Zenerdiodin

Zenerdiodin, often called a Zenerdiode, is a special type of diode that has been engineered to reliably operate in the reverse breakdown region of its current-voltage characteristic. Unlike a standard diode, which is typically used for rectification and is avoided in breakdown, the Zenerdiode is designed to maintain a constant voltage across its terminals even as the current through it changes within a certain range. This characteristic makes it exceptionally useful as a voltage regulator.

The Zener breakdown occurs at a specific voltage, known as the Zener voltage (Vz), which is determined by the doping concentration of the semiconductor material. There are two primary mechanisms for Zener breakdown: quantum mechanical tunneling, which occurs at lower Zener voltages (below approximately 5.6 volts), and avalanche breakdown, which dominates at higher voltages. Both mechanisms result in a sharp increase in reverse current once the Zener voltage is reached, with the voltage across the diode remaining relatively stable.

In a typical application, a Zenerdiode is connected in reverse bias across a varying voltage source, in series with a resistor. This resistor limits the current flowing through the Zenerdiode. If the input voltage increases, the current through the resistor and Zenerdiode increases, but the Zenerdiode maintains a constant voltage across itself, thus stabilizing the output voltage. Conversely, if the input voltage decreases, the current decreases, but the Zener voltage remains stable. This allows Zenerdiodes to be used in simple voltage regulator circuits to provide a stable reference voltage for other electronic components. They are also employed for surge protection and as voltage references in more complex circuitry.