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Power Supplies A to Z : "Z"

We've included this handy glossary to help with the terminology & abbreviations relating to power products. Pick a letter below to begin.

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Z

Symbol for Impedance.

Zener Diode

A diode that permits current to flow both in the forward direction (like a conventional diode) and in reverse direction. When current flows in the reverse direction, Zener diodes are designed to drop a specified amount of voltage (the Zener Voltage). They are used primarily to regulate the output voltage of low power regulators.

Schematic Symbol for a Zener Diode

Zener Voltage

The reverse voltage at which breakdown occurs in a Zener Diode.

Zepto

SI prefix multiplier. Multiplies by 10^-21. So 100 zF = 100 x 10^-21 F. Written as 'zepto'. Abbreviated to 'z'.

Zetta

SI prefix multiplier. Multiplies by 10²¹. So 100 ZF = 100 x 10²¹ F. Written as 'zetta'. Abbreviated to 'Z'.

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