PC/CP320 Physical Computing

Zener Diodes and Photodiodes Lab Requirements

A photodiode is used in a manner which is very similar to that of a Zener diode, so it makes sense to study them together.

bench supply, digital meter
breadboard, resistance substitution box
other components as required by the design
one of each:
- Zener diode [datasheet]
  Use the 1N5925B Zener diode
- photodiode [datasheet]

Remember that both Zener diodes and photodiodes are usually wired in reverse-bias.

Read Checking Diodes, and test the zener diode in forward and reverse directions. Could you tell which direction was forward biased by measurements alone?
Demonstrate and explain diode checking to the lab instructor.
In the datasheet for the Zener diode, look up the zener voltage and rated current for the device you have.

Calculate the resistor required for a voltage divider using the 12V bench supply.

Wire up the circuit according to your calculations and measure the output voltage.

Demonstrate your results to the lab supervisor.
Connect the photodiode to a voltmeter. You should see a voltage which changes with the light falling on it. This is photovoltaic mode of the photodiode. Consider the direction of the voltage to represent forward bias for the photodiode.

You might not know that an LED can operate like a photodiode. Try the same thing you just did with an LED.
Check the datasheet to find the photocurrent for the photodiode.
Calculate the resistance needed for a 12V supply which should provide a 5V change with light for the specified photocurrent.
Now wire up the photodiode in series with a resistor close to what you just calculated using the 12V supply. Remember to apply power and ground so that the photodiode is in reverse bias.

Measure the reverse voltage as you switch between light and dark. What change in reverse voltage do you get between light and dark?

Demonstrate your results to the lab supervisor.