Diodes Incorporated AZ23C20-7

Overview

AZ23C20-7 from Diodes Incorporated is a dual common-anode 300mW surface-mount Zener diode with nominal Zener voltage 20V (18.8–21.2V range), ±5% matching between diodes, and temperature coefficient +0.090%/°C. It provides precision voltage reference and overvoltage clamping in compact SOT23 packaging for space-constrained power management circuits.

For engineers reviewing the AZ23C20-7 datasheet, AZ23C20-7 pinout, AZ23C20-7 application, or AZ23C20-7 equivalent, key selection criteria include matched dual-Zener tolerance, thermal resistance (417°C/W), JEDEC-qualified reliability, automotive-grade availability (Q-suffix), and SOT23 footprint compatibility with automated assembly.

Technical Context

This dual-Zener device integrates two independent Zener junctions sharing a common anode terminal, enabling symmetrical bidirectional voltage regulation or differential reference generation. Its 300mW power rating and 417°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance define safe operating limits under PCB-mounted conditions per J-STD-020 Level 1 moisture sensitivity.

The device exhibits a positive temperature coefficient (+0.090%/°C) above 15V, ensuring stable regulation across -65°C to +150°C operating range. Zener impedance is 50Ω at 5mA test current and 220Ω at 1mA knee current, supporting low-noise reference applications requiring tight dynamic impedance control.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 - surface-mount plastic package with matte tin-plated Alloy 42 leadframe, UL 94V-0 rated, 0.008 g weight, and J-STD-020 Level 1 moisture sensitivity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-Zener voltage reference applications.

Compared with BZX84-C20LT1G and DZ23C20-7, AZ23C20-7 uniquely delivers matched dual-Zener functionality in a single common-anode package-reducing component count by 50% versus dual singles and simplifying layout versus common-cathode alternatives that invert reference polarity.

Availability

AZ23C20-7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power monitoring, automotive sensor reference, telecom line protection, and medical instrument clamping requiring stable component supply and JEDEC-qualified reliability.

Supply support for AZ23C20-7 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and integrated circuits, specializing in high-reliability, application-optimized components for industrial, automotive, and computing markets.

AZ23C20-7 belongs to the AZ23 series of dual Zener diodes designed specifically for space-constrained, high-precision voltage regulation and bidirectional overvoltage protection in automated SMT production environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous power dissipation for AZ23C20-7?

The AZ23C20-7 has a maximum continuous power dissipation of 300 mW when mounted on an FR-4 PCB with Diodes' recommended pad layout. Derating begins above 25°C ambient, following the linear curve in Figure 1 of DS18003 Rev. 18–2, reaching zero dissipation at 150°C junction temperature.

How does the common-anode configuration affect circuit implementation?

The common-anode configuration means both Zener cathodes (Pins 2 and 3) are independently biased relative to the shared anode (Pin 1). This allows direct clamping of two separate signals to the same reference potential-ideal for differential line protection or dual-rail voltage supervision without external resistors or polarity inversion.

Is AZ23C20-7 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes-the commercial AZ23C20-7-7-F variant is JEDEC-qualified and AEC-Q101 stress-tested (HBM 8kV, MM 400V). For full automotive qualification including PPAP and IATF 16949 manufacturing, the Q-suffix version (AZ23C20Q-7-F) must be specified and sourced from Diodes' automotive-grade production line.

What is the significance of the ±5% ΔV_Z specification between the two diodes?

The ≤5% absolute voltage difference between the two Zener elements ensures tightly matched regulation thresholds-critical for applications like window comparators, balanced clamping, or differential reference generation where offset error directly impacts measurement accuracy or protection timing.