Can I power things even after Zener breakdown?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of Zener breakdown in diodes, specifically focusing on whether reverse current generated during this breakdown can be used to power devices without causing damage.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of using reverse current from Zener breakdown, questioning its safety and effectiveness for powering appliances. Some seek clarification on the nature of the device in question, while others reference the typical applications of Zener diodes in voltage regulation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the operation of Zener diodes and their configurations. There is a request for more detailed information and schematics to better understand the original poster's inquiry.

Contextual Notes

There is some ambiguity regarding whether the original poster is specifically referring to Zener diodes or another type of semiconductor device. Additionally, the need for adequate power ratings for Zener diodes is mentioned, indicating potential constraints in practical applications.

Benjamin_harsh
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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?
 
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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?
 

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