA) 0 0 5.36 14.28 23.56 29.53 41

ID vs. VD
45
40
35
30
25
ID

20
15
10
5
0
0.0052 1.42 2.018 2.207 2.38 2.53 2.695
VD

Figure 5.2

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 11

 E(V) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

VZ(V) 0.0054 0.959 2 2.957 4 5 6

VR(V) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Table IZ = VR/Rmeas (mA) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

5.2
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

6.88 8 8.88 9.49 9.63 9.81 9.99 10.06 10.18

0 0 0 0.376 1.22 2 2.90 3.75 4.65

0 0 0 3.75 12.15 19.92 28.88 37.35 46.31

ID vs. VZ

-10

-20
(mA)
ID

-30

-40

-50
VZ
(V)
-

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 12

 Figure 5.5

28.08 10.02 V
ohms

Figure 5.6

5.8.2 Calculations

PART 1b.
980(15)
𝑽𝑳 = = 𝟕. 𝟒 𝑽
𝑉𝑅 162.7 987 + 980
𝑰𝑫 = = = 𝟏. 𝟔𝟑 𝒎𝑨
𝑅 99.9
987(15)
𝑽𝑹 = = 𝟕. 𝟓𝟑 𝑽
PART 1c. 987 + 980

𝑉𝑅 1.53 7.53
𝑰𝑫 = = = 𝟏𝟓. 𝟑 𝒎𝑨 𝑰𝑹 = = 𝟕. 𝟔𝟑 𝒎𝑨
𝑅 99.9 987

PART 1k. 7.4

𝑰𝑳 = = 𝟕. 𝟓𝟓 𝒎𝑨
980
𝑉𝑅 0.991
𝑰𝑫 = = = 𝟒. 𝟓𝟗 𝒎𝑨 𝑰𝒁 = 𝑰𝑹 − 𝑰𝑳 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟖 𝒎𝑨
𝑅 216

PART 2f. PART 3c.

10.18 − 9.49
R 𝒂𝒗𝒆 = = 𝟐𝟖 𝒐𝒉𝒎𝒔 𝑉𝑅 7.43
46.31 𝑚𝐴 − 0
𝑰𝑹 = = = 𝟕. 𝟒𝟑 𝒎𝑨
𝑅 1𝑘
PART 2h.
𝑉𝐿 7.37
𝑰𝑳 = = = 𝟕. 𝟑𝟕 𝒎𝑨
10.18 − 0 𝑅 1𝑘
R 𝒂𝒗𝒆 = = 𝟐𝟏𝟗. 𝟖𝟐 𝒐𝒉𝒎𝒔
46.31 𝑚𝐴 − 0
IZ=7.43-7.37= 0.06 mA
PART 3b.

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 13

PART 3d.
15 − 10
R 𝑳𝒎𝒊𝒏 =
3.3𝑘(15) 5.3 𝑚𝐴 + 2.42 𝑚𝐴
𝑽𝑳 = = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟓 𝑽
987 + 3.3𝑘 = 𝟔𝟒𝟕. 𝟔𝟕 𝒐𝒉𝒎𝒔

987(15) PART 4b.

𝑽𝑹 = = 𝟑. 𝟓 𝑽
987 + 3.3𝑘
Vab(calculated) = 2.55 V +10.02 V= 12.57 V
3.5
𝑰𝑹 = = 𝟑. 𝟓𝟓 𝒎𝑨
987 PART 4c.

11.5 VL=12.57 V
𝑰𝑳 = = 𝟑. 𝟒𝟖 𝒎𝑨
3.3𝑘
12.57
𝑰𝒁 = 𝑰𝑹 − 𝑰𝑳 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟕 𝒎𝑨 I𝑳 = = 𝟓. 𝟕𝟔 𝒎𝑨
2.182𝑘

PART 3e. PART 4d.

I𝑹 = I𝑳 + I𝒁 = 𝟒𝟓. 𝟐 𝒎𝑨
3.54 V𝑹 = I𝑹 (𝑹) = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟖𝟕 𝑽
𝑰𝑹 = = 𝟑. 𝟓𝟒 𝒎𝑨
1𝑘
PART 4e.
9.5
𝑰𝑳 = = 𝟐. 𝟖𝟕 𝒎𝑨 E-V𝑹 −V𝑳 = 𝟎
3.3𝑘
E = V𝑹 +V𝑳 = 𝟐𝟔. 𝟕𝟕 𝑽
𝑰𝒁 = 𝑰𝑹 − 𝑰𝑳 = 𝟎. 𝟕 𝒎𝑨

PART 3f.

5.8.3 Observations (if applicable)

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 14

 5.8.4 Conclusion/s

5.8.5 Rating (include Rubric)

ACTIVITY 4: LIGHT-EMITTING AND ZENER DIODES 15