Zenerdiodi

Zenerdiodi is a type of diode that allows current to flow in the reverse direction when a certain voltage, known as the Zener voltage, is reached. This characteristic makes it useful for voltage regulation. Unlike standard diodes which are designed to block current in reverse until breakdown occurs, a Zener diode is specifically engineered to operate in the reverse breakdown region. The Zener effect is a quantum mechanical tunneling phenomenon that occurs in heavily doped semiconductor junctions at lower Zener voltages. For higher voltages, avalanche breakdown is the dominant mechanism.

The key feature of a Zener diode is its stable reverse voltage. When connected in a circuit with a varying voltage source, the Zener diode will maintain a nearly constant voltage across its terminals once the Zener voltage is achieved. This is achieved by varying the current it draws from the source. If the source voltage increases, the Zener diode draws more current to maintain its constant voltage. If the source voltage decreases, it draws less current. This behavior makes it an effective voltage reference or regulator.

Zener diodes are commonly used in power supplies to provide a stable output voltage, in overvoltage protection circuits to shunt excess voltage, and as voltage references in precision measurement equipment. They are available in a wide range of Zener voltages, from a few volts to hundreds of volts, and power ratings. The selection of a Zener diode depends on the required voltage regulation and the maximum power it needs to dissipate.