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Zener diode datasheet, how does company choose test current?

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wiwa_ze

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I've seen many datasheet about zener diode for regulator voltage.
And zener voltage depends on test current, right?
So I want to know how to manufacturing company choose test current?
 
The voltage of a zener diode is constant, it won't change if the current changes. The manufacturer does not "choose" the current of a zener, it is measured as the maximum amount of current that the zener will allow to flow through itself without being damaged.
 
The manufacturers choose a convenient current that's well above the "knee" of the Zener, so the test is well into the flat portion of the zener voltage versus current region. Some small zeners have a low current knee, so they are tested at a lower current, whereas high power zeners are generally tested at a higher current.
 
The manufacturer does not "choose" the current of a zener, it is measured as the maximum amount of current that the zener will allow to flow through itself without being damaged.
That is not correct. They test at a much lower current, then that.
 
The voltage of a zener diode is constant, it won't change if the current changes. The manufacturer does not "choose" the current of a zener, it is measured as the maximum amount of current that the zener will allow to flow through itself without being damaged.

Sorry, but it's a LONG way from constant - the datasheet will usually even provide a graph showing the voltage changes with current.
 
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