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The Zener Diode

As you learned on the mechanics of the PN junction, when a negative voltage from anode to cathode is connected, the electrons do not have enough energy to cross the widened depletion zone and no current flows.

But what happens when enough voltage is applied, the electrons have enough energy to cross the barrier and knock some other electrons free along the way. This creates what is called an electron avalanche where more and more electrons break free and conduct current. The voltage at which this phenomenon starts remains across the diode constant even if the outside source is increased.

In most semiconductor diodes this effect is destructive to the diode, since they are not designed to handle the current produced by the avalanche.

The zener diode works in what is called the zener region, a voltage where a small and controlled electron avalanche can be used to generate a constant voltage across the diode.

This property gives the zener diode many of its uses as a voltage regulator, voltage monitor and many other fixed voltage applications.

Welcome To Electronic Circuits For Beginners!

All circuits included here are recommended to be assembled in printed circuit boards. Printed circuit boards, or PCB's increase the circuit reliability and mechanical stability.

Circuits quick links:

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Simple FM Transmitter

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Led Flasher Circuit

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Quadrocopters for beginners

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Voltage follower circuit

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Beginners Audio Amplifier

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Led chaser circuit

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Tone generator circuit

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H bridge circuit

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Simple power supply

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Beginner Electronics mini course index

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All circuits include parts list and complete How-it-works for beginners and hobbyists to easily understand.