ImStuck1 said:I think I sort of understand, does it take all of the voltage in apart from a certain amount?
so say you havea 4v zener, does it absorb all the volts but the 4?
I've googled it but I really need to ask questions to understand.
A Zener Diode is a type of semiconductor device that is primarily used for voltage regulation. It is designed to allow current to flow in both directions, and to maintain a constant voltage across its terminals when the voltage applied exceeds its breakdown voltage.
A Zener Diode works by utilizing the Zener effect, which is the phenomenon of a reverse-biased diode experiencing a sudden increase in current when the voltage applied to it reaches a certain value. This allows the diode to regulate the voltage by allowing excess current to flow through it, thus preventing a spike in voltage.
The breakdown voltage of a Zener Diode is the voltage at which the diode begins to conduct in the reverse direction. This voltage is predetermined by the manufacturer and can range from a few volts to several hundred volts.
The main difference between a Zener Diode and a regular diode is that a Zener Diode is designed to operate in the reverse breakdown region, while a regular diode is not. This allows the Zener Diode to regulate the voltage, while a regular diode simply allows current to flow in one direction.
Zener Diodes are commonly used in voltage regulation, voltage reference circuits, and as protection devices against overvoltage spikes. They are also used in switching applications, oscillator circuits, and in voltage clamping circuits.