Special Purpose P-N Junction Diode
Chapter Name : Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices And Simple Circuits |
Sub Topic Code : 101_12_14_08_01 |
Topic Name : Special Purpose P-N Junction Diode |
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Sub Topic Name : Zener Diode |
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Introduction
A crystalline piece of semiconductor material with a p–n junction connected to two electrical terminals.
Pre-Requisites:
Diode
Activity:
Silicon (Si) is the most widely used material in semiconductor devices.
Real Life Question:
What is Zener Diode?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| Zener Diode | Zener diode is a diode which allows current to flow in the forward direction in the same manner as an ideal diode, but will also permit it to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value known as the breakdown voltage, "Zener knee voltage", and Zener voltage “or” avalanche point. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| microprocessors | All transistor types can be used as the building blocks of logic gates, which are fundamental in the design of digital circuits. Transistors act as on-off switches; in the MOSFET, for instance, the voltage applied to the gate determines whether the switch is on or off. |
Real life uses :
Building circuits.
Places to visit :
Digital circuits.
Practical examples around us
| Examples | Explainations |
|---|---|
| Solar cell | Electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. |
What you learn in Theory:
Diode which allows current to flow in the forward direction in the same manner as an ideal diode, but will also permit it to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value.
What you learn in Practice:
Zener diodes are widely used as voltage references and as shunt regulators to regulate the voltage across small circuits.