Difference Between Diode And Zener Diode

The most common type of diode is a semiconductor diode. Only when a specified threshold voltage is present in the forward direction (i.e. the “low resistance” direction) do these diodes begin to conduct electricity. When current flows in this direction, the diode is said to be “forward biased.” The diode is considered to be “reverse biased” when it is linked in the opposite direction (i.e. the “high resistance” direction) within a circuit.

What is a Diode?

A diode is a two-terminal electronic device that conducts electricity in one direction. It has high resistance on one end and low resistance on the other end. Diodes are used to protect circuits by restricting the voltage and are also used to change AC into DC. Diodes have two terminals that are known as anode and cathode. 

The arrowhead is known as the anode, it represents the direction of current flow in the forward biased condition. and the other end is known as cathode. Semiconductors like silicon and germanium are used to make the diodes. The diodes transmit current in one direction, and the way in which they transmit current may differ.

What is a Zener Diode?

Zener diode can provide a stable reference voltage. These diodes can be operated in reverse bias and break down at a certain voltage. These diodes are mostly used in power supplies to provide a reference voltage. 

In the forward bias condition, it allows current, and in reverse bias it blocks current. After this voltage has surpassed the breakdown point (in reverse bias), the diode falls in the Zener region, where it conducts without getting damaged. Current in this region is called avalanche current.

Difference between Diode and Zener Diode

Diode	Zener diode
A diode is a two-terminal electronic device that conducts electricity in one direction.	Zener diode can provide a stable reference voltage. These diodes are mostly used in power supplies to provide a reference voltage.
It has high resistance on one end and low resistance on the other end.	These diodes can be operated in reverse bias and break down at a certain voltage.
The diodes transmit current in one direction, and the way in which they transmit current may differ.	In the forward bias condition, it allows current, and in reverse bias it blocks current.
Diode gets damaged in reverse biased condition.	Zener diode doesn’t get damaged.
The diode conducts in one direction only (uni-directional only in forward biased conditions).	Zener diode is bi-directional (it conducts both in forward biased and reverse biased conditions).
The diode has low doping intensity.	Zener diode has high doping intensity to achieve breakdown.
The diode has a low breakdown voltage.	Zener diode has a high breakdown voltage
Diodes are used as rectifiers, Clippers, and Clampers.	Zener Diode can be used as a Voltage Regulator.

Sample Questions

Question 1: Define diode and Zener diode?

Answer:

• Diode: A diode is a two-terminal electronic device that conducts electricity in one direction. It has high resistance on one end and low resistance on the other end. Diodes are used to protect circuits by restricting the voltage and are also used to change AC into DC. Semiconductors like silicon and germanium are used to make the diodes. They transmit current in one direction, and the way in which they transmit current may differ.
• Zener Diode: Zener diode can provide a stable reference voltage. These diodes can be operated in reverse bias and break down at a certain voltage. These diodes are mostly used in power supplies to provide a reference voltage.

Question 2: What are the applications of the Zener diode?

Answer:

Zener diodes are used  in voltage regulator. At the point when the load voltage approaches the breakdown voltage, the resistors which are associated in series restricts the current through the diode when there is an excess measure of voltage while the diode is conducting. While doing that the diode produces some sort of noise which can be suppressed by adding larger value decoupling capacitor across the diode.

Question 3: What is the principle of the Zener diode?

Answer: 

In forward bias it allows current, and in reverse bias it blocks current. After this voltage has surpassed the breakdown point (in reverse bias), the diode falls in the Zener region, where it conducts without getting damaged. Current in this region is called avalanche current.

Question 4: What are the advantages of the Zener diode?

Answer: 

The Zener diode is less expensive than another diode. This diode can be used in regulate and stabilize the voltage in a circuit. These diodes have a high-performance standard. Control the flowing current.It can be used in a smaller circuit that would not work with any larger form of the current regulation.They are compatible with the most system due to their lower cost and greater control.

Question 5: What are the uses of diode?

Answer:

The uses of a diode are:

• Used as rectifiers, by changing AC current to DC current by removing some part of the signal. 
• They used in electrical switches and surge protectors, to prevent spike in voltage.
• They help in performing digital logics, isolating signals from supply.