Hi guys
I'm building ROG's Peppermill overdrive and want to use a 9.1v Zener instead of the LED as Peter Snowberg suggested for protection on the MOSFET. What sort of wattage should I be looking at getting? I've got these choices.
1.3w
3.25w
5w
400mw
500mw
I'm a bit confused as to how different wattages are used and why.
Thanks
Jim :D :D
The zener is there to drain static electricity that would otherwise puncture the gate oxide so the amount of current is very very tiny. You could use any of those ratings without issue. An LED is good for about 20mA which in this case would be <200mW or so.
Because this is a protection diode I would tend to use something larger than the minimum, but you sure don't have to use a 5W diode in there.
Best of luck on your build! 8)
Take care,
-Peter
Thanks for the advice Peter, i'll post some pics when i'm done.
James