The I-V characteristics of an electronic device shown in the figure. The device is [Figure: I against V. In the forward (first) quadrant the current rises sharply; in reverse the current is tiny (a few μA, marked 5 μA) until a certain reverse voltage, where it falls steeply downward.]

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(4) a zener diode which can be used as a voltage regulator. The curve conducts in forward bias like a diode. In reverse it carries only microamperes until a sharp breakdown knee, after which voltage stays almost constant for large current changes. That constant-voltage breakdown is the Zener characteristic used for voltage regulation.

The I-V characteristics of an electronic device shown in the figure. The device is [Figure: I against V. In the forward (first) quadrant the current rises sharply; in reverse the current is tiny (a few μA, marked 5 μA) until a certain reverse voltage, where it falls steeply downward.]

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