The Zener diode is a junction diode typically made of silicon material. This semiconductor device has very high resistance until it reaches the critical reverse breakdown voltage. When the Zener diode is in reverse breakdown, the terminal voltage remains almost unchanged over a certain current range, exhibiting a voltage-stabilizing characteristic. This makes Zener diodes widely used in voltage-stabilized power supplies and limiting circuits. Selection Guidelines: When a low forward voltage drop is required, select a germanium diode. When a low reverse leakage current is required, select a silicon diode. When a large forward current is required, select a power diode. When high operating frequency is required, select a Schottky diode or a fast-recovery diode. When a high reverse breakdown voltage is required, select a silicon diode. When high temperature resistance is required, select a silicon diode.