Zener Diodes

Zener Diodes are semiconductor devices designed to regulate voltage by allowing controlled current flow in the reverse-bias direction once a specific breakdown voltage, known as the Zener voltage, is reached. Unlike standard diodes, they are intentionally operated in reverse breakdown to maintain a stable output voltage. They are widely used in voltage regulation, overvoltage protection, reference voltage circuits, signal clamping, and waveform shaping. Zener diodes help protect sensitive electronic components by limiting voltage levels within safe operating ranges. Key characteristics include Zener (breakdown) voltage, power rating, tolerance, dynamic resistance, and temperature coefficient. They are available in a wide range of voltage values and packages, including axial-lead, surface-mount (SMD), and low-power or high-power variants.