What do you mean by Zener diode?

What do you mean by Zener diode?

A Zener diode is a silicon semiconductor device that permits current to flow in either a forward or reverse direction. The diode consists of a special, heavily doped p-n junction, designed to conduct in the reverse direction when a certain specified voltage is reached.

What is Zener diode Class 12?

A Zener diode is a heavily doped silicon crystal diode which allows current to flow in the forward direction in the same manner as an ideal diode. It also permits the current to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value known as the breakdown voltage.

How does a Zener diode work in DC voltage?

A Zener diode operating in breakdown acts as a voltage regulator because it maintains a nearly constant voltage, which is equal to the Zener voltage, across its terminals over a specified range of reverse-current values. This constant voltage drop across the Zener diode produced by reverse breakdown is represented by a DC voltage symbol.

How does the Zener diode protect the meter?

In meter protection: A zener diode can protect a meter from the excessive voltage applied to it . A parallel connection of zener with the meter causes excess current to pass through zener rather than a meter. Thereby protecting it from severe damage.

What is the current, IZM, of a Zener diode?

Current : The current, IZM, of a Zener diode is the maximum current that can flow through a Zener diode at its rated voltage, VZ. Typically there is also a minimum current required for the operation of the diode. As a rough rule of thumb, this can be around 5 to 10 mA for a typical leaded 400 mW device.

What are the uses of a diode?

A diode can be used for various purposes including the production of different signals such as an analog signal, frequencies such as microwave frequencies, or light. Those that produce light are known as Light Emitting Diodes or LED. This type of diode will produce light when current flows through it.