Question

The I-V characteristics of an electronic device shown in the figure. The device is

• A. a solar cell
• B. a transistor which can be used as an amplifier
• C. a zener diode which can be used as voltage regulator
• D. a diode which can be used as a rectifier

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The provided I-V characteristics of an electronic device are analyzed to identify its type from the following options:

1. A solar cell
2. A transistor acting as an amplifier
3. A Zener diode functioning as a voltage regulator
4. A diode used as a rectifier

Analysis of the I-V characteristics graph reveals the following:

• A constant current observed after a specific reverse voltage is reached is characteristic of a Zener diode.
• Zener diodes operate in reverse breakdown, maintaining a stable voltage across them irrespective of current fluctuations, a property utilized in voltage regulation.

Evaluation of the options based on these observations:

• Solar cell: Solar cell I-V curves typically display current generation under illumination, which is absent in the given graph.
• Transistor as an amplifier: The presented I-V curve does not correspond to any standard transistor operating mode.
• Zener diode as a voltage regulator: The graph accurately represents a Zener diode's behavior in the reverse breakdown region, identifying this as the correct option.
• Diode as a rectifier: Rectifier diodes primarily exhibit forward-biased characteristics, which are not evident in the provided graph.

Consequently, the correct identification is a Zener diode which can be used as a voltage regulator.

This conclusion is supported by the graph's depiction of constant reverse-bias current, consistent with a Zener diode's voltage regulation capability.