Advantages and disadvantages of zener regulator

Regulators using Zener diode

1. Zener Shunt Regulator Features Dr. P.H.Trivedi , SJASC, Bharuch , Paper V Semester 3

2. Advantages of Zener shunt regulator It is very economic as it is of low cost. It requires only two or three components. It has a very simple circuit. It provides a better regulation over a wider range of load currents and input voltages. It provide higher current capability. Dr. P.H.Trivedi , SJASC, Bharuch , Paper V Semester 3

3. Disadvantages of Zener shunt regulator It has poor efficiency for heavy loads because a considerable amount of power is wasted in zener resistance (R 2 ) and series  resistor  (R S ) in comparison with load power. The DC output voltage slightly changes due to zener resistance. Changes in load current produce changes in zener current. Consequently the output voltage also changes. The internal impedance of the circuit is high. The  voltage regulation   is poor. The output voltage is not adjustable because it has V O ­ = V Z . It cannot be used for large load current. Dr. P.H.Trivedi , SJASC, Bharuch , Paper V Semester 3