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How does a zener diode works?

Updated: 9/17/2019
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11y ago

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A zener diode is designed to be operated in reverse bias, and have a specified breakdown voltage. For example, if you wanted a part that is supposed to get 10V applied to it, and you only have a 12V rail, you can put a resistor and a 10V zener diode in series, and the zener diode will make sure that only 10V get dropped across it. Any more and it will begin conducting.

It will draw enough current to drop the excess voltage across the series resistor. If the load on the output terminals increases, tending to reduce the output voltage, the Zener just takes less current. The idea is that the total current through the series resistor is enough to stabilise the output at 10V.

ANSWER: A zener is a diode that has the property that when reversed bias is applied to exibit a breakdown of a voltage with a sharp knee. This property can be used as a regulator since the voltage will not change it the current trough the zener changes.

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13y ago
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Q: How does a zener diode works?
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Zener diode works in what condition?

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