Question

Distinguish between avalanche breakdown and Zener breakdown.

Answer 1

Sr. No.	Avalanche breakdown	Zener breakdown
1.	The phenomenon of increasing the free electrons or current in the semiconductor by applying a higher voltage	The process in which electrons are moving across the barrier from valence band of P-type material to conduction band of lightly filled n-material
2.	Depletion layer is thick	Depletion layer is thin
3.	Electric field is weak	Electric field is strong
4.	Produces pairs of electrons and holes	Produces electrons
5.	Doping is low	Doping is heavy
6.	Breakdown voltage vary	Voltage remains constant