Question

Which is a reverse biased diode?

Answer 1

We have to learn about what a diode means. Then. we have to understand what is a reverse bias and a forward bias. Then we have to go through different types of diodes and finally conclude the diodes which work on reverse bias.

Complete answer:
A diode can be defined as a semiconductor device which allows the passage of current in only one direction. It has ideally zero or very low resistance in one terminal and infinite or very high resistance in the other terminal. There are many types of diodes available today.Forward bias of a diode represents the set-up of a diode in which the P-side or the majority hole carrier side is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the N-type consisting of majority of electron carrier is connected to the negative terminal of the battery.

Reverse bias of a diode represents the set-up of a diode in which the N-type consisting of the majority of electron carriers is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the P-side or the majority hole carrier side is connected to the negative terminal of the battery.The diode which works on reverse bias is known as Zener diode.

Zener Diode is also known as a breakdown diode. It is a heavily doped semiconductor device which is designed to operate in the reverse biased condition of a diode. When the voltage across the terminals of a Zener diode is in reverse condition and the potential reaches the Zener Voltage or knee voltage, the junction breaks down and the current starts to flow in the reverse direction. This effect is known as the Zener Effect.

Note: It must be noted that Zener diode works as a normal diode when connected in forward direction. It works in the avalanche breakdown in which the reverse voltage is suddenly abrupt due to continuous collision between free electrons. A normal diode cannot operate at avalanche breakdown and hence gets damaged but the Zener diode is designed specially to operate at that part too.