How does a Zener diode differ from a normal diode?

Key Differences Between Diode and Zener Diode The diode conducts uni–directionally while the zener diode conducts bi–directionally in forward biased as well as in reverse biased. A conventional diode cannot operate in reversed biased mode while the Zener diode can operate in reversed biased mode too.

What makes a Zener diode unique?

A Zener diode is a silicon semiconductor device that permits current to flow in either a forward or reverse direction. The Zener diode has a well-defined reverse-breakdown voltage, at which it starts conducting current, and continues operating continuously in the reverse-bias mode without getting damaged.

What is Zener breakdown and what a difference between it and avalanche breakdown?

The main difference between Zener breakdown and avalanche breakdown is their mechanism of occurrence. Zener breakdown occurs because of the high electric field whereas, the avalanche breakdown occurs because of the collision of free electrons with atoms. Both these breakdowns can occur simultaneously.

What is the purpose of a Zener diode?

A Zener diode permits Zener current, Iz, to flow when the voltage is above the specified Zener voltage. Thus, a Zener diode can be used for voltage detection by sensing Zener current with some other device.

Why Zener diode is heavily doped?

Zener diode is a special type of diode that is designed to work in reverse condition. Under forward bias condition, the diode acts as a normal diode. The Zener diode, however, is heavily doped, as a result, they have a thin depletion region.

How does the behavior of a Zener diode differ substantially from that of a normal rectifying diode?

How does the behavior of a zener diode differ substantially from that of a normal (rectifying) diode? Zener diodes break down at substantially lower reverse voltages than rectifying diodes, and their breakdown voltages are predictable.

What do you mean by Zener breakdown in Zener diode?

Valence electrons which break free under the influence of the applied electric field can be accelerated enough that they can knock loose other electrons and the subsequent collisions quickly become an avalanche. This process of sudden release of electrons is known as zener breakdown.

What is the main function of Zener diode?

Zener diodes are used to regulate the voltage on small circuits. When connected in parallel with a variable voltage source that is reverse biased, a Zener diode conducts when the voltage reaches its reverse breakdown voltage.