What is the main purpose of using a Zener diode in electronic circuits?

The main purpose of using a Zener diode in electronic circuits is voltage stabilization. Zener diodes are designed to allow current to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage exceeds a certain value, known as the Zener breakdown voltage. When the voltage across the Zener diode reaches this specific threshold, the diode starts conducting in reverse, effectively maintaining a constant output voltage regardless of changes in the load current or input voltage. This capability makes Zener diodes invaluable in voltage regulation applications.

Zener diodes are often used in power supply circuits to provide a reference voltage or to protect sensitive components from voltage spikes. They ensure stable functioning of electronic devices by preventing overvoltage situations, thereby securing the integrity of the overall circuit.

Other options like amplification, rectification, and demodulation relate to different functions of other types of diodes or electronic components. Amplification, for instance, involves increasing the strength of a signal, which is not a function of the Zener diode. Rectification refers to converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), a task typically performed by standard diodes or rectifiers. Demodulation involves extracting information from modulated signals, usually handled in communication circuits by different types of components. Thus, the unique