[SOLVED] Average voltage across a zener diode

[Stoudemire]

If I have a zener diode connected parallel to the voltage source : 3+3sin1000\pi t
what is the average voltage of across the zener diode ?
Is it the same as the rms?

 

[FvM]

Average is generally different from RMS, except for DC voltages. Connecting a device in parallel to an ideal voltage source doesn't change it's voltage, so you are actually asking for the avarage of 3+3sinat. In a real circuit, either the voltage source or the device may not live for long in this situation.

 

[Stoudemire]

So the average will be 3
while the rms will become 3+3/ \sqrt{2}
?

 

[FvM]

Yes average is 3 (over full sine cycles).

RMS is however √(3² + 3²/2) = 3.67