A current limiting diode (CLD) or current regulating diode (CRD) is a diode that regulates and limits current over a specified voltage range. These devices allow the passage of current, rise to a certain value, and then level off at a specific value.
Contrary to Zener diodes, which keep voltage constant, CLDs keep the current constant. A CLD can also be considered a current source as it is an electronic circuit that delivers or absorbs an electric current, independent of the voltage across it. See its circuit symbol below.
CLDs start with a JFET process where the gate (G) and source (S) are connected. This interconnect is part of the diffusion process. Additionally, the diffusion process for each type is carefully controlled in order to provide the specific regulation current required.
Simply put, these devices regulate current over a broad voltage range as a counter part offering to zener diodes that regulates voltage over a broad current range.
Creating a constant current circuit generally involves multiple components, but with a CLD or CRD only one component is required to accomplish the same function!
Here is a PDF from Central Semiconductor Corp. https://www.centralsemi.com/pdfs/selection/leaded/what_is_a_cld.pdf
See also the J500 Series CRD Datasheet https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/1442/J500SeriesDSRevA10-3180164.pdf
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