Question

What is the difference between diode and Zener diode?

Answer 1

Hint: A Zener diode is doped appropriately; thus, the breakdown voltage can be adjusted by controlling the depletion breadth of the diode. This is the benefit of utilizing a Zener diode in reversed biased conditions. When the Zener diode is forward biased, it leads in a similar fashion by which a standard diode carries. When it is reversed biased, it transfers, and this gives the Zener diode bidirectional semiconductor device.

Complete step-by-step solution:
Diode and Zener diode are both two-terminal semiconductor devices, but the crucial point differentiating both is the ability to work in reversed biased mode. Zener diodes are designed so that they can work in a reversed biased mode without getting damaged. On the contrary, an ordinary PN junction cannot be utilized for this purpose.
Difference between diode and Zener diode:
a) The current direction that the device permits creates a significant difference between diode and Zener diode. The diode transfers unidirectionally while the Zener diode transfers bi-directionally in forward biased and reverse biased condition.
b) The doping features of diode and Zener diode are also distinct from each other. The Zener diode is distinctly doped, while the conventional diode is slightly doped.
c) In the case of the Zener diode, the breakdown voltage is sharp. However, in standard PN junction diodes, the breakdown voltage is relatively high.
d) A conventional diode cannot work in reversed biased mode, while the Zener diode can work in reversed biased mode.
e) The Zener diode is generally utilized as a voltage regulator, while the conventional diodes are utilized in the rectifier, clipper, clamper, etc.

Note:The doping intensity is one of the key characteristics which distinguish conventional diode and Zener diode. The standard PN junction diode is moderately doped, while the Zener diode is appropriately doped so that it possesses sharp breakdown voltage.