Zener Diodes

Confidently protect your circuits with the RS extensive selection of Zener diodes. Used to revert the flow of current if the voltage reaches a set level, you can rely on them to perform well across a wide range of applications.

That's because we source our Zener diodes from leading manufacturers such as Vishay, ON Semiconductor, and NTE Electronics, which use only the best processes and materials. Our products also come in a range of types, configurations, and voltages, including commonly used 3V, 5V, 12V, and 100V Zener diodes.

Explore our selection with the search filters on the left-hand side of the page or get in touch if you want to know more about our range. For more information, scroll down to learn about Zener diodes, how they work, their types, and uses, or expert hub look through our information hub for expert-written guides on a range of component topics.

What are Zener diodes?

Zener diodes change the direction of the flow of their circuit's current when the voltage reaches a pre-defined level, making them bidirectional in nature.

They can do this due to the inclusion of a highly doped p-n junction within the diode. This impure and very thin region has a specific breakdown voltage that can be precisely manipulated through doping. When this voltage - the Zener voltage - is reached, the diode experiences reverse breakdown, conducting the current and reversing it's flow.

This capability means they are highly useful in protecting circuits from overvoltage or electrostatic discharge, especially since they continue functioning even at the high voltages common during periods of excessive voltage.

What are Zener diodes used for?

There are several applications for Zener diode circuits across electronics.

They are crucial when creating voltage reference devices that can produce a consistent output voltage regardless of a change in temperature or voltage supply. Zener diodes are common as voltage regulators too, directing voltage to the ground when the current exceeds the Zener diode's pre-set level. And they are used to create overvoltage protection circuits that simply stop the supply of electricity when it exceeds the diode's Zener voltage.

Zener diodes can also be used for switching applications, channeling the voltage away from the original circuit, and for clipper circuits that alter the shapes of the signal waveforms.

What different types of Zener diodes are there?

There are three main types of Zener diode available:

Voltage regulators - Zener diode voltage regulators are a Zener component specifically designed to be used within voltage regulation circuits.

Silicon planar - Most Zener diodes are produced using the silicon planar process, which is used to fabricate silicon into electrical components. These include popular models such as the BZX Zener diode series by Vishay.

Small signal - Used within circuits where currents are very small or frequencies are particularly high, small-signal Zener diodes typically operate in the milli or microvolt range.

Why choose RS for your Zener diodes?

Zener diodes are commonly used to protect other electronic components, so you need to be confident yours will work effectively. By choosing the RS wide range, you can build circuits safe in the knowledge that the Zener diode components will meet your expectations.

We have been supplying components for decades, and in that time we have forged close partnerships with leaders in the field of Zener diode manufacture, including Comchip Technology, Solid State manufacturing, and Siliconix. We only stock Zener diodes manufactured to the best industry standards so you can be sure they have been tested and honed through expert R&D.

Our Zener diode range comes in a very wide range of voltages, from 2.4V to 200V; multiple Zener voltage tolerances; impedances from 0.12Ω to 1500Ω; and plenty of two and three-pin mounting types, such as stud, surface mount, and through-hole. Whatever circuit you are designing, we can help.

Our stock of Zener diodes is competitively priced and backed by our expert aftercare too. If you have any questions regarding our products or your order, please don't hesitate to get in touch. To find out more about Zener diodes and electrical components more generally, expert hub .