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The zener region describes the area on the performance curve (a graph of voltage across versus current through the junction) of a zener diode. The diode acts like a "regular" diode in the forward biased direction. When some 0.7 volts or so is reached, forward current begins to climb rapidly as voltage is increased (for silicon diodes.) But in the reverse direction recall that as the diode is reverse biased, a small amount of current will flow (because of minority carriers). This "trickle" of current will continue until the "zener voltage" is reached, and then the diode will begin to conduct heavily. On the graph, this is the zener region. Zener diodes can be made to breakdown at a specific voltage, and their ability to conduct reverse current can be increased by manufacturing a larger diode. That means there are a range of voltages and wattages of zener diodes available. Wikipedia has more information and that graph. Use the link provided to get there.

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Related Questions

What is the function of zener dioed?

The function of a zener diode is for it to act as a voltage regulator in the breakdown region.


How does the zener diode protect the meter?

The zener diode protects the meter by stabilizing the voltage when it goes in to the breakdown region.


In what region of their characteristic curve are zener diodes operated?

Zener diodes are normally operated in their reverse breakdown voltage curve.


Which region zener diode can be used as regulator?

Reverse Bias


Why does voltage remain constant in the reverse breakdown region in a zener diode?

This space is for answering "http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_does_voltage_remain_constant_in_the_reverse_breakdown_region_in_a_zener_diode" Why does voltage remain constant in the reverse breakdown region in a zener diode?


What are the types of breakdown region in diode?

zener breakdown and avalanche breakdown.


How do you xxplain the zener shunt regulator?

zener diode is a special type of pn junction diode that work in breakdown region . There are two types of brekdowns in zener i.e avlanche breakdown and zener breakdown depending on the doping concentration. A zener diode in an on state can be considered as a voltage source ,equal to its zener voltage n hence act as an voltage regulator


How do you explain the stability of output voltage in spite of input voltage changing at zener diode?

In the zener region of a diode, there is a relatively flat, low slope line for voltage as a function of current. As a result, increasing current in the zener region does not result in a significant increase in voltage - hence, voltage stability.


What is Zener resistance of the Zener diode?

zener resistance of a zener diode is the resistance of the zener diode but which is the resistance of a diode


What is the difference between p n junction and zener 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.


Why zener diodes are heavily doped?

Zener diodes are heavily doped to create a narrow depletion region, allowing them to operate in the reverse breakdown region where they exhibit the Zener effect. This effect causes the diode to conduct in reverse bias at a specific voltage, ideal for voltage regulation applications.


What is break down region of zener diode?

Zener breakdown is the phenomena wherein the Zener diode experiences reverse breakdown at a much lower voltage than a normal diode, which may breakdown in excess of 100 volts, depending on the type. This is useful because the Zener will hold the same voltage after breakdown, regardless of the input voltage, making them excellent for voltage controlled switches and references.