Question

Why is Zener diode not used in rectifiers?

Answer 1

Hint:A Zener diode is formed up of a PN junction but is heavily doped compared to a standard diode. As a result, it can experience breakdown without being damaged. Moreover, Due to this feature only, Zener is utilized as a voltage regulator in electric circuits. Zener diodes are never worked for rectification purposes.

Complete step-by-step solution:
Zener Diode: It is a P-N junction diode like a conventional rectifying diode. It works the same as the standard rectifying diode in the forward bias state, but while reverse biased, the voltage over it is above its 'Avalanche Voltage' or 'Zener Voltage' and begins conducting so that its current starts moving through it. So high as the power wasted by this reverse current does not pass the diode's thermal boundaries, the diode will not be damaged. This unexpected outcome for rectifier uses & the opposite breakdown voltage of Zener diodes is tiny compared to the standard rectifying diode. That is why we can use Zener diodes to rectify applications but only for moderate voltage levels while it is widely utilized for voltage regulation. Also, like a semiconductor device, the Zener diode is susceptible to temperature. The extreme temperature will ruin a Zener diode.
We do not favour using a Zener Diode in a rectifier circuit because a large maximum peak inverse voltage is needed for a rectifier circuit. Unlike the standard p-n junction diode, a Zener diode has a below peak inverse voltage. This is an unwanted characteristic of the rectifier circuit. That is why Zener diodes are not utilized for rectification purposes but are primarily used in applications needing voltage regulation.

Note: A Zener Diode, also identified as a breakdown diode, is a heavily doped semiconductor device created to work in the reverse direction. When the voltage over the ends of a Zener diode is reversed and the potential approaches the Zener Voltage, the junction cuts down, and the current moves in the reverse direction. This effect is identified as the Zener Effect.