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A Zener diode is used mainly for voltage regulation. It allows current to flow in the normal direction (like a regular diode) but, when the voltage in the reverse direction exceeds a certain value (called the **Zener breakdown voltage**), it allows current to flow in the reverse direction as well. This property makes it useful in many applications:
1. **Voltage Regulation**: Zener diodes are often used in power supply circuits to maintain a stable output voltage, even when the input voltage changes or the load varies. The Zener diode keeps the voltage constant by allowing current to flow in reverse when the voltage exceeds the Zener breakdown voltage.
2. **Voltage Clipping**: They can be used to clip voltage spikes to prevent damage to other components in a circuit. When the voltage exceeds a certain level, the Zener diode allows excess current to pass, protecting sensitive parts of the circuit.
3. **Over-voltage Protection**: Zener diodes are often used to protect circuits from voltage surges. If the voltage exceeds a certain threshold, the Zener diode will conduct and prevent the voltage from getting too high.
In summary, Zener diodes are useful in circuits where a **stable voltage** is required, especially when the voltage could fluctuate or if there’s a need for **over-voltage protection**.
1. **Voltage Regulation**: Zener diodes are often used in power supply circuits to maintain a stable output voltage, even when the input voltage changes or the load varies. The Zener diode keeps the voltage constant by allowing current to flow in reverse when the voltage exceeds the Zener breakdown voltage.
2. **Voltage Clipping**: They can be used to clip voltage spikes to prevent damage to other components in a circuit. When the voltage exceeds a certain level, the Zener diode allows excess current to pass, protecting sensitive parts of the circuit.
3. **Over-voltage Protection**: Zener diodes are often used to protect circuits from voltage surges. If the voltage exceeds a certain threshold, the Zener diode will conduct and prevent the voltage from getting too high.
In summary, Zener diodes are useful in circuits where a **stable voltage** is required, especially when the voltage could fluctuate or if there’s a need for **over-voltage protection**.