A Zener diode is specially designed with heavy doping to operate primarily in which biasing mode for DC voltage regulation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Reverse bias breakdown region
- Step 1: A Zener diode has heavily doped and regions, which creates an extremely thin depletion layer ().
- Step 2: When reverse biased to its specific breakdown voltage , quantum mechanical tunneling (Zener breakdown) or impact ionization allows current to increase drastically.
- Step 3: Throughout the breakdown region, the voltage across the diode remains essentially constant at despite large changes in reverse current, making it ideal as a voltage regulator.
Answer
Reverse bias breakdown region.
Why not the others: Forward bias acts like a normal silicon diode with drop; Zero bias provides zero regulation; Floating gate mode is used in flash memory.
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