[SOLVED] Is there a way to increase the breakdown voltage of a zener diode?

[bobleny]

Is there a way to increase the breakdown voltage of a zener diode? For example, take a 6v zener and combine it with a 1v zener to get a 7 volt zener?
Maybe they make some kind of variable zener or an IC that would work like a variable zener?

Thanks!

 

[KMoffett1]

http://www.national.com/ds/LM/LM431.pdf

Ken

 

[Hero999]

To answer the question exactly, here's how.

The LM431 is a better option though.

View attachment 41239

 

[bobleny]

Ooo... I like the magical doohickey!

Thanks, that should work great!

Edit:
How do I mark this thread as solved?

 

[Hero999]

There's nothing magical. It's a Vbe multiplier. The zener voltage adds to the transistor's Vbe. When the transistor's base voltage approaches 0.6V, it starts to turn on causing current to be diverted around it away from the Vbe junction.

There's no way to mark a thread as solved. You've done all you need to by saying thank you.

 

[bobleny]

I know it's not magic, I was only joking but thank you for the explanation...