Zener diode is a reverse-biased heavily doped silicon diode named after the invention by C.Zener. Zener diode is specially designed to operate in the breakdown region. The doping level of silicon diodes can be varied as per breakdown voltages needed from 2V to 1000 V.
The maximum reverse bias applied before entering into the Zener region is called the Peak Inverse Voltage. It is commercially referred to as PIV rating.
Application of Zener Diode in daily life
- Voltage regulator
- Peak Clippers
- Calibrating voltages