Hi all,

I have a zener regulated supply circuit supplied with 16.1v (Vin), the output & Zener voltage is 8.1v (Vout).
The output load will be 90mA.

Im trying to work out what size resistor is required in this circuit?

Anyone please help me with a formula to calculate this, havent had much luck searching for one,thanks in advance.

 

Hello,

Take a look at this page from our eBook:

• Zener diodes

Bertus

 

Hello,

Take a look at this page from our eBook:

• Zener diodes

Bertus

Thx, Great info, but unfortunately it does not include the formula im looking for..

 

Hello,

The current through the limiting resistor must ALWAYS be higher as the load current.
You state a load current of 90 mA.
You state Vin = 16.1 Volts AND Vout = 8.1 Volts.
The voltage accross the limiting resistor is (Vin - Vout) = 16.1 - 8.1 = 8 Volts.
Choose a current higher as 90 mA and do the further calculations using Ohms law.

Bertus

 

Hello,

The current through the limiting resistor must ALWAYS be higher as the load current.
You state a load current of 90 mA.
You state Vin = 16.1 Volts AND Vout = 8.1 Volts.
The voltage accross the limiting resistor is (Vin - Vout) = 16.1 - 8.1 = 8 Volts.
Choose a current higher as 90 mA and do the further calculations using Ohms law.

Bertus

Thx,

So then..R=V/I
8v/90mA = 88.88Ω???

(i know the answer for the above equation, its 81Ω but im trying to work backwards showing my workings to achieve this)

Can you see where im going wrong? thx

 

Hello,

This resistor of 88.88 Ohms is the maximum value.
With this resistor NO current will go through the zener at 90 mA, so regulation is not garanteed.
With the 81 Ohms resistor the resistor current will be 8 / 81 = 98.76 mA, so there is still 8.76 mA going through the zener.

Bertus

 

Wow, thx Bertus..
Last question how did you arrive at the figure 8.76 mA?

 

Hello,

The current through the zener is the current through the limiting resistor minus the current through the load.
This is also explained on the page I gave you before.

Bertus

 

Appreciate your time Bertus, Thx