Avalanche Breakdown vs Zener Breakdown
There is a clear difference between Avalanche Breakdown and Zener Breakdown which can easily be understood by the table discussed below,
Avalanche Breakdown |
Zener Breakdown |
---|---|
Avalanche breakdown occurs when the high voltage increase the free electron in the semiconductor and a sudden increase in current is seen. | Zener breakdown happens when electrons from the valance band gain energy and reaches the conduction band which then conducts electricity. |
Avalanche breakdown is seen in the diodes having breakdown voltage greater than 8 volts. | Zener breakdown is seen in the diodes having breakdown voltage in the range of 5 to 8 volts. |
Avalanche breakdown is observed in diodes that are lightly doped. | Zener breakdown is observed in diodes that are highly doped. |
In the Avalanche breakdown, the VI characteristics curve is not as sharp as the VI characteristics curve in the Zener breakdown. |
Zener Breakdown has a sharp VI characteristics curve. |
For Avalanche breakdown increase in temperature increases the breakdown voltage. | For Zener breakdown increase in temperature decreases the breakdown voltage. |
Zener Diode
Zener Diode is one of the most important semiconductor diodes used in our daily life. It is a specific diode that works in reverse bias conditions. It allows current to flow from anode to cathode and it also works in the reverse direction. Let’s learn about Zener Diodes their function, and their construction, in detail in this article.