Zener diodes are semiconductor devices designed to function in the reverse direction by allowing current to flow when a breakdown voltage is reached. They can regulate voltage in circuits and are used for applications like voltage regulation, signal clamping, voltage references, and overvoltage protection. Key specifications for Zener diodes include their breakdown voltage which can range from 2.4V to 1kV, and their maximum current rating. Circuits using Zener diodes provide advantages like low cost voltage stabilization but also have disadvantages like wasting electricity during voltage regulation.

1. ZENER DIODE
Mrs.M.GEETHA

2. Introduction to Zener Diodes
A Zener diode is a highly doped semiconductor device specifically
designed to function in the reverse direction. It is engineered with a
wide range of Zener voltages (Vz), and certain types are even
adjustable to achieve variable voltage regulation.

3. What is a Zener Diode?
● A Zener diode is a special type of rectifying diode that can handle
breakdown due to reverse breakdown voltage without failing completely.
● Here we will discuss the concept of using diodes to regulate voltage drop
and how the Zener diode operates in reverse-bias mode to regulate voltage
in a circuit.

4. Zener Diode Symbol
The circuit diagram symbol used to represent a Zener diode is drawn
with an arrow, representing forward bias current

5. Zener Breakdown
● The PN junction is formed by the combination of the p-type and the n-type
semiconductor material. The combination of the P-type and N-type regions
creates the depletion region.
● The width of the depletion region depends on the doping of the P and N-
type semiconductor material. If the material is heavily doped, the width of
the depletion region becomes very thin.

6. ZENER EFFECT

7. Zener Diode Specifications
● 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.
● Current Iz (max) – It is the maximum current at the rated Zener
Voltage (Vz – 200μA to 200 A)

8. Zener Diode Circuits

9. Applications of Zener Diodes
● Voltage regulation
● Signal clamping
● Voltage reference
● Overvoltage protection

10. ADVANTAGES
● The Zener diode is less expensive than another diode
● This diode can be used in regulate and stabilize the voltage in a
circuit
● These diodes have a high-performance standard
● Control the flowing current
● Compatibility and obtainability

11. DISADVANTAGES
● Zener diode cancels out voltage by applying an even larger voltage in the
reverse direction wasting electricity in the process.
● A Zener diode has a relatively poor regulation ratio and is generally not as
good as the transistor.