Difference between LM336 and 2.5Volt Zener?

Thread Starter

picstudent

Joined Feb 3, 2009
91
How a LM336 which is a 2.5V reference differs from a Zener diode in application design or performance.
As far as I understand both are wired in the same manner.

Only more precision or more current sinking ?

Thanks
 

bertus

Joined Apr 5, 2008
22,270
Hello,

The LM336 has a better temperature stability than a standard zener.
Just take a look at the datasheet.

Greetings,
Bertus
 

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Thread Starter

picstudent

Joined Feb 3, 2009
91
Hello,
Just take a look at the datasheet.
Got it. More stability, accuracy than Zener, but cant handle more current swings. So only used for reference were current drain very less.
maximum current only 20ma, whereas 1/4 Zener can take upto 100ma.
That much clear.
Thank you.
 

Wendy

Joined Mar 24, 2008
23,415
On top of all that, it is programmable, which means it will adjust to any value 2.5V and up. This is a big deal, as zeners aren't that accurate (±5%). Some of the LED regulators can really use this kind of accuracy.
 
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