Semiconducting Devices Question 217
Question: Zener breakdown in a semi-conductor diode occurs when
[UPSEAT 2002]
Options:
A) Forward current exceeds certain value
B) Reverse bias exceeds certain value
C) Forward bias exceeds certain value
D) Potential barrier is reduced to zero
Show Answer
Answer:
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
When reverse bias is increased, the electric field at the junction also increases.
At some stage the electric field breaks the covalent bond, thus the large number of charge carriers are generated.
This is called Zener breakdown.
