Electrical Engineering › Section P · Semiconductor theory, diodes, and transistors › Topic P.6
Inductor commutating and diode switching circuits, and Zener diodes
Diodes earn their keep far beyond rectifiers. One across a relay coil saves the switch from destructive voltage spikes, a few with resistors make logic gates and signal switches, and a diode built to break down safely, the Zener, holds a voltage steady.
In this topic
- Three more jobs for a diode
- Inductive kickback
- The commutating diode
- Worked example: a relay coil
- Diode logic and power OR-ing
- Diodes as signal switches
- Zener diodes
- The Zener shunt regulator
- Worked example: a 5.1 V regulator
- Worked example: when the Zener drops out
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
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