You should use a low value PIC to gate drive resistor if space allows.
This can improve (lack of) response to gate ringing. Then also, gate can
rise briefly to > Vdd_PIC without hurting PIC.

Zener gate to ground:   For inductive loads it can make the difference
between minutes of operation before dying and bulletproof (for some values
of bullet).
I've seen it seldom elsewhere, but sometimes. It can make such a difference
with inductive loads that I add it as of right in initial design and THEN
see if the design justifies removing it.

Std Zener works fine (for me).
Lower V OK as long as conduction at normal drive voltages is acceptable. eg
a 5V6 zener will take pin current at 5V. A 6V8 is probably a minimal load
at 5V.



  R
--=20
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