What is a z-diode used for?

A z-diode is a diode that works almost the same as a normal ordinary diode. It has the same forward voltage drop.

The trick is that it has got a reverse voltage through point.

Z-Diodes comes with a lot of different values. Some 3.3Volt. Others 5.6, 7.2, 11.3 Volt.

The function of these diodes is that they will start conducting electricity the other way (reverse) if the voltage is higher than what it is marked for.

One particular use for this is as a voltage regulator. It can be used in series with a resistor in order to create a semi stable reference point of voltage. Together with an OpAmp, this can be utilized in order to regulate voltage very accurately.

A zener diode can also be used to protect logic low volt circuitry from high volt signals.

It has got many uses and only our imagination prevents us from finding more uses.