Question

A Zener diode has a contact potential of $1\, V$ in the absence of biasing. It undergoes Zener breakdown for an electric field of $10^{6} \,V / m$ at the depletion region of $p-n$ junction. If the width of the depletion region is $2.5 \,\mu\, m$, what should be the reverse biased potential for the Zener breakdown to occur?

• A. 3.5 V
• B. 2.5 V
• C. 1.5 V
• D. 0.5 V

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

2.5 V

Answer 2

Reverse biased potential for the zener breakdown $V_{r} =E d$ $=10^{6} \times 2.5 \times 10^{-6}$ $=2.5$ volt