- Zener diode: This diode is designed to operate in the reverse breakdown region.
When the reverse voltage across a Zener diode reaches its breakdown voltage (Zener voltage), it conducts current while maintaining a nearly constant voltage across itself.
This property makes it suitable for voltage regulation, i.
e.
, providing a stable output voltage despite variations in input voltage or load current.
- Photo diode: This diode converts light energy into electrical current.
It is used as a light sensor.
It is not primarily used for voltage regulation.
- Light Emitting Diode (LED): This diode emits light when forward biased.
It is used for indication, lighting, displays, etc.
It is not used for voltage regulation.
- Solar cell: This device converts light energy (usually sunlight) directly into electrical energy (voltage and current).
It is a power source, not a voltage regulator in the sense of stabilizing a varying input voltage.
Therefore, the device used for voltage regulation among the given options is the Zener diode.
This matches option (1).