Zener Diodes Information on GlobalSpec

Zener diodes are PN junction devices that are designed to operate in the reverse-breakdown region. The breakdown voltage (Vz) of Zener diodes is set by carefully controlling the doping level during manufacture. This breakdown phenomenon is referred to as the Zener voltage or the Zener effect.

The Zener effect functions as follows. When reverse voltage is applied to the PN junction of a diode, there is a rapid avalanche breakdown. This causes the current to reverse direction. The change in current direction accelerates valence electrons within the applied electric field, enough to free them. These free valence electrons collide with and free other electrons, building the avalanche. While this process is taking place, the current changes rapidly. Changes in current are based on changes in voltage, and even a tiny voltage change can have a massive effect on the current. In practical application, the avalanche breakdown depends upon the applied electric field. Changing the thickness of the layer to which the voltage is applied forms Zener diodes. Typical Zener diodes break down at voltages from about 4 volts to several hundred volts.

Functionally, Zener diodes are used as regulators, limiters and to control output switching. When used as regulators, the constant reverse voltage of Zener diodes allows for the regulation of output voltage against both variations in the input voltage from an unregulated power supply and from variations in the load resistance. The current traveling through Zener diodes changes to keep the voltage within the threshold of Zener action and the maximum power it can dissipate. Zener regulators tend to most efficiently function when constant voltage is applied, especially when used in conjunction with regulated power supplies, and for limiter applications.

Zener limiters are constructed with two opposing zener diodes. Each individual diode can limit one side of a sinusoidal waveform to Zener voltage while keeping the other side near zero. When the two opposing Zener diodes are paired, the waveform is limited to Zener voltage on both polarities.

Zener diodes are also used to control output switching. In this application, Zener diodes switch the output between voltages. This is determined by the changes in input voltage through the diode. The output circuit amounts to a Zener regulator that switches from one Zener voltage to the other on transition through the Zener diode.

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Products & Services Related to Zener Diodes

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Diode arrays are composed of multiple discrete (usually unconnected) diodes on a single silicon chip. Diode arrays are important semiconductor products because they save assembly time and improve reliability over individually packaged diodes. In general, diode arrays use four or more diodes in a single package.

High Voltage Diodes

High voltage diodes are designed for use in high-voltage applications.

IC Transient Voltage Suppressor Diodes (TVS)

Transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diodes are designed to limit over-voltages. They can dissipate high amounts of transient power in a short period of time.

PIN Diodes

PIN diodes are three-layer semiconductor diodes consisting of an intrinsic layer separating heavily doped P and N layers. The charge stored in the intrinsic layer in conjunction with other diode parameters determines the resistance of the diode at RF and microwave frequencies.

RF Diodes

RF diodes are designed to handle high-power radio frequency (RF) signals in stereo amplifiers, radio transmitters, television monitors, and other RF or microwave devices.

Tunnel Diodes

Tunnel diodes are heavily doped P-N diodes in which electron tunneling from the conduction band in the N-type material to the valence band in the P-type region produces a region of negative resistance. This negative-resistance region is the most important area of operation. As the voltage is increased, the current decreases. This feature makes tunneling diodes especially useful in oscillators and radio frequency (RF) applications.

Varactor Diodes

Varactor diodes are p-n junction diodes that are designed to act as a voltage controlled capacitance when operated under reverse bias.

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== Diodes == DIODES Schottky / SBR® Diodes Zener Diodes See Diodes, Inc. Information
== Diodes == DIODES Schottky / SBR® Diodes Zener Diodes Home » Product Catalog » DIODES » Zener Diodes See Diodes, Inc. Information
diodes The second of the diodes is a zener diode which are fairly popular for the voltage regulation of low current power supplies.

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