Zener diodes are those semiconductor devices that function in the reverse breakdown region.
This diode operates in the reverse breakdown area of the voltage-current characteristic curve. When the voltage crosses a particular value, also called “zener voltage” or “breakdown voltage,” zener diodes come into role by conducting current in the reverse direction.
Application of Zener Diode
The Zener diode plays an important role in the timely regulation of voltage. Following are the major applications of Zener diode -
Voltage Regulation - The Zener diode is helpful when input voltage varies but it ensures to maintain constant voltage across all terminals. They work well after connecting across a source of voltage in reverse bias.
Overvoltage Protection - Every time the voltage increases, zener diodes protect the components from sudden spikes and bring it to a lower level. When voltage crosses the breakeven or zener breakdown voltage, the zener diode conducts heavily, shunting excess current away from the protected circuitry.
| Application of Zener Diode | |
| Voltage Regulation | Noise Reduction |
| Overvoltage Protection | Temperature Sensing |
| Waveform Clipping and Clamping | Oscillator Circuits |
Clipping and Clamping Circuits - Zener diodes are used in clipping circuits to limit voltage amplitudes and in clamping circuits to adjust the DC level of an AC signal to the required level.
Switching Circuits - In low breakdown voltages, zener diodes help to switch applications where it can be changed with the change in voltage.
Noise Reduction - Zener diodes stabilize voltage fluctuations by reducing noise in analog circuits.
Temperature Compensation - Zener diodes are sometimes used in temperature compensation circuits due to their predictable voltage change with temperature.
Application of Zener Diode in Daily Life
In daily life, Zener diode is very important due to the following applications -
- Consumer Electronics - Zener diodes are widely used in protection circuits like in television, computers, audio equipment, etc. They mainly protect equipment from voltage spikes if arises any due to fluctuations in power grid.
- LED Lighting - Zener diodes mostly power LED lights. They can be part of the driver circuitry that ensures the LEDs receive a consistent and suitable voltage, extending their life and maintaining their brightness.
- Home Appliances - Many household appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, and microwave ovens, use electronic control circuits that may include Zener diodes for voltage regulation and transient protection. This provides reliable functioning and safeguards against damage caused by power spikes.
Conclusion
The use of Zener diodes demonstrates their adaptability and usefulness in modern electronic systems, where voltage management, protection against voltage transients, and exact voltage references are required.While Zener diodes are not visible or directly dealt with in everyday life, their functionality assures the continued operation and protection of the electronic devices and systems we use on a regular basis.