Intro to zener diode

• zener diode is a special diode that is mostly used in voltage regulation to maintain a constant voltage
• avalanche breakdown - lightly doped diode
• zener diode - breakdown is achieved earlier
• zener diode has high-power dissipation capability
• the properties of zener diode will not degrade
• zener diode in forward bias is the same as the normal diode
• the breakdown voltage of a zener diode is very sensitive to the temperature
• if there is a change in temperature, the breakdown voltage will also change
• voltage regulator is a combination of elements designed to ensure that the output voltage of a supply remains constant
• in reverse bias condition when there is no breakdown the zener diode is off
• in reverse bias condition when there is a breakdown the zener diode is on
• it is important to apply reverse bias potential greater than the xener voltage