Zener is an effect in semiconductors, the name of a diode that uses that effect and more generally any diode that has similar characteristics to a Zener diode.
Zener is an effect in semiconductors, the name of a diode that uses that effect and more generally any diode that has similar characteristics to a Zener diode.
Zener diodes have the unique characteristic of a reliable reverse bias breakdown voltage and are often used as simple voltage regulators or level shifters.
Zener breakdown is a distinct effect and in common usage is any diode that has a fixed reverse breakdown are called "Zeners" even if the mechanism is different.
