The Zener diode is a special diode that is capable of operating under reverse bias conditions in the breakdown zone without any damage to itself.
Zener Diode Principle of Operation
The voltage-current graph for a Zener diode is similar to the voltage-current graph for a P-N junction of a normal diode.
When a Zener diode has forward bias, then, just as with any ordinary diode, the current flowing through it increases as the applied voltage increases. When the Zener diode is reverse biased, the current is minimal until the applied voltage reaches the breakdown voltage of the diode. When this voltage is reached, there is a significant increase in current flow. However, unlike a conventional diode, the Zener diode is designed to operate under reverse bias conditions in the breakdown zone.
Zener Diode Voltage
The required voltage of the Zener diode is the voltage at which the breakdown occurs. During the manufacturing process of the Zener diode a certain amount of other materials and additives are added to the basic starting materials, so that the breakdown occurs at a very specific voltage value.
If the voltage applied to the Zener diode exceeds the breakdown voltage set for it by a sufficiently large amount, the heat that accompanies excessive current flow through the Zener diode can cause serious damage. To prevent such trouble, circuits with a Zener diode usually have a resistor in series, which should limit the amount of current flowing through the Zener diode. If the correct value of the resistor is chosen, the current in the circuit will not exceed the maximum current value for the Zener diode.
If the applied voltage is less than what the Zener diode is rated for, the resistance to current flow will be significant and the diode will remain mostly open, but when the applied voltage is equal to or greater than the rated voltage of the Zener diode, the resistance to current will be overcome and current will flow through the Zener diode and through the circuit.
At various voltages above the Zener diode voltage, the change in internal resistance results from changes in the depletion region of the device. As a result the voltage drop across the Zener diode will be relatively constant. The voltage drop must be kept close to the Zener diode voltage value. The rest of the power supply voltage is lowered by a series connected resistor.
Since the voltage across the Zener diode is much higher than the Zener diode voltage, the circuit we have just described can be used to provide a regulated voltage to the load. If the load is connected in parallel with the Zener diode, the voltage drop across the load will be equal to the voltage drop across the Zener diode.
Where Are Zener Diodes Used?
The Zener diode can and is used in virtually any electronic device which has overvoltage protection installed. In fact, this is the main function of the Zener diode – to stabilize voltages, protecting the device from overloads.
The Zener diode also protects the device from static voltages. Of course, they are also used for voltage stabilization. For example, they are quite often used in various radio devices to stabilize the signal, both incoming and outgoing.
There really are a lot of applications for Zener diodes, as well as the devices they are installed in. Also, some types of Zener diodes are excellent for protecting devices from overvoltages caused by lightning strikes.
A Rule of Thumb for Safe Handling
Zener diodes come in many forms and among them there are some that work with very high voltages. The main safety rule when working with such components is not to touch the contacts of a switched on and running Zener diode with your bare hands.
It is also worth remembering that all Zener diode are designed for a certain maximum voltage and it must be observed. If this is not done and the Zener diode is plugged in at a voltage higher than its maximum, the component can simply burn out.
The Zener diode is a type of semiconductor diode. In fact, very similar to the rectifier diodes, but only have a slightly different functionality and slightly different device. So, how does a Zener diode work?
There are two kinds of Zener diodes, which differ in their design and some technical characteristics:
- A simple Zener diode in a simple, plastic housing is made from a silicon crystal that is soldered with a special solder to two flexible electrodes. Then, the soldering area is filled with plastic, actually forming its housing.
- The glass Zener diode is a bit more complicated – the silicon crystal is clamped by special metallic shells. The crystal is soldered to the shells, and the shells are soldered to the flexible electrodes. Usually, the entire soldering process takes place already inside the glass tube. This ensures that the case quickly becomes hermetically sealed directly during the cooling process of the heated glass.
The more expensive Zener diode is assembled using copper leads instead of bimetallic ones, which are much better at dissipating heat and protecting the Zener diode from overheating.
Actually Zener diodes are not as much afraid of overheating as conventional rectifier diodes thanks to their design. Actually, for a Zener diode the breakdown mode is quite normal, but the usual diode in this mode can not work and quickly becomes unusable.
Zener diodes are used in many modern digital and analog devices. They are installed in devices to provide additional, effective lightning protection and protection against voltage fluctuations.
In addition, Zener diodes are installed in various radio receivers and radio transmitters, because one of the main properties of the Zener diode is its ability to stabilize the voltage flowing through it.
Zener Diode vs. Diode: What’s the Difference?
Diodes are semiconductor components that behave like one-way valves. They basically allow current to flow in one direction. Standard diodes will degrade if forced to conduct current in the wrong direction, but Zener diodes are optimized to work when placed backwards in a circuit.
Diodes are made from semiconductors such as silicon and germanium. Semiconductors are mixed with other elements such as boron and phosphorus in a process called doping. Zener diodes are made from silicon, which is more doped than conventional diodes.
Regular diodes and Zener diodes have a notch (a band or some kind of mark) on the body. A diode is called forward biased when the current flow is from the unmarked side to the marked side. Otherwise, it is biased in the opposite direction.
Zener diode are installed in a circuit in the reverse bias position parallel to the load. A current-limiting resistor is usually included to ensure that the power and peak current characteristics are not exceeded.
Diodes are used as rectifiers, converting alternating current to direct current, removing some of the signal. Some of their other many functions as diodes are electrical switching and voltage doublers.
Zener diodes can perform the functions of ordinary diodes, but are most commonly used as voltage regulators for low-voltage circuits because they can maintain stable voltages under various loads. They can protect circuits from voltage fluctuations and are therefore installed in devices such as power supplies and protection devices.
FAQ
What are the advantages of Zener diode?
Zener diodes have several advantages over other types of diodes. They are able to operate at high voltages and currents, and they are also very stable. Zener diodes also have a very low forward voltage drop, which makes them ideal for use in voltage regulation circuits.
What is meant by Zener voltage?
Zener voltage is the voltage at which a diode breaks down and starts to conduct current in the reverse direction.
How Zener diode is used in circuit?
When used in a circuit, the Zener diode can be used to regulate the voltage by allowing excess voltage to be dissipated as heat.
Is Zener diode a rectifier?
No, Zener diodes are not rectifiers. A rectifier is a device that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). A Zener diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only.
What is test current in Zener diode?
Test current is the current that flows through a Zener diode when it is under test conditions. This current is used to determine the breakdown voltage of the diode.
Why Zener diode is voltage regulator?
Zener diodes are used as voltage regulators because they can operate in the reverse-biased mode. In this mode, the diode will allow a current to flow through it when the voltage across it exceeds the Zener voltage. This current will then be regulated so that the voltage across the diode remains at the Zener voltage.
Related Video: What Is a Zener Diode?
Final Words
In conclusion,a Zener diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only. It is used to protect electronic components from damage caused by voltage spikes. Zener diodes are available in a variety of voltages and sizes to suit different applications. When choosing a Zener diode, it is important to consider the maximum power dissipation and the maximum reverse voltage of the diode. Thanks for reading!