5.1 V Shunt Regulator

Application

Use this circuit as a simple low-current voltage reference or shunt regulator example.

Design Context

A swept input drives the output node through RSRC while the Zener and load share the protected node.

Expected Behavior

Vout rises with Vin at low input voltage, then clamps near the Zener voltage after enough source current is available.

Key Values

• DZ1 is set to 5.1 V.
• RSRC is 470 ohm.
• RLOAD is 10 k.

Suggested Experiments

• Change RSRC to adjust available Zener current.
• Change RLOAD to increase load current.
• Change Vz and rerun the sweep.

Featured Component

The Zener diode component uses reverse breakdown parameters to model a practical clamp/reference diode.