Help identify diode

[Chris-socal]

I’m working on a dead switching power supply from a Sigma slot machine. I finally narrowed it down to this Zener Diode. It is labeled

A2
6

However I can’t find any reference to any diode that matches this little one.

Chris

[shortrackskater]

I searched it as a question for our friend AI !!
Got this:

AI Overview
An A26 Zener diode is a type of Zener diode specifically designed to have a Zener voltage of 26 volts (Vz = 26 V).

Clicking on "more" got me this!

How does an A26 Zener diode work?
The key to a Zener diode's operation lies in a phenomenon called the Zener effect, which occurs in heavily doped diodes with a thin depletion layer. When a reverse voltage is applied across the A26 Zener diode and increases to 26V (its Zener voltage), the diode enters the breakdown region. In this region, a significant current flows in the reverse direction, but the voltage across the diode remains nearly constant at 26V.
Key features of an A26 Zener diode:
Zener voltage (Vz): 26V. This is the voltage at which the diode will conduct in reverse bias.
Reverse bias operation: The A26 Zener diode is designed to operate reliably in the reverse breakdown region at 26V.
Voltage regulation: Because the voltage across the diode remains relatively constant at 26V when it's in the breakdown region, it can be used as a voltage regulator to maintain a stable 26V output.
Typical applications of Zener diodes like the A26:
Voltage regulation: Providing a stable 26V reference voltage or regulated power supply output.
Voltage reference: Providing a stable voltage point for other circuits.
Surge suppression: Protecting sensitive components from transient voltage spikes.
Clipper circuits: Limiting the amplitude of a waveform to 26V.
Switching applications: Acting as voltage-controlled switches.
In summary, an A26 Zener diode is a specifically designed Zener diode that utilizes the Zener effect to maintain a constant 26V in reverse bias, making it a valuable component for voltage regulation and other electronic circuit applications.

[Chris-socal]

Except every A26 diode I found is a giant one. I have a working version of this PS so I opened it up and measured it in the circuit when live. The voltage across the zener is under 1v…which made me wonder if it is a .26v.

[shortrackskater]

I blame AI !!
Hope you one find the correct one though!

[Chris-socal]

Your AI result matches all reasonable explanation and logic but it just doesn’t match what Im seeing in a working circuit. I know the one in my non-working board is shorted but I really need to be sure the value is correct….its a power supply! Lol

[lookes]

Are you sure it's a Zener? Not a 1N4148?

[Chris-socal]

Welll, kinda. It labeled is ZD2 on the board. Plus, its opaque orange almost tomato juice color, not transparent.

I suppose I could pull the good one and test to see if it cuts off voltage. I just hate to risk burning the good one out.

[lookes]

Yeah Most likely a Zener then. I would remove the known good one and test it. I doubt it would be over 36v so you could use a bench power supply through a 22K resistor without risking it. See what the breakdown voltage is.