what is zener diode

Zener diode is a two-pin device. It is a member of the semiconductor diodes family. This article covers the Zener diode definition, working principle, characteristics, and applications. The schematic symbol for a Zener diode is shown above– it is very similar to that of a regular diode, but with bent edges on the bar. A Zener diode is a silicon semiconductor device that permits current to flow in either a forward or reverse direction. A normal diode if operated in reversed biased will get destroyed.Thus, a normal PN junction diode is considered as a unidirectional device. A diode is a passive device which allows the flow of current in one direction only. Look at the image below, showing the Zener Diode (Right) symbol in an electronic circuit. The Zener diode is therefore ideal for applications such as the generation of a reference voltage (e.g. The zener is a highly doped, special pn (semiconductor) junction designed to drive in the reverse direction (reverse biased diode) when a certain specified voltage, called the zener voltage or voltage, is reached . The diode consists of a special, heavily doped p-n junction, designed to conduct in the reverse direction when a certain specified voltage is reached. Zener diodes can be connected in series for use at higher voltages, resulting in higher regulated voltages in series. A zener diode can be used as a voltage regulator to provide a constant voltage from a source whose voltage may vary over sufficient range. Zener Diode as Voltage Stabiliser. A Zener diode is a special type of rectifying diode that can handle breakdown due to reverse breakdown voltage without failing completely. They are pulled away from their valence orbits, so that they become free and can flow. What Is A Zener Diode When the reverse bias voltage on a normal crystal diode is increased, a point known as Knee point is reached at a voltage known as breakdown voltage, when the reverse current increases sharply to a high value. While a normal diode has a relatively high reverse-breakdown voltage, a Zener diode has a reverse breakdown as low as 1.2 volts direct current (VDC). On the other hand, the Zener diode allows both the forward and reverse current to pass through it. This breakdown voltage is also known as Zener Voltage and the sharp increase in current is known as Zener current. The Zener diode of zener voltage VZ is reverse connected across the load RL across which constant output is desired. When PN junction diode is reverse biased by connected the battery positive terminal to N type side and negative terminal to P-type side of diode. Another mechanism that produces a similar effect is the avalanche effect as in the avalanche diode. The Zener diode can be defined as; it is a special kind of diode when we compare with other diodes. Hence in this way the voltage is limited across the load. Zener diodes are manufactured with different varieties of Zener voltages (Vz). Zener Diode. A similar breakdown voltage is observed in general-purpose diodes. The Zener diode allows current fluctuations while stabilizing the voltage, whereas the resistor voltage varies as the current fluctuates. The PN junction diode is used for rectification purpose because it allows the current to flow only in one direction. But since there are so many types of a diode, how to differentiate between them and most importantly which one to use according to its requirement in our circuit.Difference between Zener diode and normal Rectifier diode The Zener diode is binned according to the breakdown voltage because of this characteristic. The doping of the Zener diode is more than the conventional diode, so its depletion part has less area. Try the Circuit! A Zener diode is a silicon semiconductor device that permits current to flow in either a forward or reverse direction. When designing such a circuit, you have to know the current (or range of currents) you will be drawing from this regulated voltage. A Zener diode is a voltage reference device that makes use of the reverse bias characteristics of a doped positive-negative (P-N) junction, which is made of positive (P)-type and negative (N)-type semiconductor materials. What is Zener diode. The circuit arrangement is shown in Fig. A Zener diode voltage regulator is highly dependent on the load current. A diode is a semiconductor device which conducts in one direction only. The zener diode is a type of diode which operates under the reverse bias that breakdowns when the applied voltage reaches a particular reverse bias voltage or knee voltage. Here we will discuss the concept of using diodes to regulate voltage drop and how the Zener diode operates in reverse-bias mode to regulate voltage in a circuit. Let's have a look at what Zener Diodes are, and how they work! It is a type of switch which only allows the forward current to pass through it. But the voltage and sharpness of the knee voltage are not clearly defined as in Zener … Zener diode is connected in reverse bias, so once the Zener voltage exceeds then the current flows through the diode but there is an unnoticeable voltage drop. What is Zener Diode. One type of semiconductor type. Zener diode is a silicon semiconductor with a p-n junction that is specifically designed to work in the reverse biased condition. On the contrary, Zener diode is designed in a way that it can conduct in a … in frequency modulation (FM) systems, pulse selection systems), voltage stabilizers and as the component, which secures and protects circuits from power surges. Zener Diode checking. It starts conducting in a reverse biased condition when the applied voltage is above the breakdown voltage and this voltage is called Zener breakdown voltage. The Zener Voltage, VZ, of a zener diode is the breakdown voltage of a zener diode when it is connected in reverse-biased in a circuit. A diode is a passive device which allows the flow of current in one direction only. A Zener diode is a silicon pn junction device that allows current to flow not only in the forward direction like a typical silicon or germanium diode, but also in the reverse direction if the voltage is greater than the breakdown voltage known as Zener knee voltage or simply Zener voltage, named after Clarence Melvin Zener, the discoverer of this electrical property. The Zener Diode is used in its “reverse bias” or reverse breakdown mode, i.e. The Zener voltage of a standard diode is high, but if a reverse current above that value is allowed to pass through it, the diode is permanently damaged.Zener diodes are designed so that their zener voltage is much lower – for example just 2.4 Volts. It is mainly used as a voltage regulator or voltage reference component. Zener diode definition – also called stabilizer or stabilistor.. That has different properties from a general diode. Zener diode is a reverse-biased heavily doped p-n junction diode that allows current to flow in a forward direction and it also allows to flow current in reverse direction but only if the voltage is above a certain level also known as the breakdown voltage. This is considered as the basic application of Zener diode. The flow of current in this diode will be in a forward direction or in reverse direction. A zener diode whose breakdown voltage is approx equal to the the desired voltage is chosen.We know that in parallel combination, the devices get the same voltage. The diode doesn’t suffer from an avalanche breakdown, but a slightly different kind of breakdown that is now called the Zener breakdown. Over voltage protection is done by using Zener diodes because there is current flowing through the diode after the reverse bias voltage exceeds a certain voltage . Zener diodes have a heavily doped PN junction. 6.56 (i). When forward biased, it behaves like a normal signal diode, but when the reverse voltage is applied to it, the voltage remains constant for a wide range of currents. This circuit provides safety for the equipment connected at the terminals. We have discussed the application of Zener diode as voltage regulator and now we will discuss the other two points. The Zener diode is a special type of diode that is designed to work in reverse bias and in the so-called Zener region of the diode characteristic curve. The Zener still conducts electricity in the forward direction like any other diode, but also conducts in the reverse direction, if the voltage applied is reversed and larger than the Zener breakdown voltage. for an amplifier stage), or as a voltage stabilizer for low-current applications. The Diode and Zener diode are different from each other with respect to their symbols, construction, operations, and applications, a major difference between diode and Zener diode is the electric current conduction normal diode can conduct in one direction whereas Zener diode is able to conduct in both forward and reverse direction. When the diode is reverse-biased, this intense electric field causes the electrons to become ionized. Zener Diode is a special type of diode in which a critical reverse voltage and larger reverse current can flow. The Zener diode is a special diode, that enables the current to flow not only from positive terminal (anode) to the negative terminal (cathode), but also in the opposite direction. In a Zener diode, the p-n junction is heavily doped, which causes it to become very narrow and to generate an intense electric field. When a reverse current above the Zener voltage passes through a Zener diode, there is a controlled breakdown which does not damage the diode. The Zener diode is a diode that is employed specifically to operate in reverse bias. But since there are so many types of a diode, how to differentiate between them and most importantly which one to use according to its requirement in our circuit.Difference between a Zener diode and Schottky diode It is often applied in limiter systems (e.g. What is Zener diode ?It is a type of diode which is operate in reverse biased condition.Zener diode is highly doped specially design diode . 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