Component · Power & Discretes
Zener diode
A diode designed to be operated in reverse breakdown at a well-controlled voltage, where it clamps and can serve as a voltage reference. Devices below about 5 V break down by the Zener mechanism and higher ones by avalanche.
- Also known as
- Voltage reference diode
- Type
- Component
- Domain
- Power & Discretes, Power devices
Notes
Frequently used across a gate-source pin to protect a thin power MOSFET gate oxide from overvoltage.
Related terms
- TVS
- Avalanche breakdown
- Clamping voltage
- Gate protection
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