Today's Geek Question : Zener Diodes

william chan

1. How many years can a typical Zener diode last if in continuous avalanche mode at 90% of its rated power?

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Mike Green

If the junction temperature is kept reasonable, it should last indefinitely. The main problem is heat combined with high current for the structures involved. Both tend to encourage migration of material from the aluminum (or other) conductors on the chip and the material of the bonding wires. If the devices are well made, the encapsulating material is good, etc., that should minimize the risk. I'm sure the manufacturer of your device has some white papers on the effects of various parameters (like temperature and current density) on device failure probability.