Zener diode

Switching and symbol (resistor and zener diode)

Zener diode is like a normal diode, but instead of being destroyed by a big reverse voltage, it lets electricity through. The voltage needed for this is called the breakdown voltage or Zener voltage.^[1] Because it can be built with a known breakdown voltage, it can be used to accurately measure voltage.

Zener Diode Media

The circuit diagram symbol for a Zener diode. When used in a circuit diagram, the words "Anode" and "Cathode" are not included with the graphic symbol. (Revised to conform to ANSI Y32.2-1975 and IEEE-Std. 315-1975.)
Current-voltage characteristic of a Zener diode with a breakdown voltage of 3.4 V
Temperature coefficient of Zener voltage against nominal Zener voltage
Buried-zener structure in old-timey bipolar epitaxial process with junction isolation.
Zener diode shown with typical packages. Reverse current -i_Z is shown.

References

↑ "Zener Diode". Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2012.

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[1] "Zener Diode". Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2012.

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