Zenerfeszültség

Zenerfeszültség refers to the specific reverse breakdown voltage of a Zener diode. When a Zener diode is subjected to a reverse voltage exceeding this characteristic value, it begins to conduct current in the reverse direction. This breakdown is not destructive, unlike in ordinary diodes, because the diode is specifically designed to operate in this region.

The Zenerfeszültség is determined by the doping concentration of the semiconductor material used in the diode's construction. Higher doping levels result in a lower Zenerfeszültség, while lower doping levels lead to a higher Zenerfeszültség. This voltage remains relatively constant over a wide range of reverse current, making Zener diodes useful for voltage regulation applications.

When the reverse voltage across a Zener diode reaches its Zenerfeszültség, the diode enters a state of avalanche breakdown or Zener breakdown (depending on the voltage level). In this state, the electric field across the junction becomes strong enough to either accelerate charge carriers to energies sufficient to dislodge other charge carriers (avalanche breakdown) or to directly pull electrons from their covalent bonds (Zener breakdown). The precise mechanism depends on the Zenerfeszültség value.

Due to their stable breakdown voltage, Zener diodes are commonly employed as voltage references and regulators in electronic circuits. They can effectively maintain a constant voltage across a load, even if the input voltage or the load current fluctuates, provided the operating conditions are within the diode's specified limits.