Zener diode - definition. A Zener diode is a silicon semiconductor device that permits current to flow in either a forward or reverse direction. Definition: Zener diode is specially designed for operation in the breakdown region in reverse bias condition. The Zener diode can be defined as; it is a special kind of diode when we compare with other diodes. A diode is a semiconductor device which conducts in one direction only. Although in the real world, diodes can not achieve zero or infinite resistance. “Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time, “Misinformation” vs. “Disinformation”: Get Informed On The Difference, “DNA” vs. “RNA” vs. “mRNA”: The Differences Are Vital, The Most Surprisingly Serendipitous Words Of The Day. Accessed 10 Jan. 2021. The Zener Diode Characteristic A zener diode has two connections: a cathode and an anode. Zener diode temperature characteristic It can be seen in the example given that there is a noticeable difference between the specification for the Zener diode reverse voltage at 0°C and 50°C. “Zener diode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zener%20diode. Even though they transmit current in a single direction, the way with which they transmit … It was formerly widely used as a rectifier and detector but has now been replaced in most electrical circuits by the more efficient and reliable semiconductor diode. Definition of Zener diode in the Definitions.net dictionary. It is fabricated by using heavily doped p-side and n-sides of the diode. Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible). A diode is effectively like a valve for an electrical circuit.. Semiconductor diodes are the most common type of diode. the act of a person who encloses something in or as if in a casing or covering, a school giving instruction in one or more of the fine or dramatic arts, a comic character, usually masked, dressed in multicolored, diamond-patterned tights, and carrying a wooden sword or magic wand, First recorded in 1955–60; named after U.S. physicist Clarence Melvin, Dictionary.com Unabridged Zener diode definition, a semiconductor diode across which the reverse voltage remains almost constant over a wide range of currents, used especially to regulate voltage. Working Principle of Zener Diode When a PN junction diode is reverse biased, the depletion layer becomes wider. Zener diode definition semiconductor used on British motorcycles for many years as a voltage regulator . Zener diodes acts like normal p-n junction diodes under forward biased condition. "The device was named after Clarence Zener, who discovered this electrical property. What Does Amen Mean At The End Of A Prayer? © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Delivered to your inbox! The Zener diode is a special type of diode that is designed to work in reverse bias and in the so-called Zener region of the diode characteristic curve. A Zener Diode is a special kind of diode which permits current to flow in the forward direction as normal, but will also allow it to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value – the breakdown voltage known as the Zener voltage. American Scientist C. Zener explained the phenomenon of the breakdown. Meaning of Zener diode. Characteristics Curve Figure 8 shows a characteristic curve for a Zener diode. Construction of a zener diode: Zener diode is a special purpose p-n junction diode. Light-emitting diodes are p-n junctions that emit light when a current flows through them. Imagine you're driving through a busy city looking for your friend's home on Light Bulb Avenue. Because it is built with a known breakdown voltage it can be used to supply a known voltage. Zener Diode Definition: A heavily doped semiconductor diode which is designed to operate in reverse direction is known as the Zener diode. A diode is the ' After exceeding this voltage, current value rapidly increases. A zener diode is like a normal diode, but instead of being destroyed by a big reverse voltage, it lets electricity through. Its symbol is shown in the attached figure. For sma… A Zener diode is a specially designed, highly doped PN junction diode. 'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'. In order to achieve sharp breakdown voltage, it is properly doped. “Capital” vs. “Capitol”: Do You Know Where You’re Going? Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words? A Zener Diode, also known as a breakdown diode, is a heavily doped semiconductor device that is designed to operate in the reverse direction. In the above circuit, the Zener diode of Zener Voltage V Z is connected across the load R L in reverse condition. A Zener diode contains a heavily doped p–n junction allowing electrons to tunnel from the valence band of the p-type material to the conduction band of the n-type material, such that the reverse voltage is "clamped" to a known value (called the Zener voltage), and avalanche does not occur. Rectifier diodes may use a straightforward PN junction diode, or in some cases they may use a … If you are a student or simply want to learn how to solve Zener Diode tasks, please visit this sectionof our website where you can find a wide variety of electronic tasks. a semiconductor diode that exhibits a sharp increase in reverse current at a well-defined reverse voltage: used as a voltage regulator. What differs Zener diode from regular semiconductor diode is when Zener is reverse-biased, one can notice thatZener diode is able to conduct electricity after exceeding the specified voltage at the junction, so called Zener breakdown voltage without damaging the component. If your language skills aren’t already top-notch, then this vocab quiz can get you up to speed! This needs to be taken into account if the circuit and equipment in which the Zener diode is to be used is subject to temperature change. A zener diode is a special kind of diode which allows current to flow in the forward direction in the same manner as an ideal diode, but will also permit it to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value known as the breakdown voltage, "zener knee voltage" or "zener voltage. However, the Zener has unique reverse bias qualities that make it differ from the typical diode. These devices are used to protect circuits by limiting the voltage and to also transform AC into DC. The Zener will go into reverse bias at various voltages. A normal diode if operated in reversed biased will get destroyed. Definition: A special type of PN junction diode that operates in reverse biased mode, more specifically in breakdown region is known as Zener Diode. Semiconductorslike silicon and germanium are used to make the most of diodes. You see her location on the map but the actual streets have signs that only allow traffic to flow in one direction, the 'one way' street sign. When the voltage across the zener diode reached a certain point, the element would begin to conduct current ,routing it to ground, thus preventing the battery from overcharging. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! 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