[Milsurplus] Parallel Zeners

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

On 27 Jul 2022 at 6:56, David Stinson wrote:

> If one carefully matches forward conduction impedance,
> can one parallel zeners to achieve higher dissipation?

Although, in my opinion, it MAY be possible, I would not attempt it.

Although Zeners may be viewed as solid-state versions of VR tubes to a certain extent, they 
are far better voltage regulators than VR tubes.

One can parallel VR tubes by using small-value resistors at each tube...which, of course, 
makes the regulation percentage a bit worse, but I doubt that this method would work with 
Zeners.

Even so, I much prefer VR tubes to Zeners for most applications, mainly due to the pretty 
colors. :-)

And their regulation is good enough for most purposes.

Ken W7EKB