[Amps] Zener Screen Regulators

[Bill, W6WRT]

ORIGINAL MESSAGE: 
vOn Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:55:28 +0100, David wrote:

>To add a spanner into the works regarding the direction of current, I don't know 
>why these things are call zener diodes, since all the high voltage ones work on 
>avalanche breakdown.
>
>Dave, G8WRB

REPLY: 
Zener diodes are different from regular diodes because they are designed to pass
current in the reverse direction and survive. All silicon diodes have a zener
point where they begin reverse conduction, but unless they are specifically
designed for it, most of them will immediately self-destruct. 

More info:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zener_diode

73, Bill W6WRT