My Zener component box is empty - what assortment would you recommend? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: nzo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 12:25:59 pm
content: I have no idea if this is even a sensible question.If you had no zeners and were building up a stock of assorted diodes, is there a rough guideline of what would be useful zener values? Most of my future projects are likely to be in the lower voltages - 3v/DC to 12v/DC or thereabouts.I notice EBay are selling packs of 150 to 300 zeners that I thought would get me started.Thanks!

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 12:29:50 pm
content: I had a similar questions. I was looking at this the other week, and wondering when I would ever need half these random values.http://www.banggood.com/300pcs-2V-39V-30-Values-Zener-Diode-Assorted-Kit-p-87725.html"30 value zener diode assortment kit (each 10pcs)This powerful and useful tool pack contains 30 most applied values with 10 zener diode of each type, which can provide great convenience for your repair, research, DIY, etc.The assortments contain the following voltage: 2V 2.2V 2.4V 2.7V 3V 3.3V 3.6V 3.9V 4.3V 4.7V 5.1V 5.6V 6.2V 6.8V 7.5V 8.2V 9.1V 10V 11V 12V 13V 15V 16V 18V 20V 22V 24V 27V 30V 39V"Which are the legit values? 3.3/5/12/15 or just over (over voltage).

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 12:40:21 pm
content: 3V6, 3V9, 5V1, 5V6, 6V2, 9V1, 12, 15, 24V are all that I commonly have used, The rest of the time you can just use 2 or more in series, and get the odd voltages. Note as well that anything below around 5V will be very poor, the kbnee on low voltage zener diodes is so gentle that you will get around 1V difference with current.I did buy a box ( 10 000 of each value) of 12V and 24V 400mW zeners on auction once, so I have a lifetime supply, so I use them as regular small signal diodes. IIRC I paid $2 for the lot.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 12:50:48 pm
content: I haven't found it necessary to stock more than 3.3V, 5.1V and 12V. 5.6 or 6.2V would be good for a low-tempco option, but that's such a rare application when 7805 etc. are to hand.Tim

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 01:14:25 pm
content: If its cheap enough, just get the selection, especially if you prefer breadboard prototyping to formal design. Having a good range of values in stock rather than having to individually order them for next day delivery is worth quite a bit.

author: nzo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 05:35:14 pm
content: This forum's a goldmine. Great replies all. Thank you!

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 07:28:45 pm
content: It depends on what you're doing.I have a range of zeners but they're hardly ever used. I normally go for a proper regulator IC such as the LM317 or TL431. If higher current/voltages are required, extra transistors can be added.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 07:59:02 pm
content: There are many applications (e.g. limiting/clamping) where a three terminal linear series regulator is no help at all, so you do need a selection of real Zener and avalanche diodes available. However I would also recommend adding a ten pack of TL431 shunt regulators to your selection, for when you want easy adjustability or better accuracy and can tolerate its minimum operating current.

author: nzo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 11:28:49 pm
content: I get what both of you say Hero999 and Ian.M. With both your huge experiences I imagine you approach projects very differently to a newbie like myself.Also - thanks for the BangGood tip nowlan. I've gone ahead and bought a 300-pack of assorted liquorice allsorts

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 01:12:57 am
content: Well, I would most likely use a zener for FET gate protection, so 11V and 18V would be the usual suspects... but it's rare I need one even for that. I have a few 5.1V zeners from... well, I don't remember.Remember, you can combine zeners in series to get different voltages, as can you do the same with regular diodes.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 06:40:03 am
content: Are there any volunteers to make a summary write up on this subject and post it here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/from-no-parts-to-decent-stockpile-best-approach/thanks