What is a Zener diode?
Zener Diode. Definition: A heavily doped semiconductor diode which is designed to operate in reverse direction is known as the Zener diode. In other words, the diode which is specially designed for optimising the breakdown region is known as the Zener diode. The symbolic representation of Zener diode is shown in the figure below.
What is the configuration of PIN diode?
Pin configuration. anode and cathode. Electronic symbol. A Zener diode is a special type of diode designed to reliably allow current to flow “backwards” when a certain set reverse voltage, known as the Zener voltage, is reached. Zener diodes are manufactured with a great variety of Zener voltages and some are even variable.
When is the reverse direction of current allowed in a diode?
The reverse direction of current flow is allowed if the voltage is larger than the breakdown voltage (or “zener voltage”). Zener diodes differ from conventional diodes in that they maintain a controlled breakdown which doesn’t damage the zener diode when a reverse current higher than the zener voltage passes through it.
What is the Zener effect?
This effect is known as the Zener Effect. A Zener diode is a heavily doped semiconductor device that is designed to operate in the reverse direction. Zener diodes are manufactured with a great variety of Zener voltages (Vz) and some are even made variable.
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What is the VI characteristic graph of Zener diode?
The VI characteristic graph of the Zener diode is shown in the figure below. This curve shows that the Zener diode, when connected in forwarding bias, behaves like an ordinary diode. But when the reverse voltage applies across it and the reverse voltage rises beyond the predetermined rating, the Zener breakdown occurs in the diode.
What is Zener/breakdown voltage (Vz)?
We call this voltage breakdown voltage or Zener voltage and it is denoted by Vz. Some commonly used specifications for Zener diodes are as follows: Zener/Breakdown Voltage – The Zener or the reverse breakdown voltage ranges from 2.4 V to 200 V, sometimes it can go up to 1 kV while the maximum for the surface-mounted device is 47 V.