Zener Diode

Definition: A heavily doped semiconductor diode which is designed to operate in reverse

direction is known as the Zener diode. In other words, the diode which is specially designed for
optimising the breakdown region is known as the Zener diode.

The symbolic representation of Zener diode is shown in the figure below.

Working of Zener Diode

The Zener diode is made up of heavily doped semiconductor material. The heavily doped
means the high-level impurities is added to the material for making it more conductive. The
depletion region of the Zener diode is very thin because of the impurities. The heavily doping
material increases the intensity of the electric field across the depletion region of the Zener diode
even for the small reverse voltage.

NO BAISING CASE:

When no biasing is applied across the Zener diode, the electrons remains in the valence band of
the p-type material and no current flow through the diode. The band in which the valence
electrons (outermost orbit electron) place is known as the valence band electron. The electrons of
the valence band easily move from one band to another when the external energy is applied
across it.
REVERSE BIAS CASE:

When the reverse bias applies across the diode and the supply voltage is equal to the
Zener voltage then it starts conducting in the reverse bias direction. The Zener voltage is the
voltage at which the depletion region completely vanish.

The reverse bias applies across the diode increases the intensity of electric field across the
depletion region. Thus, it allows the electrons to move from the valence band of P-type material
to the conduction band of N-type material. This transferring of valence band electrons to the
conduction band reduces the barrier between the p and n-type material. When the depletion
region become completely vanish the diode starts conducting in the reverse biased.

ZENER BREAKDOWN:

The VI characteristic graph of the Zener diode is shown in the figure below. This curve shows
that the Zener diode, when connected in forwarding bias, behaves like an ordinary diode. But
when the reverse voltage applies across it and the reverse voltage rises beyond the predetermined
rating, the Zener breakdown occurs in the diode.
At Zener breakdown voltage the current starts flowing in the reverse direction. The graph of the
Zener breakdown is not exactly vertical shown above which shows that the Zener diode has
resistance.

Zener Voltage (Vz)

The voltage at which a Zener diode breaks in the reverse bias condition known as Zener
Voltage. In fact, it is the voltage at which a Zener diode is to operate. Commercially available
Zener diode is having Zener voltage ratings from 3 volts to 200 volts. The value of breakdown or
the Zener voltage depends upon doping. More the doping lesser the breakdown voltage.

V = VZ + IZRZ

Maximum Current Ratings (IZM)

The maximum value of current which a Zener diode can handle at its rated voltage without
damage is known as its Maximum Current Rating.

Power Ratings (PZM) of Zener Diode

The maximum power which Zener diode can dissipate without any damage is known as its
Power Rating. Commercially available Zener diodes have power ratings from ¼ W to more than
50 W. The power rating is the product of maximum current IZM which a Zener diode can handle
and the rated or operating voltage of a zener diode (VZ).
Zener Resistance (RZT)

The opposition offered to the current flowing through the Zener diode in the operating region is
known as Zener Resistance (RZ) or Zener Impedance (ZZ).
When a Zener diode is operated in the breakdown region, an increase in current produces a slight
increase in voltage. This shows that a Zener diode has a small AC resistance called Zener
resistance.

TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT:

The temperature coefficient can be positive or negative, depending on the zener voltage. Above
5.6 V, zeners generally have a positive temperature coefficient; below about 5.6 V, they have a
negative temperature coefficient

AVALANCHE BREAKDOWN:

 is a phenomenon that can occur in both insulating and semiconducting materials. It is a form of
electric current multiplication that can allow very large currents within materials which are
otherwise good insulators. It is a type of electron avalanche.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AVALANCHE AND ZENER BREAKDOWN:

Zener Breakdown Avalanche Breakdown

The process in which the electrons move across The process of applying high voltage and increasing
the barrier from the valence band of p-type the free electrons or electric current in
material to the conduction band of n-type material semiconductors and insulating materials is called an
is known as Zener breakdown. avalanche breakdown.

This is observed in Zener diodes having a Zener This is observed in Zener diode having a Zener
breakdown voltage breakdown voltage Vz greater than 8 volts.
Vz of 5 to 8 volts.

The valence electrons are pulled into conduction The valence electrons are pushed to conduction due
due to the high electric field in the narrow to the energy imparted by accelerated electrons,
depletion region. which gain their velocity due to their collision with
other atoms.

The increase in temperature decreases the The increase in temperature increases the
 breakdown voltage. breakdown voltage.

The VI characteristics of a Zener breakdown has a The VI characteristic curve of the avalanche
sharp curve. breakdown is not as sharp as the Zener breakdown.

It occurs in diodes that are highly doped. It occurs in diodes that are lightly doped.

Applications of Zener Diode

The Zener diode is mostly used in the commercial and industrial applications. The following are
the main application of the Zener diode.

As Voltage Stabilizer – The Zener diode is used for regulating the voltage. It provides the
constant voltage from the fluctuating voltage source to the load.

For Meter Protection – The Zener diode is generally used in multimeters for controlling the
movement of the meter against accidental overloads. It is connected in parallel with the diode.

For Wave Shaping – The Zener diode is used for converting the sine wave into the square
wave.This can be done by placing the two Zener Diodes in series with the resistance. The diode
is connected back to back and in the opposite direction.

As a Limiter: Zeners can also be used as limiters. The back-to-back zeners in this circuit
limit the output to the breakdown voltage plus one diode drop.etc