Difference between PN junction diode and Zener diode

Semiconductor devices like diodes are essential / core component of any electronic circuit. According to needs diodes are manufactured in different ways. The different manufacturing techniques and doping concentration give them different characteristics. In this article we will discuss about the difference between PN junction diode and Zener diode.

The basic difference between PN junction diode and Zener diode is PN junction diode supports the flow of current in only one ( forward ) direction, whereas current flow in Zener diode can be in both forward and reversed direction.

Definition of P-N Junction diode

A two terminal semi-conductor device that allows the flow of current in only one ( forward ) direction is known as P-N junction diode. The terminals are named as Anode and cathode in which current flows from Anode to cathode. They only conduct electricity when connected in forward biased condition.

The majority charge carriers in P-type and N-type semiconductor are holes and electrons respectively.

They are generally made of silicon and used to convert Alternating current to direct current.

Definition of Zener diode

A two terminal semi-conductor device that allows the flow of current on both forward and reversed direction is known as Zener diode. They are used as voltage regulator in reverse biased condition.

Zener diodes are made by highly doping P-type And N-type material. The concentration of ion in material is kept higher than normal diode.

When the value of reverse voltage increases in Zener diode the depletion layer becomes thin. Ions comes out from electrons and make the depletion region conductive. This condition is known as Zener breakdown and the value of reverse voltage at which breakdown condition occurs is known as Zener voltage.

Difference

Major difference between P-N junction diode and Zener diode

P-N Junction Diode

Zener diode

   

1.    A two terminal semi-conductor device that allows the flow of current in only one ( forward ) direction is known as P-N junction diode.

1.    A two terminal semi-conductor device that allows the flow of current on both forward and reversed direction is known as Zener diode.

2.    Symbol of P-N Junction diode

Diode symbol

2.    Symbol of Zener diode

Zener Diode

3.    P-N junction diodes have low doping level.

3.    Zener diodes are highly doped.

4.    P-N diodes follow Ohm’s law.

4.    Zener diodes does not follow Ohm’s law.

5.    P-N Junction diodes are widely used for rectification purpose. It converts AC ( Alternating Current ) to DC ( Direct Current ).

5.    Zener diodes are widely used as voltage regulator in reverse biased  condition.

6.    Junction diodes always used in forward biased condition. Current flows from anode to cathode. Reverse current damage the junction.

6.    Zener diodes are mostly used in reversed biased condition. Reverse current does not damage the junction.

7.    P-N diodes are generally made using silicon and germanium. Silicon is most commonly used.

7.    Zener diodes are made with different combination of  semiconductor materials according to required voltage.

8.    P-N Junction diodes have high breakdown voltage.

8.    Zener diodes have comparatively lower breakdown voltage.

Author

Akash Sharma


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