How Zener Diode Maintains Constant Voltage?

A Zener diode maintains a constant voltage by acting as a voltage regulator in a circuit. When a Zener diode is operated in its reverse breakdown region, the voltage across the diode remains constant even as the current flowing through it changes.

The Zener diode is designed to have a sharp breakdown voltage that remains relatively constant over a wide range of current values. This means that as long as the current flowing through the diode remains within a certain range, the voltage across the diode will remain constant at the Zener voltage.

For example, if a 5V Zener diode is used in a circuit to regulate the voltage, the diode will maintain a constant voltage of 5V across its terminals as long as the current flowing through it remains within a certain range. If the current exceeds this range, the voltage across the diode may drop or the diode may be damaged.

By using a Zener diode as a voltage regulator, a stable reference voltage can be created in a circuit. This is useful in applications where a constant voltage is required, such as in power supplies, voltage regulators, and other electronic circuits.

Zener diodes are often used in combination with other components, such as resistors and capacitors, to create more sophisticated voltage regulation circuits. By carefully choosing the values of these components, it is possible to create circuits that provide precise and stable voltage regulation over a wide range of operating conditions.