My recent columns discussed the physics and applications of discrete-zener-diode references, and the conclusion they reached is that discrete zener diodes make poor references because of tolerance ...

The circuit was designed to provide a means for measuring the operating voltage of zener diodes before applying on a circuit. Zener Diode – a special kind of diode that permits the flow of current in ...

[Kevin] doesn’t stock zener diodes anymore. Why? Because for everything he used to use zeners, he now uses TL431 bandgap voltage references. These look like zener diodes but have an extra terminal.

Toshiba has created a range of automotive-grade Zeners for surge protection in the 0.8 x 1.6mm SOD-523 package. Called the XCEZ series, they rated at 150 or 300mW (see below) and come in 20 E24 values ...

Before there were bandgaps, voltage references ranged from neon glow tubes to Zener diodes. Paul Rako, with the help of Bob Pease and others, “drifts” back in time to trace their history. Back on ...

Reverse polarity is one of the most common causes of circuit failure, from hobby projects to industrial systems. The good news is that a well-designed reverse polarity protection using MOSFET ...