I thought I had asked this question before but can't seem to find it...was probably in someone elses thread.

Something like this?

 

I am still inexperienced. Logically I would say it looks like it would work. I am however unsure if the rectifier diode with have an effect on the operation of the zener.

One idea I am interested in having a go at, which would allow you to use them at higher currents, is using a zener to control a transistor. If done correctly you could adjust any zener to any voltage.

I am curious to hear what others think.

 

Why not just use a voltage multiplier aka "rubber zener"?

 

Why not just use a voltage multiplier aka "rubber zener"?

Ya stumped me again!

Perhaps just grabbing one of each diode and trying it would answer my question.

 

The avalanche diode-and-forward thingy will certainly give you about the expected voltage, but these days band-gap devices are probably the best thing to use if you just want a reference voltage at not much current. You can get adjustable ones which you set up with a pair of resistors. Things like these:

http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1361867.pdf

http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheet/ASTECSemiconductor/mXtuwqu.pdf

 

A LM317l in TO-92 package is also an alternative

 

I just tried a 5.6V Zener in series with a 1N4002 and got 6.3V. So it does work and is simple... one extra part. Not saying it's the best solution for any application but it is functional.

Sgt. your "Rubber Zener" sounds more "flexible" than just adding a diode, but also might require more parts. I'm interested in seeing a circuit!

 

Hello,

Rubber diodes can be found in the schematics of audio amplifiers.
The following page will give you more info:
http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scots_Guide/audio/part2/page3.html

Bertus

 

Hello,

Rubber diodes can be found in the schematics of audio amplifiers.
The following page will give you more info:
http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scots_Guide/audio/part2/page3.html

Bertus

Thanks all.

 

A "rubber diode" circuit changes its voltage when the temperature changes which is good in an audio amplifier when the circuit's transistor is bolted to the heatsink of the driver or output transistors so it keeps their current constant.

The diode in series with the zener diode also changes its voltage when the temperature or current changes.

 

Just wanted to drop in and say thanks. I met this circuit about 35 years ago and never thought of using it as an adjustable zener diode.

I learn something here almost every day.

 

With a bit of luck you might even have the situation where the temperature coefficient of zener voltage just cancels the silicon diode forward drop temperature coefficient of -2.5mV per °C.

Interestingly a 5.6V silicon zener has almost zero temp coefficient of zener voltage. Apparently the avalanche effect plays some part in this. According to Wikipedia for zener operation above 5.6V the zener voltage has a positive TC.

This checks out with the attached data ...

 

Did you notice that the temperature coefficient list from Fairchild varies for the 13V and 15V zener diodes? Because Fairchild wrongly copied the list from Philips who invented the BZX series of zener diodes. I don't have Philips (or NXP Semi their new name) datasheet anymore but the Motorola datasheet copied Philips correctly.

 

No I hadn't noticed. Shows up as rather sloppy practice ...