Question

In a Zener regulated power supply, a Zener diode with $V_Z=6.0\text{V}$ is used for regulation. The load current is to be $4.0\text{mA}$ and the unregulated input is $10.0\text{V}$. What should be the value of series resistor $R_S?$

• A. $15\Omega$
• B. $25\Omega$
• C. $50\Omega$
• D. $150\Omega$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $150\Omega$

The value of $R_S$ should be such that the current through the Zener diode is much larger than the load current.

This is to have good load regulation.

We choose Zener current as five (let) times the load current, $i.e.$, $I_Z=20\text{mA}$.

The total current through $R_S$ is, therefore, $24\text{mA}$.

The voltage drop across $R_S$ is $10.0–6.0=4.0\text{V}$.

This gives,

$R_S=\frac{4.0}{24\times {10}^{-3}}=167\Omega$.

The nearest value of carbon resistor is $150\Omega$.

So, a series resistor of $150\Omega$ is appropriate.

Note : Slight variation in the value of the resistor does not matter, what is important is that the current $I_Z$ should be sufficiently larger than $I_L$.

Hence, option $\left(D\right)$ is the correct answer.