In reverse breakdown, what is the characteristic function of a Zener diode?

In reverse breakdown, what is the characteristic function of a Zener diode?

• A. Acts as a clamp in forward bias
• B. Has no breakdown voltage
• C. Rectifies AC signals
• D. Maintains a near-constant voltage in reverse breakdown

Answer: (D)

In reverse breakdown, a Zener diode is used to hold the voltage across it at a nearly fixed value. When reverse voltage reaches the Zener voltage, the diode conducts and the voltage across it stays almost constant even as the current changes. This makes it ideal as a voltage regulator or reference, because it clamps the voltage to a specific level despite supply or load variations. The other statements don’t fit this behavior: in forward bias it would drop about 0.7 volts like a normal diode, it does have a defined breakdown voltage, and rectifying AC isn’t its primary role in this context.

In reverse breakdown, a Zener diode is used to hold the voltage across it at a nearly fixed value. When reverse voltage reaches the Zener voltage, the diode conducts and the voltage across it stays almost constant even as the current changes. This makes it ideal as a voltage regulator or reference, because it clamps the voltage to a specific level despite supply or load variations. The other statements don’t fit this behavior: in forward bias it would drop about 0.7 volts like a normal diode, it does have a defined breakdown voltage, and rectifying AC isn’t its primary role in this context.