Zener Diode

[swapna]

A Zener diode is a type of diode that permits current in the forward
direction like a normal diode, but also in the reverse direction if
the voltage is larger than the breakdown voltage known as "Zener knee
voltage" or "Zener voltage". The device was named after Clarence
Zener, who discovered this electrical property.


http://electronicstopics.blogspot.com/2008/10/zener-diode.html

 

[jch]

Well, I guess that cleared things up. Thank you. Here in
alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt there had been a raging debate over the
origins of the Zener.