19 June 2021

Diode vs zener diode

A diode is a semiconductor device that only conducts one way. A Zener diode is a semiconductor device that can conduct both forward and reverse biassed currents. So here this article gives the comparison between diode vs Zener diode to better understand this topic.

What is a diode?

A diode is a semiconductor device that is generated when two alternative semiconductors are coupled together. When a P-layer semiconductor and N-layer semiconductor are joined together, a PN junction also known as a diode is formed.

What is zener diode?

The Zener diode is a special purpose diode that operates in the breakdown region at all times. The Zener diode is highly doped in comparison to a normal diode, and it has the unique ability to allow current to flow both forward and backward.

Diode vs Zener diode | Difference between diode and Zener diode:

  • A typical diode cannot work in the reversed biassed state, however, the Zener diode can work in forward as well as in reverse bias.
  • The Zener diode is commonly employed as a voltage regulator, whereas diodes are used in rectifiers, protection circuits, Power supplies, clippers, clampers among other applications.
  • The distinction between a diode and Zener diode in the direction of the current that the device allows. The diode conducts in a single direction but the more zen diode conducts bi-directionally in both forward and reverses bias.
  • In the case of a Zener diode, the breakdown voltage is very high, normally the PN junction diode on the other hand has rather a high breakdown voltage.
  • The dopping characteristics of a diode and Zener diode from one another as well. A diode is a less doped semiconductor device. The zener diode has a high doping level, whereas the ordinary diode has a moderate doping level.
  • Diode obeys ohms law, while the Zener diode does not obey ohms law.
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