What do you mean by zener breakdown

The width of the depletion region depends on the doping of the P and N-type semiconductor material. If the material is heavily doped, the width of the depletion region becomes very thin. The phenomenon of the Zener breakdown occurs in the very thin depletion region. The thin depletion region has more numbers of free electrons. The reverse bias applies across the PN junction develops the electric field intensity across the depletion region. The strength of the electric field intensity becomes very high.

The electric field intensity increases the kinetic energy of the free charge carriers. Thereby the carriers start jumping from one region to another. These energetic charge carriers collide with the atoms of the p-type and n-type material and produce the electron-hole pairs. The reverse current starts flowing in the junction because of which depletion region entirely vanishes. This process is known as the Zener breakdown. In Zener breakdown, the junction is not completely damaged.

The depletion region regians its original position after the removal of the reverse voltage. The breakdown region of the ideal Zener diode in the VI curve is considered to be vertical. The graph shows that the voltage remains constant even after the variation of the current. The Zener breakdown mainly occurs because of a high electric field.

When the high electric-field is applied across the PN junction diode , then the electrons start flowing across the PN-junction. Consequently, expands the little current in the reverse bias. When the electron moving enhances beyond the diode rated capacity, then the avalanche breakdown will occur to break the junction.

Therefore, the flow of current in the diode is incomplete the diode will not damage the PN-junction. However, avalanche breakdown will damage the junction. An avalanche diode is intended to experience the breakdown at a particular reverse bias voltage. This diode junction is mainly designed for avoiding the concentration of current so the diode will not damage with the breakdown. Avalanche diodes are utilized as support valves to control the pressure of the system to save from overvoltages.

The symbol of this diode, as well as Zener diode, is similar. Please refer the link to know more about Construction and Working of Avalanche Diode. Breakdownvoltage is greater than 5v. Since it is lightly doped so, width of depletion layer more therefore. By the strong E. F,more breakage of covalent bonds take place. Due to which more e-hole pairs come to play. Then the reverse current rises abruptly and breaakdown takes place known as zener breakdown.

Under the low influence of electric field in the junction,the covalent bonds break and more charge carriers are formed. Post New Answer. What do you mean by zener breakdown and avalanche breakdown? Answers were Sorted based on User's Feedback What do you mean by zener breakdown and avalanche breakdown?..