 Difference between PN Junction Diode and Zener

Diode
The differences between the PN junction diode and the Zener diode are listed in the
following table.

Parameter PN Junction Diode Zener Diode

A two-terminal semiconductor A Zener diode is a special type

device formed by joining a p-type of two terminal
Definition semiconductor with an n-type semiconductor device which
semiconductor by alloying is is optimized to work in
known as PN junction diode. breakdown region.

The level of doping of p-type and The highly doped p-type and n-
Doping level of p-
n-type semiconductors used for type semiconductors are used
type & n-type
constructing PN junction diode is for making Zener diode.
semiconductors
low.

As the PN junction diode has low The Zener diode is highly

Width of depletion
doping level, thus the width of its doped, hence its depletion
layer
depletion layer is more. region is narrow.

The high reverse current can The Zener diode does not get
Effect of reverse
damage the PN junction diode. damaged by the reverse
current
current.

In case PN junction diode, the The Zener diode has relatively

Breakdown voltage
breakdown voltage is high. lower breakdown voltage.

The PN junction diode is The Zener diode is mainly

designed to operate in forward designed to operate in reverse
Biasing condition
bias only, i.e. current flows from biased conditions.
anode to cathode.

The PN junction obeys Ohm’s The Zener diode does not

Ohm’s law
law. obey Ohm’s law.

The PN junction diode is The material used for making

Manufacturing generally made by silicon and the Zener diode is selected
materials germanium. Silicon is extensively according to the required
used. voltage.

In PN junction diode, the current In case of Zener diode, current

Current flow flows only in one direction (or can flow in both directions.
forward direction).
 Parameter PN Junction Diode
A forward biased ideal PN
junction diode acts a closed
Behave in forward &
switch while in the reverse bias
reverse bias
acts as an open switch, i.e. do not
conduct.
The PN junction diode extensively
used in rectification, clamping,
Application
clipping, etc.
Zener Diode
Zener diode acts as a normal
PN junction diode in the
forward bias condition, but it
also conducts in the reverse
bias condition.
The Zener diode is mainly
used as a voltage regulator (or
stabilizer) in the electronic
devices and circuits.