Avalanche Diode: Symbol Of An Avalanche Diode

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An avalanche diode is a special type of semiconductor device designed to operate in reverse breakdown region. Avalanche diodes are used as relief valves (a type of valve used to control the pressure in a system) to protect electrical systems from excess voltages.
Construction of avalanche diode
Avalanche diodes are generally made from silicon or other semiconductor materials. The construction of avalanche diode is similar to zener diode except the doping level in avalanche diode differs from zener diode. Zener diodes are heavily doped. Therefore, the width of depletion region in zener diode is very thin. Because of the thin depletion layer or region, reverse breakdown occurs at lower voltages in zener diode.
On the other hand, avalanche diodes are lightly doped. Therefore, the width of depletion in avalanche diode is very wide compared to the …show more content…

Avalanche diode consists of two terminals: anode and cathode. The symbol of avalanche diode is shown in below figure.
The symbol of avalanche diode is similar to the normal diode but with the bend edges on the vertical bar.
How avalanche diode works?
A normal p-n junction diode allows electric current only in forward direction whereas an avalanche diode allows electric current in both directions. However, avalanche diode is specifically used to operate in reverse biased condition.
Avalanche diode allows electric current in the reverse direction when reverse bias voltage applied to the diode exceeds the breakdown voltage. The point or voltage at which electric current suddenly increases is called breakdown voltage. If the reverse bias voltage applied to the avalanche diode exceeds the breakdown voltage, a junction breakdown occurs. This junction breakdown in avalanche diode is called avalanche breakdown.
When forward bias voltage is applied to the avalanche diode, it works like a normal p-n junction diode by allowing electric current through

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