op amp vs zener diode

based on my v limited knowledge it seems like these 2 devices perform v
similar actions. why would one choose one over the other?

 

[CFoley1064]

Subject: op amp vs zener diode
From: mmm
Date: 10/6/2004 1:00 PM Central Daylight Time
Message-id: <b63a4$416432ab$4069fdda$10123@msgid.meganewsservers.com

based on my v limited knowledge it seems like these 2 devices perform v
similar actions. why would one choose one over the other?

Two completely different things -- you're way off. A zener diode is a diode
made to have a certain voltage across it when reverse-biased with a current
source (within a certain range). When forward-conducting, it acts pretty much
like a regular diode. That's all it does.

An op amp is an integrated circuit composed of dozens of transistors whose
output function is to amplify the difference between its two inputs.

It might help to go to the library and pick up a book on basic electronics.

I'm trying to assume you have a real question. Are you referring to using an
op amp as a reference voltage source, and comparing that with a zener? Or
what? Sadly, your question as it's originally phrased is "not even wrong".
Sorry.

Chris

 

[Tom MacIntyre]

On 06 Oct 2004 18:27:28 GMT, cfoley1064@aol.com (CFoley1064) wrote:

Subject: op amp vs zener diode
From: mmm
Date: 10/6/2004 1:00 PM Central Daylight Time
Message-id: <b63a4$416432ab$4069fdda$10123@msgid.meganewsservers.com

based on my v limited knowledge it seems like these 2 devices perform v
similar actions. why would one choose one over the other?




Two completely different things -- you're way off. A zener diode is a diode
made to have a certain voltage across it when reverse-biased with a current
source (within a certain range). When forward-conducting, it acts pretty much
like a regular diode. That's all it does.

An op amp is an integrated circuit composed of dozens of transistors whose
output function is to amplify the difference between its two inputs.

It might help to go to the library and pick up a book on basic electronics.

I'm trying to assume you have a real question. Are you referring to using an
op amp as a reference voltage source, and comparing that with a zener? Or
what? Sadly, your question as it's originally phrased is "not even wrong".
Sorry.

I'm thinking he/she is mistaking an op-amp for an IC regulator.

Tom

Chris