The shown DC voltage regulator uses a 6 V Zener diode, Rₛ = 2 kΩ and Rₗ = 4 kΩ. If the unregulated input varies from 10 V to 16 V, find the maximum Zener current. Image
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Question

The shown DC voltage regulator uses a 6 V Zener diode, Rₛ = 2 kΩ and Rₗ = 4 kΩ. If the unregulated input varies from 10 V to 16 V, find the maximum Zener current. Image

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

At Vᵢₙ=16 V, series current is (16−6)/2 kΩ = 5 mA. Load current is 6/4 kΩ = 1.5 mA. Maximum Zener current = 5−1.5 = 3.5 mA. Correct answer: B.