Schottky - Zener - TVS diode
Manuel,

Zener and TVS diodes are similar in that they are normally operated with reverse bias voltage. Zeners are mostly operated at breakdown to act as a voltage regulator or clamp. TVS diodes are used for protection against spikes from ESD and other transient events. They normally operate below breakdown where they have little effect on the circuit they are protecting. Schottky diodes are much different in that they do not operate above the breakdown voltage and are used primarily as rectifiers. They also have a significantly lower voltage when they are forward biased. Exceeding the breakdown voltage can damage them as you found out.

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