Which among the given statements correctly distinguishes Avalanche breakdown from Zener breakdown in a PN junction diode?
Avalanche breakdown is the predominant mechanism in lightly doped junctions.
Distinguishing Avalanche vs Zener Breakdown:
- Zener breakdown: Quantum mechanical tunneling; occurs in heavily doped junctions (narrow depletion layer); typically at V < 5V.
- Avalanche breakdown: Impact ionization (carrier multiplication); occurs in lightly doped junctions (wide depletion layer); typically at V > 6V.
Evaluating options:
- Option 4: TRUE — Avalanche is predominant in lightly doped junctions ✓
- Option 1: False — Zener occurs under reverse bias, not forward.
- Option 2: False — Avalanche DOES produce a sharp increase in reverse current.
- Option 3: False — Zener voltage is typically lower than avalanche voltage.
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Important Questions from Zener Diodes
Which of the following diodes operate(s) in reverse breakdown region?
Zener diodes are used as _______.
Zener diode works under which region of V - I characteristics of the semiconductor diode?
The Zener resistance of a Zener diode, which exhibits 50 mV change in V zfor a 2.5 mA change in I zis _________.
A properly doped crystal diode which has a sharp breakdown voltage is known as _______
