Difference Between Avalanche & Zener Breakdown

One of the major difference between the Avalanche and the Zener breakdown is that the Avalanche breakdown occurs because of the collision of the electrons, whereas the Zener breakdown occurs because of the high electric field. The other differences between them are explained below in the comparison chart.

The charge carrier of the PN-junction diode absorbs heat from the environment at normal room temperature. When the reverse biased applied across the junction, the kinetic energy of the electrons increases and they starts moving at high velocity. While moving, they collide with the other atoms and creates the number of free electrons which causes the reverse saturation current. Because of this saturation current, the avalanche breakdown mechanism occurs in the diode.

The Zener breakdown takes place in heavily doped diodes. When the high electric field applied across the diode, the electrons start moving across the junction. Thus develop the small reversed bias current. When the jumping of electrons increases beyond the rated capacity of the diode, then avalanche breakdown occurs which breaks the junction. Thus, as long as the current in the diode is limited the Zener diode will not destroy the junction. But avalanche breakdown destroys the junction.

Content: Avalanche Vs Zener Breakdown

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Breakdown Characteristic
4. Key Differences

Comparison Chart

Basis For Comparison	Avalanche Breakdown	Zener Breakdown
Definition	The avalanche breakdown is a phenomena of increasing the free electrons or electric current in semiconductor and insulating material by applying the higher voltage.	The process in which the electrons are moving across the barrier from the valence band of the p-type material to the conduction band of the lightly filled n-material is known as the Zener breakdown.
Depletion Region	Thick	Thin
Junction	Destroy	Not Destroy
Electric Field	Weak	Strong
Produces	Pairs of electron and hole.	Electrons.
Doping	Low	Heavy
Reverse potential	High	Low
Temperature Coefficient	Positive	Negative
Ionization	Because of collision	Because of Electric Field
Breakdown Voltage	Directly proportional to temperature.	Inversely proportional to temperature.
After Breakdown	Voltage vary.	Voltage remains constant

Breakdown Characteristic Graph

The graphical representation of the Avalanche and Zener breakdown is shown in the figure below.

Definition of Avalanche Breakdown

The avalanche breakdown is the breakdown mechanism of the PN – junction diodes which have thinner region. In this breakdown, when the electric field is applied across the diode, the velocity of the charge carrier increases. This charge carrier collides with the other atoms and creates the pairs of hole and electrons.

The free charge carrier further collides with other atoms and creates more pairs of electron and hole. These free electrons start moving across the junction and develop the reverse bias current. The reverse bias current completely destroys the junction. And once the junction breakdown occurs, it cannot regain its original position.

Definition of Zener Breakdown

The junction breakdown mechanism which occurs in the heavily doped thin region is called Zener breakdown. In this mechanism when the high electric field is applied across the junction, the charge carrier starts jumping across the junction. These electrons constitute the heavy current in the reversed direction. In Zener breakdown, the temporary breakdown of junction occurs. The junction regains its original position when the reverse voltage removes.

The voltage of Zener breakdown is less than the Avalanche breakdown.