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 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
zener diode :zener diode operates under reverse bias voltageideal diode :ideal diode operates under forward bias voltage
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.