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Zener diodes operate like any other diode in reverse bias, they just have the point where they breakdown more carefully controlled, and usually lower than the typical ~50V for a standard silicon diode. The process by which most diodes (with breakdowns larger than a few volts) operate under reverse biases strong enough to cause breakdown is called "Avalanching".
Avalanching is where the reverse biasing is strong enough that the electric field between the positive and negative terminals grows to a point where the electrons and holes being swept across the junction have enough energy so that when they eventually release that energy it is enough to generate a new electron and hole pair which themselves are swept away by the electric field also.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoit conducts at the zener breakdown voltage
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What is break down voltage?
A rectifier diode normally allows current to pass in one direction (the forward direction), and almost no current in the opposite direction (the "reverse" direction). The diode is designed to work up to a certain voltage; if more than a certain voltage is applied in the reverse direction, it will "break down", and suddenly a large current will flow. This can irreparably damage the rectifier diode, unless it is of a type specifically designed to operate in the breakdown region - i.e., a Zener diode.
How do you connect a diode to a doorbell button. I was told my doorbell won't work unless I have a diode. Why don't they come included in the dorbell anyway?
mine did, but the contractor threw it away not knowing what it was. I will be going to RadioShack to see if I can purchase one.
Can a diode work in ac?
A diode is a "one-way valve" that allows electrical current to flow in only one direction. A diode placed in series between an AC voltage source and a resistive load will allow current to flow through the load in one direction and block the current when the polarity of the AC voltage changes.
Why ordinary diodes dont work properly At high frequencies?
Because of stray capacitance. At very high frequencies, the inter-electrode capacitance has a low enough impedance that the diode no longer cuts off when reverse-biased, there is still significant conduction via capacitive coupling. High-frequency diodes are constructed so as to minimize this capacitance.
Can led works as ac sources?
No. An LED (light emitting diode) allows current to flow in one direction, thus it cannot alternate as is implied by "an AC source". ANSWER: YES they can. Any diode can work with AC They can work from AC line directly. My overhead light in my kitchen are across 120 AC now for 8 years. But then again I know what I am doing
What is a special quality of zener diode?
it can work in reverse bias unlike other diodes
Will a zener diode work the same as a germanium diode?
No. An ordinary diode, be it silicon or germanium, conducts in one direction only, whereas a zener diode conducts in both directions, but at different voltages. An ordinary diode is used to rectify, using its forward bias characteristics, while a zener diode is used to regulate, using its reverse bias characteristics.
What is V-I characteristics of zener diode?
Work in reverse bias.(breakdown at a particular voltage to keep the volt. constant so used as voltage regulator) same as diode when forward biased.
How does a zener diode work in forward bias?
Like a normal diode............. unless it includes a "back biased" diode to prevent conduction in this mode as is common in zener diodes rated at about 10 volts or more, then it acts as an open circuit.
Why zener diode acts as a reference element in the voltage regulator circuit?
It has a very sharp reverse breakdown voltage curve and is not damaged by the reverse current, as some normal diodes might be.
Why ammeter is connected in different way in forward and reverse bias zenner diode?
The ammeter is connected in different way in forward and reverse bias zenner diode. So that all of the board will work right going forward and reverse.
Diode will work on zero bias or not?
diode does not work on zero bias
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
Does the zener diode work after breakdown?
A: Believe it or not that is the only time that it is useful
What does the term PIV for a diode refer to?
Peak Inverse Voltage, the maximum reverse bias (inverse) voltage that can be applied to the diode without damaging or destroying it. The work "peak" is used to remind you that when using the diode to rectify AC (or arbitrary waveforms) you must use the peak voltage, not the RMS voltage.
Why a zener diode is better than a simple diode?
A typical diode functions only in one direction (forward-bias). When subjected to reverse-bias, the junction will eventually break down under high enough voltage. A zener diode works the same way, but breaks down at a very specific reverse-bias voltage. This is called its zener voltage. Because of this property, a zener diode can be used to regulate the voltage in a circuit. When inserted the opposite orientation as you typically expect a diode, it begins to conduct when the voltage across it reaches the zener voltage. Then the voltage stays at that level. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zener_diode for more information.
What is the nature of the output voltage of half wave and full wave rectifiers with that of the input voltage?
In a half wave rectifier voltage across load resistance is not consistent, because for positive pulse of input voltage diode work as a forward bias i,e half wave rectifier treat as closed circuit and for negative pulse of a input voltage diode work as a reverse bias so no current flow through circuit. therefore voltage output is not consistent. In full wave rectifier two diodes are used at the both side of secondary coil of transformer. due to that for positive pulse of input voltage one diode diode work as a forward bias another as a reverse bias. for negative pulse of a input voltage second diode work as a forward bias another as a reverse bias,so consistent voltage can be provided by full wave rectifier.the nature of output voltage of half wave rectifier and full wave rectifier is that it flows through with only one polarity either in positive or negative in the circuit.
