How to Build A Zener Diode Tester

Zener diodes are a special type of diodes which permit current to flow in the forward direction as in a normal diode, but where it differs is that it also allows current flow in the reverse direction when the voltage exceeds the breakdown voltage also referred to as Zener voltage or the Zener knee voltage. This electrical property was discovered by Clarence Zener, which is how they got the name Zener diode.

The breakdown voltage can be controlled and fixed during the doping process of the diode’s production.

A zener diode can be used for a number of applications due to its properties. One such application is as precision voltage regulators. They are also used for clipping and coupling in many circuits.

A zener diode tester lets you test whether the zener diode is working properly and also tells the breakdown voltage of the diode. All that is needed is a 12 volt power supply, a 220 kilo ohm resistor, a voltmeter, a variable resistor, and the zener diode under test.

The Positive of the supply is connected to the variable resistor, and the negative and other end of the variable resistor to ground. The voltmeter is connected to the variable point of the resistor through the 220 k resistor. Another wire from the voltmeter connects to the test zener diode, and the other side of the voltmeter and the zener diode is grounded.

Increase the voltage and keep reading the value on the voltmeter, once the value stops increasing; the zener breakdown voltage has been reached. Reverse the diode and if the voltmeter does not show any reading then the zener diode is shorted.

As always, take proper precautions and know what you're doing before you assemble this tester. Need more specific directions? Try here.

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Top 4 Interesting Ways to Use Rubber Bumpers Around the House

Self-adhesive rubber feet are great to have around the house. You will find them already on the bottom of many small appliances in your kitchen and on your computer equipment,

Here are some ways to use them in different places around the house that you might not expect:

1 - On the backs of picture frames: Trying to keep your artwork in place on the wall? Add small hemispherical rubber feet to the four corners of the frame to help keep the frame in place on the wall.The feet will grip the wall and you'll never have a crooked picture frame again.

2 - On the bottom of your cutting boards: A slippery cutting board can be dangerous. Put cylindrical rubber feet on the bottom to help keep the cutting board from slipping away. The cylindrical feet provide a nice flat surface to really grip the countertop.

3 - On shelves to display upright pieces: If you want to prop something up in a cabinet or on a shelf, use a couple of strategically placed rubber feet (the tapered square rubber feet in clear are a good choice) to keep the items from sliding forward. If you buy them in clear, you'll never notice them, even on lighted glass shelves,

4 - On the walls: There's at least one in every house - a cabinet door that swings open further than it's supposed to. If the door is suddenly flung open, you might have a dent where the cabinet door meets the wall. After reaching for the spackle, put a self-adhesive rubber foot on the wall to protect where the door meets the wall. Bonus tip: the rubber feet can be painted right over with your wall color to camouflage the bumper and make it less noticeable.

Think of ways you might be able to use rubber feet around the house. Be creative - the possibilities are unlimited.