Neon lamps have higher breakdown voltage than its operating voltage. When brokendown, it acts like a zener at its operating voltage.
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\$\begingroup\$ The only one that springs to mind is a Neon lamp. \$\endgroup\$– MajenkoFeb 11, 2015 at 10:31
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\$\begingroup\$ Gas lasers behave the same way, if I remember correctly, but well they are just improved neon lamps. \$\endgroup\$– ArsenalFeb 11, 2015 at 10:57
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\$\begingroup\$ A thiristor is a typical current controlled negative resistance device (S shaped lambda diode) \$\endgroup\$– GR TechFeb 11, 2015 at 16:44
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\$\begingroup\$ encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/… , en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Circuit_Idea/Negative_Resistance , en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Circuit_Idea/… . Gas ionization would have the current "S" characteristics, Arc welding, Lightning, Florescent lights, Spark gap, etc. Gas discharge limits frequency response. Emulating "S" curve with a circuit can overcome that. \$\endgroup\$– OptionpartyFeb 11, 2015 at 17:43
2 Answers
How about a diac or sidac diode? They have somewhat similar curves but in different ranges.
I suppose you might consider a unijunction transistor.