What is Zener Breakdown?
- Zener breakdown is the phenomenon that takes place due to the large reverse saturation current obtained from free electrons present in the junction.
- The reverse-biased diode grows the kinetic energy of the electrons resulting in an increase in the velocity of the electrons.
- These increased velocity electrons combine with other atoms and release free electrons which in turn is responsible for the reverse saturation current.
- It occurs in heavily doped junctions.
- Its depletion layer is thin.
- The electric field produced is strong.
Difference Between Zener Breakdown and Avalanche Breakdown
The difference between Zener breakdown and Avalanche breakdown is a very important topic to study in semiconductors. When a diode is reverse-biased with an increase in voltage the reverse current also increases. This phenomenon is called breakdown. When the PN diode is reverse biased, a breakdown occurs called PN junction breakdown. Both Zener and avalanche breakdowns are the phenomena for PN junction breakdown. Zener breakdown is the breakdown in which free electrons generate reverse saturation current resulting in breakdown. Avalanche breakdown is breakdown due to increased resultant current produced by a high electric field obtained by applying a high reverse voltage across the diode.
In this article, you will learn about Zener breakdown, Avalanche Breakdown, and the difference between these two.
Table of Content
- What is Zener Breakdown?
- What is Avalanche Breakdown?
- What is the Difference between Zener Breakdown and Avalanche Breakdown?
- Tabular Difference Between Zener Breakdown and Avalanche Breakdown
- Similarities Between Zener Breakdown and Avalanche Breakdown