What is the primary use of a Zener diode?

The primary use of a Zener diode is for voltage regulation. This component is specifically designed to allow current to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage exceeds a certain level, known as the Zener breakdown voltage. By doing this, it can maintain a constant output voltage across its terminals despite variations in the input voltage or load conditions. This characteristic makes Zener diodes particularly useful in providing stable reference voltages for circuits, as well as protecting sensitive components from voltage spikes.

In applications where a steady voltage is crucial, such as power supply circuits or voltage reference circuits, Zener diodes play a vital role by ensuring that the voltage does not exceed a specified limit, thus safeguarding the integrity of the electrical system.