Zenerjännite

Zenerjännite refers to the voltage at which a Zener diode begins to conduct significant current in the reverse breakdown region. This specific voltage is known as the Zener voltage (Vz). Zener diodes are a type of semiconductor diode designed to operate reliably in this reverse breakdown mode. Unlike standard diodes that are intended to block current in reverse, Zener diodes are manufactured to have a precisely controlled breakdown voltage.

When a reverse voltage is applied across a Zener diode, it initially acts like a normal diode and blocks current. However, as the reverse voltage increases and reaches the Zener voltage, the diode enters the breakdown region. At this point, the diode starts to conduct current in the reverse direction, and the voltage across it remains remarkably stable, close to the Zener voltage, even if the reverse current varies considerably. This characteristic makes Zener diodes useful as voltage regulators.

The Zener voltage is determined by the doping concentration of the semiconductor material during manufacturing. Diodes with lower Zener voltages are typically made with higher doping levels. The specific Zener voltage for a given diode is usually indicated in its datasheet and can range from a few volts to hundreds of volts. This stable voltage characteristic in reverse breakdown is the key principle behind their application in regulating and stabilizing voltage supplies.