Re: [Phys-l] Zener physics

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

At 05:23 PM 12/4/2006, BC, you wrote:

> Physics students...examine * (all as a function of frequency
> as appropriate .... The usual L and C
> and LCR -- AND diodes signal and Zeener, and a thermister


Hmm...the term Zener diode is perhaps unfortunate - there's
the tunneling breakdown and there's the avalanche breakdown
diode with different voltage ranges and thermal coefficients
 - like thermistors, both PTC and NTC have their niches. Perhaps
 a reverse biased transistor junction with a limiting resistor
might be educational?
I also recall something said about the voltages used for cathodic
 protection - of pipes, boat parts too - where
 under one volt is often enough.



Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!