Why Zener Diodes Don't Have Current Leakage

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SUMMARY

Zener diodes do exhibit current leakage, contrary to the claim made by some educators. Every diode, including Zener diodes, has a certain level of leakage current due to their inherent properties. The discussion references a specific Zener diode datasheet from Diodes Inc. that outlines maximum reverse current characteristics, emphasizing that while Zener diodes conduct during reverse breakdown, they still have leakage current under normal conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Zener diode operation and characteristics
  • Familiarity with reverse bias circuit behavior
  • Knowledge of electrical characteristics in semiconductor datasheets
  • Basic principles of diode leakage current
NEXT STEPS
  • Review Zener diode datasheets for various manufacturers to compare leakage current specifications
  • Study the principles of reverse breakdown in Zener diodes
  • Learn about semiconductor physics related to leakage current in diodes
  • Explore practical applications of Zener diodes in voltage regulation circuits
USEFUL FOR

Electronics students, electrical engineers, and anyone involved in semiconductor device design or analysis will benefit from this discussion.

ahjie
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Can someone help me ?
i can't understand why zener diode don't have current leakage?
 
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It does. Every diode has some leakage.
 
My lecturer say it don't have leakage current in revere bias circuit ? (include in pratical)
 
Your lecturer is wrong. All diodes have leakage current. It is their nature.

Here is the first zener diode datasheet I found on Google.

http://www.diodes.com/datasheets/ds18004.pdf

Check out the Electrical Characteristics... it lists the maximum reverse current.
 
I suppose it depends on how you look at it. It won't have leakage when in reverse breakdown since it is conducting and is supposed to be conducting. I would agree with carlgrace in that the lecturer has some wires crossed.
 

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