
382
Some simple zener applications
For a power zener the calculations are similar, except that some different thermal
resistances are involved (junction-to-case, R
θJC
, instead of junction-to-lead; also
case-to-heatsink, R
θCHS
, and heatsink-to-ambient, R
θHSA
). Typically the device will
need a good heatsink, and for best results require thermal compound and a mica insu-
lator (i.e., a low value for R
θCHS
).
Tables 13.3 and 13.4 list some popular zener diode series.
13.3 Some simple zener applications
The discrete zener diode is mostly used for voltage regulation tasks, because it is not
as good or as stable a voltage reference as other types reviewed in ...