How do I identify a zener value

Paulr · 13th June 2006, 11:01 AM

Hi All,

Just a quick one - what's the best way to identify a zener value without a schematic. It's too small to have any markings on it as far as i can see without removing it from the circuit board.

Thanks in advance

Paul

alimaj · 13th June 2006, 02:00 PM

Hi w/out marking & w/out schematic you would have to remove it ,use a power supply and about a 1K resistor to limit current and see at what voltage it breaks down at.alimaj.

AndrewT · 13th June 2006, 05:32 PM

Hi,
you might be able to measure it's voltage in circuit. It needs a bias voltage across it to cause Zener action.

rpapps · 14th June 2006, 01:36 AM

Assuming of course that it's still working.

excetara2 · 14th June 2006, 07:28 AM

IF it's not working, then get a new Zener.

billdinva · 14th June 2006, 05:30 PM

Use a jewelers loupe or other magnifier and view at different angles to the light. The markings are small and may be on two or more lines. Then lookup the part number at Digikey etc.

13th June 2006, 11:01 AM	#1
Paulr diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: S.Yorks, UK	How do I identify a zener value Hi All, Just a quick one - what's the best way to identify a zener value without a schematic. It's too small to have any markings on it as far as i can see without removing it from the circuit board. Thanks in advance Paul

13th June 2006, 05:32 PM	#3
AndrewT diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scottish Borders	Hi, you might be able to measure it's voltage in circuit. It needs a bias voltage across it to cause Zener action. __________________ regards Andrew T.

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13th June 2006, 02:00 PM	#2
alimaj diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2006	Hi w/out marking & w/out schematic you would have to remove it ,use a power supply and about a 1K resistor to limit current and see at what voltage it breaks down at.alimaj.

14th June 2006, 01:36 AM	#4
rpapps diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: nowhere of interest	Assuming of course that it's still working.

14th June 2006, 07:28 AM	#5
excetara2 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2006	IF it's not working, then get a new Zener.

14th June 2006, 05:30 PM	#6
billdinva diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Virginia	Use a jewelers loupe or other magnifier and view at different angles to the light. The markings are small and may be on two or more lines. Then lookup the part number at Digikey etc.

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