What is a zener diode?

What is a zener diode?

• A. Current limiter
• B. Switch
• C. Voltage regulator
• D. Rectifier

Answer: (C)

A Zener diode is designed to hold a fixed voltage across itself when operated in reverse breakdown. When reverse-biased, once the applied voltage reaches the Zener rating, the diode conducts in reverse and clamps the voltage at that value, keeping it nearly constant even as the load current changes within a specified range. This makes it useful as a simple voltage regulator or voltage reference in power supplies and control circuits. In forward bias, it acts like a normal diode with about a 0.7 V drop, which isn’t how it regulates. It isn’t primarily a current limiter, switch, or rectifier. The Zener’s main role is providing a stable voltage, so it’s best described as a voltage regulator.

A Zener diode is designed to hold a fixed voltage across itself when operated in reverse breakdown. When reverse-biased, once the applied voltage reaches the Zener rating, the diode conducts in reverse and clamps the voltage at that value, keeping it nearly constant even as the load current changes within a specified range. This makes it useful as a simple voltage regulator or voltage reference in power supplies and control circuits. In forward bias, it acts like a normal diode with about a 0.7 V drop, which isn’t how it regulates. It isn’t primarily a current limiter, switch, or rectifier. The Zener’s main role is providing a stable voltage, so it’s best described as a voltage regulator.