[sdiy] Zeners!

[Ralph Karsten]

More tips on zeners:

Zener stacks (more then one zener) add up nicely. You might want to test the voltage after installation as your current might not be the same and the voltage may be a little off as a result.

Some zeners can have inverse light sensitivity which can be really annoying. Try this simple test: shine a bright light on the zener and listen to the noise level in the circuit if possible (you can also use a 'scope). If noisy, and you can't isolate the zener with a PI filter, you'll have to try a different brand. 

I hove found zeners of the same brand to be variable in this regard.

Good Luck!

-Ralph

On Thu, 6 May 2004 15:04:25 -0700
"Julian Bunn" <Julian.Bunn at caltech.edu> wrote:

> Hi Oren,
> 
> > 
> > Hi Julian,
> > 
> > Stacking lower value zeners should work ok.
> > A reverse-biased bipolar transistor BE junction will also 
> > work as a zener of about 6 volts or so.
> 
> OK ... I'll give it a try.
> 
> > 
> > Your misbehaving zener might be good candidate for a noise source :)
> 
> Now there's an idea for when I run out of Z5Js!
> 
> Julian
> > 
> > Oren
> > 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Julian Bunn <Julian.Bunn at caltech.edu>
> > Sent: May 6, 2004 11:59 AM
> > To: 'Synth DIY List' <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
> > Cc: julian at cacr.caltech.edu
> > Subject: [sdiy] Zeners!
> > 
> > 
> > The Minisonic2 envelope shapers use 5.1V Zeners. I found last 
> > night that one
> > of the Zeners I have used is misbehaving, and I don't have a 
> > replacement.
> > 
> > My question for the electronics guys on the list is: if I 
> > find two lower
> > voltage Zeners in my parts box that add to 5.1V can I use 
> > them in series
> > to fake a 5.1V Zener?
> > 
> > For the interested, the circuit of the Envelope Shaper is at:
> > 
> > http://pcbunn.cacr.caltech.edu/jjb/Synthesizers/Minisonic2/Min
> > isonic2_Figures/Fig8.gif
> > 
> > 
> > Thanks!
> > Julian
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> 
>