Zener Region Zener region Zener diode operation: The diode is in the reverse bias condition. At some point the reverse bias voltage is so large the diode breaks down. The reverse current increases dramatically. This maximum voltage is called and the current avalanche breakdown voltage is called avalanche current. Forward Bias Voltage No Bias condition to Forward Bias condition happens when the electron and are given sufficient energy to cross the p-n junction. ‘holes’ This energy comes from the external voltage applied across the diode. The Forward bias voltage required for a ≅ Silicon VT 0.7V ≅ Germanium diode VT 0.3V
Zener Region Zener region Zener diode operation: The diode is in the reverse bias condition. At some point the reverse bias voltage is so large the diode breaks down. The reverse current increases dramatically. This maximum voltage is called avalanche breakdown voltage and the current is called avalanche current. Forward Bias Voltage No Bias condition to Forward Bias condition happens when the electron and ‘holes’ are given sufficient energy to cross the p-n junction. This energy comes from the external voltage applied across the diode. The Forward bias voltage required for a Silicon VT ≅ 0.7V Germanium diode VT ≅ 0.3V
U1-L1_INTRODUCTION-TO-DIODE-CIRCUITS.doc.docx