Yes, Zener diodes and Zener diodes refer to the same semiconductor device. They are two different names for the same thing.
Here is a detailed explanation of why they are the same thing and the logic behind their names:
The core functions are the same:
The core design purpose of these diodes is to utilize their reverse breakdown characteristics to achieve voltage stability.
When a reverse voltage is applied to it (cathode connected to positive, anode connected to negative), and this voltage exceeds a specific critical value (called breakdown voltage or Zener voltage), the diode will enter a breakdown state.
In this breakdown state, the voltage across the diode will remain almost constant (within a specific current range), even if the current passing through it undergoes significant changes. This feature makes it a very effective voltage reference or regulator component.
The origin of the name "Zener diode":
This name comes from American physicist Clarence Melvin Zener.
Zener proposed a theoretical mechanism for electric breakdown of solids (especially insulators) in 1934, called Zener breakdown.
Initially, it was believed that the physical mechanism for stabilizing the voltage of all diodes operating in the reverse breakdown region was based on the principle proposed by Zener, which directly breaks covalent bonds and generates charge carriers with a strong electric field. This mechanism dominates in diodes with lower reverse breakdown voltages (usually below 5V).
Therefore, this type of diode used for voltage regulation is named after the scientist who invented the theory, and is called a Zener diode.
The origin of the name "Zener diode":
This name directly describes the main function and application of the device - stable voltage.
The word 'voltage stabilization' clearly indicates its role in circuits: regardless of how the input voltage or load current changes within a certain range, it can maintain a relatively constant voltage at both ends.
This is a more intuitive and function oriented naming convention.
Key points: Consistency of terminology and practical physical mechanisms:
Unity: Despite having two names, in the field of electronic engineering and semiconductor device manuals, "Zener diode" and "Zener diode" refer entirely to the same type of diode. You can use them interchangeably.
The reality of physical mechanisms: Later research found that in diodes with higher reverse breakdown voltages (usually above 7V), the dominant breakdown mechanism is not the theory proposed by Zener, but another mechanism called avalanche breakdown (caused by the high-speed collision of charge carriers with atoms to generate new electron hole pairs and trigger a chain reaction). Two mechanisms may coexist for breakdown voltage between 5V and 7V.
Continuation of terminology: Although we now know that the Zener theory only applies to situations with low breakdown voltage, and high breakdown voltage is mainly due to avalanche effect, the name "Zener diode" has historically been retained as a generic name for this type of device. Regardless of whether its internal dominant breakdown mechanism is the Zener effect or the avalanche effect, as long as it is a diode designed for stabilizing voltage in the reverse breakdown region, it is habitually referred to as a "Zener diode".
The universality of "voltage regulator diode": The name "voltage regulator diode" perfectly covers all diodes that use reverse breakdown characteristics (whether it is a Zener mechanism or an avalanche mechanism) to achieve voltage regulation function, without involving specific physical principles.
Summary:
Zener diode and Zener diode are two names for the same semiconductor device.
The term "Zener diode" is named after the breakdown theory proposed by Clarence Zener (mainly applicable to low breakdown voltage devices), and has been used as a general term to cover all diodes that use reverse breakdown voltage stabilization, regardless of whether their internal dominant mechanism is the Zener effect or avalanche effect.
The term 'voltage regulator diode' directly describes the core function of the device - stabilizing voltage, and is a term that focuses more on applications and purposes.
When it comes to engineering design, component procurement, and reading materials, you can completely assume that these two terms refer to the same thing: a diode that uses reverse breakdown characteristics to provide a stable reference voltage in a circuit.