draw the characteristic curve of a zener diode
Answers
Zener diode is a special purpose p-n junction semiconductor diode. It
is a heavily doped diode. Zener invented this diode. Zener
diode operates in the breakdown region in the reverse bias. Its main
function is to regulate voltage. It allows a wide range of currents
almost at the same voltage. Zener can also conduct current in its forward
bias.
Zener diode is connected in reverse bias in a circuit, for regulating
voltage. It is also called a shunt regulator. Zener is a control in many
electronic circuits.
It is connected in reverse across the load (electrical appliance
like refrigerator ). Its resistance is very high till the breakdown voltage is
reached. Zener breaks down near the operating voltage of the appliance and
does not allow any change in the voltage across the load. Near the Zener
breakdown voltage, its resistance is very low.
When the voltage reaches the breakdown
voltage, the electric field at the junction enables the minority carriers (from
the doped semiconductor) to flow in large numbers. An effect called tunnelling effect
occurs. So current can increase suddenly to a large value. This effect is
called Zener effect.
See the diagram for the characteristics.
Zener diode is a type of diode which is it different from other diode in one function. It can reverse the flow of current when Zener voltage is reached whereas in other diode it only flows from anode to its cathode.
It was invented by Clarence Melvin Zener and then after named after his name to Zener diode.
Zener diode is widely used as a shunt (parallel resistance) regulator to regulate the voltage in the circuit so as the voltage connot burn the circuit.
It is used in various ways such as voltage shifter, voltage regulator and waveform clipper.
In diode there is a change of voltage between forward bias and backward bias as shown in diagram
Forward bias means right side of x axis on graph.
Backward bias means left side of x axis on graph.
