Basic Op-Amp Circuits - Technical MCQs

Q1:

The control element in a basic shunt voltage regulator is a zener diode.

A True

B False

ANS:B - False

Zener diode does not control the voltage it only provides a "reference" voltage. The one that controls how much current will be fed to the load is the Transistor. It uses the Zener diode as a voltage reference but the Zener diode is not the one controlling the flow of current it merely provides "REFERENCE" hence it can also be referred to as a "REFERENCE ELEMENT" not CONTROL ELEMENT they are entirely different from each other. Distinguish the difference.