An experiment is performed to determine the $I - V$ characteristics of a Zener diode, which has a protective resistance of $R = 100 Ω$ , and a maximum power of dissipation rating of $1 W$ . The minimum voltage range of the DC source in the circuit is

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Answer 1

The circuit diode for a zener diode with a protective resistance is shown.

Applying KVL,
$V = i R + V_{D}$
$V_{D} = V - i R = V - 100 i$

Maximum power dissipated across the zener diode is given by:
$P = V_{D} i = (V - 100 i) i = 1$
$∴ 100 i^{2} - V i + 1 \geq 0$
Current should be real, hence determinant is greater than zero.
$∴ V^{2} > 400$
$V > 20 V$

Answer 2

The circuit diode for a zener diode with a protective resistance is shown.

Applying KVL,

V = i R + V_{D}

V_{D} = V - i R = V - 100 i

Maximum power dissipated across the zener diode is given by:

P = V_{D} i = (V - 100 i) i = 1

∴ 100 i^{2} - V i + 1 \geq 0

Current should be real, hence determinant is greater than zero.

∴ V^{2} > 400

V > 20 V