A zener diode in the circuit shown in the figure below, has a knee current of 5 mA, and a maximum allowed power dissipation of 300 mW. What are the minimum and maximum load currents that can be drawn safely from the circuit, keeping the output voltage $V_0$ at 6 V? \n\n[Figure needs to be uploaded later]
- A. 0 mA, 180 mA
- B. 5 mA, 110 mA
- C. 10 mA, 55 mA
- D. 60 mA, 180 mA
Answer: C. 10 mA, 55 mA
Explanation: [Figure needs to be uploaded later]\n$P_{zmax} = 300$ mW. $I_{zmax} = \frac{300 mW}{6 V} = 50$ mA. $I = \frac{9 - 6}{50} = 60$ mA. $I_{Lmin} = I - I_{zmax} = 60 - 50 = 10$ mA. $I_{zmin} = 5$ mA. $I_{Lmax} = I - I_{zmin} = 60 - 5 = 55$ mA.