All diodes have a tiny voltage when current flows in a 'forward' direction. And a Reverse Breakdown voltage when current tries to flow in a reverse direction resulting in a high voltage. That current does not flow until voltage exceeds its breakdown number.
Regular diodes have a reverse breakdown voltage that is somewhere above a number, For example a 1N4002 has a Reverse Breakdown Voltage somewhere above 100 volts.
A Zener diode is constructed so that its Reverse Breakdown voltage is clearly defined and accurate. For example Reverse Breakdown voltage for a 1N4733 is 5.1 volts. A !N4734 is 5.6 volts.
Zener diode is heavily doped pn junction diode.
The difference between the pn-junction diode and the zener diode is that the pn-junction diode is used for rectification while the zener diode is used for rectification and stabilization. Also, the zener diode can function in the breakdown region while the pn-juntion diode can not function in that regime.
what is the difference between reverse characteristics of zener diode and a practical diode ?
zener resistance of a zener diode is the resistance of the zener diode but which is the resistance of a diode
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.
A: They are both diodes. The difference lies in the application. A rectifier is used to rectify AC current into pulsating current. The zener diode is used to regulate a voltage source to the zener voltage when connected in the reverse direction. ************************************************************** If you look at the characteristic curves of a rectifier diode and a zener diode, you will see that they are similar, but the reverse curve of the zener has a much sharper bend at what is called the "knee". It is at this point on the zener's curve at which it operates.
zener diode :zener diode operates under reverse bias voltageideal diode :ideal diode operates under forward bias voltage
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
The zener diode is optimized for reverse breakdown voltage accuracy and stability. This value and its tolerance is specified in more detail than a normal diode.
A zener diode cannot be used as switch.
Dr. Clarence Melvin Zener of Southern Illinois University invented the zener diode.
zener diode is a revers bias diode which used for voltage regulation.