zener diode

R!f@@

Joined Apr 2, 2009
9,918
Zener diodes have a break down voltages, at different levels, like ,
3.3V, 4.7V, 6.8V and so on.
Zener operates in reverse bias where the zener voltage is the voltage dropped acroos the diode and is stable for a given zener current flowing via the diode.
While normal diodes have no break down but a PIV, , like 50V, to thousands of volts.
Which states that if that diode is used in a circuit whose operating voltages goes beyond it's PIV, then this diode will be destroyed.
Normal diodes are used in forward bias and also used in reverse bias as a protection diode where voltage reversal could a problem.
 

bertus

Joined Apr 5, 2008
22,278
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