Define the properties of Zener Diode. (please answer)
Answers
Explanation:
Zener diode works in forward direction.They have a large forward current flowing through them.
Answer:
Let us now look at the Zener diode characteristic:
Characteristics of a Zener Diode
A graph of current through vs the voltage across the device is called the characteristic of Zener diode. The first quadrant is the forward biased region. Here the Zener diode acts like an ordinary diode. When a forward voltage is applied, current flows through it. But due to higher doping concentration, higher current flows through the Zener diode. In the third quadrant, the magic happens. The graph shows the current vs voltage curve when we apply a reverse bias to the diode. The Zener breakdown voltage is the reverse bias voltage after which a significant amount of current starts flowing through the Zener diode. Here in the diagram, VZ refers to the Zener breakdown voltage. Until the voltage reaches Zener breakdown level, tiny amount of current flows through the diode. Once the reverse bias voltage becomes more than the Zener breakdown voltage, a significant amount of current starts flowing through the diode due to Zener breakdown. The voltage remains at the Zener breakdown voltage value, but the current through the diode increases when the input voltage gets increased. Due to the unique property of Zener diode, the depletion region regains its original position when the reverse voltage gets removed. The Zener diode doesn’t get damaged despite this massive amount of current flowing through it. This unique functionality makes it very useful for many applications.
As the voltage remains at the Zener breakdown voltage, we use Zener diodes for voltage regulation. We use them in voltage stabilisers and various other protection circuits. We also use them in clipping circuit and clamping circuit. They provide a low-cost solution for voltage regulation.
Explanation: