Can I power things even after Zener breakdown?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Benjamin_harsh
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    even Power
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Zener breakdown occurs when reverse current flows through a Zener diode, leading to the depletion region vanishing. This reverse current can indeed be utilized to power devices, provided the Zener diode is correctly configured and rated for the load. Specifically, the Zener diode must handle the power dissipation calculated as the product of series current and Zener voltage (##I_s V_z##). Proper understanding of Zener diode configurations is essential to prevent damage to connected appliances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Zener diode operation and characteristics
  • Understanding of reverse current in semiconductor devices
  • Basic circuit design principles
  • Power dissipation calculations in electronic components
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Zener diode configurations for voltage regulation
  • Learn about power ratings and thermal management in diodes
  • Explore the implications of reverse current in semiconductor devices
  • Investigate circuit protection methods for Zener diodes
USEFUL FOR

Electronics engineers, hobbyists working with Zener diodes, and anyone involved in designing voltage regulation circuits will benefit from this discussion.

Benjamin_harsh
Messages
211
Reaction score
5
Homework Statement
Can I power things even after Zener breakdown?
Relevant Equations
Can I power things even after Zener breakdown?
I understand that Zener Breakdown occurs when the reverse current starts flowing in the junction because of which depletion region entirely vanishes. Can I power things using this reverse current ? Or will it damage the appliance?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Benjamin_harsh said:
Homework Statement:: Can I power things even after Zener breakdown?
Relevant Equations:: Can I power things even after Zener breakdown?

I understand that Zener Breakdown occurs when the reverse current starts flowing in the junction because of which depletion region entirely vanishes. Can I power things using this reverse current ? Or will it damage the appliance?
Can you be more detailed in what you are asking, and post some schematics?

Zener diodes are usually used in shunt configurations, to provide crude voltage regulation. You can use them in series with a load if you want to drop some voltage (the Zener voltage) between your voltage source and the load. Your Zener diode needs to have a power rating sufficient to handle the ##I_s V_z## (series current * Zener voltage) power dissipation, of course.
 
I am referring to reverse current in zener breakdown. I am referring to this part.

NDK1Fh6.png
 
Benjamin_harsh said:
I am referring to reverse current in zener breakdown.
Of course. That's how a Zener diode works.
Benjamin_harsh said:
I am referring to this [part](https://i.imgur.com/7tlCabh.png)
Image link is not working for me. Maybe just paste in the image into a reply? (You'll need to be sure the little Edit icons are not red, but clicking the "[ ]" toggle BB icon if needed)
 
Benjamin_harsh said:
Homework Statement:: Can I power things even after Zener breakdown?
Relevant Equations:: Can I power things even after Zener breakdown?

Can I power things using this reverse current ? Or will it damage the appliance?
Or are you not referring to a Zener diode, and are referring to some other semiconductor device?
 

Similar threads

Help with the Key Points of Zener Breakdown and Avalanche Breakdown
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Wrong statement about a p-n junction
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Undergrad What Happens to Voltage in a Zener Diode Above Breakdown Voltage?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
What does a Zener diode do in a circuit with non-ideal voltage source?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Can anybody correct me if I'm wrong?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Solving Current & Power in 4 & 3 Wire Circuits
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Designing a +10V Supply with Transistors: A Practical Approach
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
High School Initiation and the math behind Arc Discharges
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
What is happening inside the zener diode ?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Why does Zener breakdown occure and why is it happeing?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K