Question
What is the most useful characteristic of a Zener diode?
Answer Options
- A) A constant current drop under conditions of varying voltage
- B) A constant voltage drop under conditions of varying current
- C) A negative resistance region
- D) An internal capacitance that varies with the applied voltage
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
A Zener diode is a specialized type of junction diode designed to operate in the reverse breakdown region. Unlike a conventional diode which is destroyed when the reverse breakdown voltage is exceeded, the Zener diode is specifically constructed to maintain a precise voltage across its terminals when conducting current in the reverse direction.
Therefore, the most useful characteristic of a Zener diode is that it provides a constant voltage drop under conditions of varying current. This makes Zener diodes ideal for use as voltage references or shunt voltage regulators in power supply circuits, where the input voltage or load current may fluctuate, but a stable output voltage is required.
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