1. Khwaja Yunus Ali University
Course Title : Electronics
Course Code: CSE1205
Presentation Topics: Zener Diode
2. What is a Zener diode and its function?
Ans: A Zener diode is a silicon semiconductor device that
permits current to flow in either a forward or reverse
direction.
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.
Is Zener diode AC or DC?
Ans:The correct option is D D.C. voltage regulator. Explanation:Zener
diode is used as DC voltage regulator.
3. Why it is called Zener diode?
The name zener diode was named after the American physicist Clarance Melvin Zener who
discovered the zener effect. Zener diodes are the basic building blocks of electronic circuits. They
are widely used in all kinds of electronic equipments. Zener diodes are mainly used to protect
electronic circuits from over voltage.
What is Zener diode example?
Therefore a zener diode is sometimes called a Voltage-regulator diode. For example, the output of
half-wave, full-wave or bridge rectifiers consists of ripples superimposed on a DC voltage. By
connecting a simple zener diode across the output of the rectifier, we can obtain a more stable DC
output voltage.
What is the principle of Zener diode?
A Zener diode operates just like a normal diode when it is forward-biased. However, a small
leakage current flows through the diode when connected in reverse-biased mode. As the reverse
voltage increases to the predetermined breakdown voltage (Vz), current starts flowing through the
diode.
What are advantages of Zener diode?
Semiconductor diodes allow a current to flow in only one direction, but zener diodes allow the
current to also flow in the opposite direction when exposed to enough voltage. Zener
diodes provide excellent solutions to several common circuit needs.
4. What are the disadvantages of using a Zener diode?
The main disadvantage of the Zener diode is its limited power rating. Unlike other types of diodes, the Zener
diode cannot handle high-power applications as its power rating is relatively low. As a result, it is not suitable for
use in power supplies or other applications that require a large amount of power.
What is the advantage of Zener diode over pn junction?
The Zener diode has relatively lower breakdown voltage. The PN junction diode is designed to operate in
forward bias only, i.e. current flows from anode to cathode. The Zener diode is mainly designed to operate in
reverse biased conditions. The PN junction obeys Ohm's law.
What is the disadvantage of Zener diode over pn junction?
The main disadvantage of the Zener diode is its limited power rating. Unlike other types of diodes, the Zener
diode cannot handle high-power applications as its power rating is relatively low. As a result, it is not suitable for
use in power supplies or other applications that require a large amount of power.
5. P-N Junction Diode Zener diode
1. A two terminal semi-conductor
device that allows the flow of current
in only one ( forward ) direction is
known as P-N junction diode.
1. A two terminal semi-conductor
device that allows the flow of
current on both forward and
reversed direction is known
as Zener diode.
2. Symbol of P-N Junction diode 2. Symbol of Zener diode
3. P-N junction diodes have low
doping level.
3. Zener diodes are highly doped.
4. P-N diodes follow Ohm’s law.
4. Zener diodes does not follow
Ohm’s law.
5. P-N Junction diodes are widely
used for rectification purpose. It
converts AC ( Alternating Current ) to
DC ( Direct Current ).
5. Zener diodes are widely used
as voltage regulator in reverse
biased condition.
Major difference between P-N junction diode and Zener diode
