[SOLVED] operating a zener to specified values

[Zak28]

is there a specific amount of current for an ordinary 1/2w 5% axial zener must conduct so the breakdown voltage will be within its specified tolerance?

 

[barry]

Read the data sheet. They ALWAYS specify the zener voltage at some current. Then they give you some pretty graphs to look at that show voltage versus current.

Imagine that.

 

[Zak28]

im not sure which specific graph corresponds to what you mentioned also its a 2v zener and the graphs are very broad.

https://www.taiwansemi.com/products/datasheet/BZX55C2V0 SERIES_D1610.pdf

 

[malli_1729]

They are very clear i believe, Vz and Izt

 

[barry]

I'm not sure how much more they can hit you over the head with this: first line of the table on page2: Izt=5ma, Vz 1.8-2.11.

However, 2.11 is actually greater than a 5% deviation from 2.0 V. I'd find a better zener, if that's important to you.

'There is none so blind as he who will not see.'