Schottky and Zener Diodes

Schottky diodes are formed from a semiconductor-metal junction. They have a lower voltage drop (0.15V to 0.4V)) when compared to rectifier diodes (0.6V) as well as a smaller recovery time which is why they are commonly used in SMPS (switch mode power supply applications) and fast switching applications boost efficiency.

Zener diodes have the peculiarity of having a sharp reverse breakdown voltage (known as zener voltage) that allows the device to conduct current in both directions without suffering damage. This is due to the zener effect or the avalanche breakdown effect. Zener diodes are used as voltage references in power supplies as well as in transient voltage suppression applications.