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Variable Zener Circuit

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A zener diode acts like a normal diode, blocking current when it is reverse biased until a threshold voltage is surpassed, then it conducts.  Zener diodes are often used in  voltage regulators. 

The circuit below simulates a zenor diode and is programmable with a resistor divider network.  The zener voltage is equal to:

Vz= (R2*V)/(R1+R2)+Vbe

Where Vbe is the voltage drop from the emit to the base of the transistor, and which is normally about 0.6V

Variable Zener Schematic

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