Advantages Low forward voltage drop. Faster than conventional PN diodes (good for RF applications) Disadvantages High reverse current  

Zener diodes allow current to pass in the normal direction just like any normal diode and with the 0.6V ish drop, again just like any normal diode.  Whats different about them is that, unlike a normal diode which blocks current in the reverse direction (until you hit its reverse breakdown voltage), a zener diode will block […]