What is the Difference Between Diode and Zener Diode?

The main difference between a diode and a Zener diode lies in their behavior during reverse voltage conditions and their applications:

• Diode: A diode is a two-terminal electronic device that conducts electricity in one direction. It has high resistance on one end and low resistance on the other end. Diodes are used to protect circuits by restricting the voltage and are also used to change AC into DC.
• Zener Diode: A Zener diode is a type of rectifying semiconductor diode that is used to regulate voltage in a working in a reverse-bias mode to avoid failure. It conducts in both forward and reverse biased directions. A Zener diode can provide a stable reference voltage and is commonly used in power supplies.

Here are some key differences between diodes and Zener diodes:

1. Direction of conduction: Diodes conduct only in a single direction, while Zener diodes conduct in both forward and reverse biased directions.
2. Reverse breakdown voltage: Zener diodes have a specific, well-defined reverse breakdown voltage, which is specified in the datasheet. Standard diodes do not have a specified reverse breakdown voltage.
3. Applications: Diodes are used as rectifiers, clippers, and clampers, while Zener diodes can be used as voltage regulators.

In summary, while both diodes and Zener diodes are semiconductor devices, they differ in their direction of conduction, reverse breakdown voltage, and applications. Diodes are primarily used for rectification and voltage protection, while Zener diodes are used for voltage regulation and reference voltage generation.

Comparative Table: Diode vs Zener Diode

Here is a table comparing the differences between diodes and Zener diodes:

Diodes and Zener diodes are both two-terminal semiconductor devices, but they differ in their ability to operate in reverse breakdown mode, doping intensity, and breakdown voltage. While normal diodes can only conduct in the forward-biased mode, Zener diodes can also conduct in the reverse-biased mode. Zener diodes are designed to operate in reverse breakdown mode without being damaged, making them suitable for use as voltage regulators.