This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Single Zener Diodes category on DigiKey.com
Zener diodes are designed for operation in a reverse-breakdown mode and are characterized according to their behavior when used in this fashion. Useful as a voltage reference or for voltage limiting purposes, they are also capable of functioning as a one-way valve for current flow in the manner of rectifier diodes, though their behavior in this mode is generally less ideal than that of purpose-built devices. Products within this family implement exactly one instance of this function per device package.
SelectionCharacteristics
Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz): Indicates the nominal voltage required to pass a manufacturer-defined test current through a device in its reverse-breakdown mode. Typically specified for a device temperature near 25°C.
Tolerance: Characterizes the extent of permitted variability of device specifications among samples of a given part number, resulting from variations in manufacturing.
Power - Max: Typically this represents the maximum power rating to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this power rating may damage the device and other system components.
Impedance (Max) (Zzt): Characterizes the relationship between changes in zener voltage and current when a device is operated in its breakdown region, under manufacturer-defined test conditions.
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr: Characterizes current flow through a diode-based device resulting from application of a reverse-bias voltage of the indicated magnitude, under manufacturer-defined test conditions. Observed values vary with temperature.
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If: Characterizes the voltage drop across a forward-biased diode, measured at the test current indicated.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the supplier device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
Supplier Device Package: This is what the manufacturer calls the package of this device. They are manufacturer specific. It is typically best to use the actual dimensions from the datasheets rather than to go by this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | BZT52C4V7-13-F |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | BZT52C4V7-13FDITR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Diodes Incorporated |
| DESCRIPTION | Zener Diode 4.7 V 500 mW ±6% Surface Mount SOD-123 |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 1N825A |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 1N825A-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Microchip Technology |
| DESCRIPTION | Zener Diode 6.2 V 500 mW ±5% Through Hole DO-35 (DO-204AH) |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | BZD27C13PW |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | BZD27C13PWTR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation |
| DESCRIPTION | Zener Diode 13 V 1 W ±5% Surface Mount SOD-123W |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | BZX55B5V1-TAP |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | BZX55B5V1-TAPGICT-ND - Cut Tape (CT) |
| MANUFACTURER | Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division |
| DESCRIPTION | Zener Diode 5.1 V 500 mW Through Hole DO-35 (DO-204AH) |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
SchematicSymbol
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MediaLinks
Articles
The Fundamentals and Application of Zener, PIN, Schottky, and Varactor Diodes
Product Training Modules
Zener Diodes - Panasonic
Diodes Product - ROHM
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TechForum
Schottky Diode vs. Zener Diode in application
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