Description
https://www.hjlelec.com/operating-principle-and-applications-of-zener-diodes.html What is a zener diode? A zener diode is a type of diode, where a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor combine to form a PN junction. Around the PN junction, a depletion layer with opposite ions forms. The zener diode operates by utilizing the characteristic of the breakdown region of the PN junction to maintain a constant voltage. When in the reverse breakdown state of the PN junction, the current can vary over a wide range while the voltage remains mostly unchanged. Zener diodes have found wide application in voltage regulation equipment and various electronic circuits. What is the working principle of a zener diode? When the reverse voltage gradually increases but has not yet reached its specific reverse breakdown voltage, the zener diode hardly conducts, exhibiting very high reverse resistance, and the reverse current is nearly zero. Once the reverse voltage surpasses this critical value, breakdown occurs, and at this moment, the reverse current increases sharply. Remarkably, despite the current fluctuating within a wide range, the voltage across the zener diode magically stabilizes near the breakdown voltage, virtually unaffected by the current changes. This characteristic makes zener diodes indispensable components in circuits, widely used in various applications requiring voltage stabilization, such as power supply circuits and reference voltage sources. They effectively protect subsequent circuits from voltage fluctuations, ensuring circuit stability and reliability.
Operating Principle and Applications of Zener Diodes
