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Re: [Phys-l] Zener terminology



On 12/03/2006 08:33 PM, Michael Edmiston wrote:
.... I think it
would also be proper to throw away the "reverse biased" wording because
we are not using it backwards from the way it was designed.

Really?

The terminology of forward-biased diodes and reverse-bias
diodes is very strongly entrenched. It seems perfectly
logical and non-confusing to me. This is the first time
I have ever heard anybody question it on any grounds.

http://www.google.com/search?q=zener+reverse-bias

Usually by the time students get to Zeners, they have so
much experience with ordinary diodes that the potential
for confusion is negligible.

The fact that Zener diodes can also be forward biased on
occasion adds further nails to this coffin.