What is the difference between a Zener diode and a normal diode?

A diode is a semiconductor device which conducts in one direction only. A Zener diode is a semiconductor device which conducts in forward biased as well as reversed biased. A normal diode if operated in reversed biased will get destroyed.

What is Zener diode equation?

It’s knee current, breakdown current, or minimum current is 0.25 mA. The maximum current is calculated by dividing the power rating by the Zener voltage: I=P/V = 3W/12V = 0.25A. The maximum resistor value has to allow 24 mA + 0.25 mA = 24.25 mA current to flow.

What is Zener diode How is it based in normal operation?

Zener diodes are normal PN junction diodes operating in a reverse-biased condition. Working of the Zener diode is similar to a PN junction diode in forwarding biased condition, but the uniqueness lies in the fact that it can also conduct when it is connected in reverse bias above its threshold/breakdown voltage.

How do you read a Zener diode?

The negative or black lead of the multimeter should be on the cathode or marked side of the diode. A forward-biased silicon diode should read 0.5 to 0.7 volts, so this is the reading you should see for the zener. To test the reverse-biased voltage, switch the multimeter leads.

How is Zener diode power rating calculated?

The power rating of a zener diode is the amount of voltage and current that the diode can handle. Power= voltage x current. If a a zener diode has a zener voltage, VZ of 5.1W, you can use the power rating to find out how much current can flow through the diode by the formula, IZM= PZM/VZ.

How is Zener diode connected in a circuit as compared to a common junction diode?

The reverse biasing means the p-type material is connected to the negative terminal of the supply and the n-type material is connected to the positive terminal of the supply. But the Zener diode allows the current to pass through both the direction.

What bias normally operates Zener diode?

A zener diode is always operated in its reverse biased condition. As such a simple voltage regulator circuit can be designed using a zener diode to maintain a constant DC output voltage across the load in spite of variations in the input voltage or changes in the load current.

What is Zener diode How is it symbolically represented?

Zener diode : A zener diode is a specially designed junction diode which can operate continuously, without being damaged in the region of reverse breakdown voltage. Symbolically, it is represented as follows. The Zener diode is joined in reverse bias to the d.c. but through a resistance R of suitable value.

What is the primary use of a Zener diode?

Zener diodes are used for voltage regulation, as reference elements, surge suppressors, and in switching applications and clipper circuits. The load voltage equals breakdown voltage VZ of the diode.