In zener breakdown, electrons from the p-doped region cross the depletion region through tunneling. This happens in a controlled fashion at a well-established reverse-bias voltage.
In avalanche breakdown, the effect is similar, but the breakdown occurs as high-energy electrons (propelled toward the depletion region by a high voltage) crash into lattice molecules hard enough to break electron-hole pairs, thus freeing more electrons which, in turn, crash into other molecules and free yet more electrons, etc., etc. Thus, the effect is like an avalanche.
Avalanche is when you surpass the negative bias voltage threshold and the zener breaks, thermal breakdown would be putting too much current or voltage across the zener and burning it out.
effect of temperature on zener & avalanche breakdown
Silicon "zener diodes" with a zener voltage rating of 5.6V or higher operate mainly by avalanche breakdown, so both the 6.2V and 24V "zener diodes" are avalanche breakdown type (not zener breakdown type).
Zener avalanche refers to the breakdown mechanism in a Zener diode that occurs when the reverse voltage exceeds a certain threshold, known as the Zener breakdown voltage. In this process, both Zener and avalanche breakdown can occur, depending on the diode's voltage rating. At lower voltages, the Zener effect dominates, while at higher voltages, avalanche breakdown becomes significant. This mechanism allows Zener diodes to regulate voltage in circuits by clamping the voltage to a specific level, ensuring stability and protection for sensitive components.
zener breakdown and avalanche breakdown.
Zener diodes and ordinary junction diodes are similar, except that zener diodes have additional doping to bring their reverse breakdown voltage into a more usable value, and to allow them to not destructively avalanche when they do conduct in the reverse direction.
An ordinary diode is designed to have a high breakdown voltage, causing it to experience avalanche breakdown when the reverse bias voltage surpasses its breakdown voltage. In contrast, a Zener diode is engineered with a specific doping profile that allows it to exhibit Zener breakdown at lower voltages by enabling electron tunneling across the depletion region. This fundamental difference in design leads to the distinct breakdown behaviors in each type of diode.
Oh, what a happy little question! To differentiate between Zener and avalanche diodes, you can look at their voltage ratings. A Zener diode typically has a lower voltage rating, like 6.2V, while an avalanche diode usually has a higher voltage rating, like 24V. Just remember, each diode has its own special purpose and they all bring joy to our electronic landscapes.
avalanche
Gerard Gibbons has written: 'Avalanche-diode microwave oscillators' -- subject(s): Oscillators, Microwave, Zener diodes, Diodes, Avalanche, Microwave Oscillators, Avalanche diodes
The difference between the avalanche diode (which has a reverse breakdown above about 6.2 V) and the Zener is that the channel length of the former exceeds the "mean free path" of the electrons, so there are collisions between them on the way out. The only practical difference is that the two types have temperature coefficients of opposite polarities.
ZENER DIODE IS MADE TO REVERSE BREAK OVER AT A CERTAIN VOLTAGE the break over knee is not exactly sharp especially in low voltage zeners. and p-n means positive and negative junction