The Zener Effect With the application of sufficient reverse voltage, a p-n junction will experience a rapid avalanche breakdown and conduct current in the reverse direction. Valence electrons which break free under the influence of the applied electric field can be accelerated enough that they can knock loose other electrons and the subsequent collisions quickly become an avalanche. When this process is taking place, very small changes in voltage can cause very large changes in current. The breakdown process depends upon the applied electric field, so by changing the thickness of the layer to which the voltage is applied, zener diodes can be formed which break down at voltages from about 4 volts to several hundred volts. Zener applications Zener diode zener regulator

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Zener Diode The zener diode uses a p-n junction in reverse bias to make use of the zener effect, which is a breakdown phenomenon which holds the voltage close to a constant value called the zener voltage. It is useful in zener regulators to provide a more constant voltage, for improvement of regulated power supplies, and for limiter applications. Zener effect Zener current characteristics Zener applications

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Tunnel Diode Characteristic Circuit symbol Application in oscillator	Index Semiconductor concepts Semiconductors for electronics Electronics concepts
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