alternate circuit for zener diode

hmm. sure, lots of them... depends on how you're using a ZENER?

how about an old LM7805 regulator?

Try a band gap device.

Look at shunt type voltage reference devices such as National's LM4040 line.

- mkaras

TL430 or its variants

...Jim Thompson

-- | James E.Thompson, P.E. | mens | | Analog Innovations, Inc. | et | | Analog/Mixed-Signal ASIC's and Discrete Systems | manus | | Phoenix, Arizona Voice:(480)460-2350 | | | E-mail Address at Website Fax:(480)460-2142 | Brass Rat | |

Transistor junctions in reverse often "zener". But then they are basically zener diodes at that point, and unlike the "real" ones, you have to go through the transistors to find one with the voltage you desire (and likely it won't be over a wide spread).

Michael

Well, I suppose that if it.....

Looks Like S*it. Smells Like S*it. Fries Like S*it. Tastes Like Fried S*it.

Then you might get away with it.

Of course, if the recipe called for Cat S*it and you used Horse S*it instead then you might run into problems.

DNA

Good thing we didn't step in it! Many thanks for analyzing it for us.

Hello Jim,

That would be the TL431 :-)

If it has to be low current consider the TLV431 (Texas) or LMV431 (National) for a few pennies more.

Maybe this (view in fixed font)

in | | R | ,------+---out | | | | R1 | | | | c/ +----| npn | e\\ | | R2 | | | '------+ | ground

You can't go wrong if you go here

lemonjuice