# Zener diode

Zener-diode

> a form of semiconductor diode in which at a critical reverse voltage a large reverse current can flow.

![](/files/-Lf5hjf_wOah0rJFWJRy)

Zener diodes are made to conduct under reversed bias. Zener diodes are fabricated to work in the breakdown region under a special tunneling breakdown called Zener breakdown. This breakdown occurs at a specifically defined value of voltage, as this breakdown voltage is maintained as the reverse current increases, this diode can be used as a voltage reference. The breakdown voltage is kept constant even if the cur- rent changes without damaging the diode.

The main property of a zener diode is that the voltage across the diode ($$V\_Z$$) will remain practically steady for a wide range of current ($$I\_Z$$) when the diode is operated in reverse bias mode:

![](/files/-Lf5hjfdYvbipW1HmLAq)


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