Differences Between Avalanche & Zener Breakdown
S.
Avalanche Breakdown
No.
The breakdown which occurs because of
the collision of the electrons inside the
1
PN-junction is called avalanche
breakdown
The avalanche breakdown occurs in the
2
thick region
After the avalanche breakdown, the
3 junction of the diode will not regain its
original position
The avalanche breakdown produces the
4 pairs of electrons and holes because of
the thermal effects
The avalanche breakdown occurs in low
5
doping material
The avalanche breakdown voltage causes
6 because of high reverse potential
because it is lightly doped
The temperature coefficient of the
7
avalanche breakdown is positive
In avalanche breakdown, the mechanism
8 of ionisation occurs because of collision
of electrons
The avalanche breakdown voltage is
9 directly proportional to the temperature
The existence of the electric field is less
10
on the avalanche breakdown
Zener Breakdown
The Zener breakdown occurs when the
heavy electric field is applied across
the PN- junction.
The Zener breakdown occurs in the
thin region.
After the Zener breakdown the
junction regains its original position.
The Zener diode produces the
electrons
The Zener breakdown occurs in high
doping material.
The Zener breakdown is because of
low reverse potential.
The temperature coefficient of Zener
breakdown is negative.
In the Zener breakdown ionisation
occurs because of the electric field.
The Zener breakdown voltage is
inversely proportional to the
temperature.
The existence of the electric field is
more on the Zener breakdown