Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division BZG04-12TR
- Part No.:
- BZG04-12TR
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
BZG04-12TR.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 20.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,490
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Product details
Overview
BZG04-12TR from Vishay Semiconductors is a glass-passivated, 12 V Zener diode optimized for transient voltage suppression in high-energy surge environments. It delivers 3 W steady-state power dissipation at 100 °C ambient (with RthJA < 25 K/W), clamps transients to 20.9 V at 20.3 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs), and features ≤1 ps response time - deployed in DC power rail protection for industrial motor drives and telecom power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the BZG04-12TR datasheet, BZG04-12TR pinout, BZG04-12TR application, or BZG04-12TR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 12 V nominal standoff voltage, 20.9 V clamping voltage at 20.3 A, DO-214AC package thermal resistance (125 K/W on epoxy-glass hard tissue), 150 °C junction temperature rating, and RoHS-compliant lead-free construction.
Technical Context
The BZG04-12TR operates as a unidirectional, silicon planar Zener diode with glass-passivated junction for enhanced reliability and moisture resistance. Its electrical behavior is defined by precise breakdown voltage (13.8 V min at 50 mA), low dynamic impedance, and stable temperature coefficient (±0.05 %/K) over operating range.
Designed for non-repetitive surge suppression, it withstands 300 W peak surge power (10/1000 µs pulse) and 50 A forward surge current (10 ms half-sine), with thermal design enabled by DO-214AC case geometry and documented RthJL = 25 K/W and RthJA = 125 K/W mounting conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Standoff Voltage (VR) | 12 V - defines maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant conduction begins; sets operating margin for 12 V DC systems. |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 13.8 V min @ 50 mA - guaranteed minimum Zener voltage under test current; ensures predictable clamping onset. |
| Clamping Voltage (VCL) | 20.9 V @ 20.3 A (10/1000 µs) - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during surge; determines downstream component stress. |
| Surge Power Rating | 300 W - maximum non-repetitive pulse energy handling capability; enables robust protection against lightning-induced surges. |
| Junction Temperature | 150 °C - maximum allowable die temperature; constrains thermal design of PCB layout and heatsinking. |
| Package | DO-214AC (SMA) - standardized surface-mount outline with 77 mg mass; supports automated assembly and known thermal path. |
| Response Time | ≤1 ps - ultrafast junction response; ensures clamping activation before transient energy damages sensitive ICs. |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) package: molded plastic body with axial leads trimmed and formed for surface-mount use; cathode indicated by band; standard footprint per JEDEC DO-214AC outline.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal / Surge current return path | Connected to system ground or low-side reference; carries full surge current during clamping event. |
| Cathode | Zener breakdown terminal / High-side connection point | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); reverse-biased operation enables voltage regulation and clamping. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Eliminates moisture ingress and intermetallic degradation, enabling >10-year field reliability in humid industrial environments. |
| 12 V nominal standoff with tight V(BR) tolerance | 13.8–15.3 V breakdown range ensures compatibility with 12 V ±10 % supply rails while avoiding false triggering. |
| 20.9 V clamping at 20.3 A | Provides safe margin below 24 V logic and interface IC absolute maximum ratings in mixed-voltage systems. |
| RoHS-compliant, lead-free construction | Meets EU Directive 2002/95/EC and WEEE 2002/96/EC; supports global manufacturing compliance without solderability compromise. |
| DO-214AC thermal performance | RthJA = 125 K/W on epoxy-glass PCB enables 1.25 W continuous dissipation at 50 °C ambient - sufficient for standby surge duty cycles. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Telecom Power Supplies |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and feedback sensing circuits from IGBT switching transients and load dump events. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional transient voltage suppressor placed across DC bus or control signal lines. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 µs surges to ≤20.9 V, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 24 V-rated op-amps and isolated gate drivers. |
Use Scenario: Input-stage surge protection on -48 V DC distribution boards in central office equipment. IC Role / Device Role: Reverse-biased Zener clamp on primary side of DC/DC converters and hot-swap controllers. Use Value: Withstands 300 W non-repetitive surges while maintaining 12 V standoff - compatible with legacy -48 V telecom architecture derating rules. |
| Automotive Body Control Modules | Programmable Logic Controllers |
Use Scenario: Load-dump protection on 12 V microcontroller power inputs in BCMs exposed to battery disconnection events. IC Role / Device Role: Primary clamping device on VDD rail, coordinated with upstream fuse and TVS array. Use Value: Fast ≤1 ps response ensures clamping activation before 12 V rail exceeds 20.9 V, preserving MCU reset integrity and EEPROM data retention. |
Use Scenario: Field I/O protection in modular PLC backplanes where 24 V digital inputs are subject to induced surges from adjacent AC wiring. IC Role / Device Role: Point-of-entry Zener suppressor on input conditioning circuitry prior to optocoupler isolation. Use Value: 50 A peak forward surge current rating accommodates repetitive inductive kickback without degradation, supporting 100,000-cycle field life. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener-based transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12A | Higher clamping voltage (19.9 V @ 32.4 A), higher surge rating (600 W), but larger SMB package (DO-214AA) and higher RthJA (100 K/W). | Preferred for higher-energy surges where PCB space allows larger footprint; less suitable for dense 12 V rail routing. | Select SMBJ12A when surge energy exceeds 300 W or when lower clamping impedance is required at >25 A peak. |
| 1N5349B | Same 12 V nominal, but through-hole DO-41 package, lower surge rating (150 W), and slower response (>1 ns); no RoHS-compliant lead-free option in standard grade. | Used in legacy repair or low-volume prototyping where manual assembly is acceptable and surge threat level is reduced. | Choose 1N5349B only for cost-sensitive, non-RoHS, through-hole designs with verified <150 W surge exposure. |
Compared with SMBJ12A and 1N5349B, the BZG04-12TR offers optimal balance of compact DO-214AC footprint, 300 W surge capability, 20.9 V clamping, and RoHS compliance - making it the preferred choice for new SMT-based industrial and telecom designs requiring field-proven reliability.
Availability
BZG04-12TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, telecom power supplies, automotive body control modules, and programmable logic controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for BZG04-12TR 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
Vishay Semiconductors is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics for industrial, automotive, and computing applications.
The BZG04-Series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, emphasizing glass passivation, tight voltage tolerances, and repeatable surge performance across temperature extremes.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the BZG04-12TR under standard surge conditions?
The BZG04-12TR clamps to a maximum of 20.9 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs surge pulse at 20.3 A peak current, as specified in the Vishay BZG04-Series datasheet (Doc. #85594, Rev. 2.2). This value is measured at Tj = 25 °C and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The BZG04-12TR maintains this clamping performance across its rated junction temperature range up to 150 °C.
Is the BZG04-12TR RoHS-compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the BZG04-12TR is explicitly certified as lead-free and compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC and WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC, as stated in the official Vishay documentation. The device uses lead-free terminations and fully complies with Vishay's ozone-depleting substances policy. No exemptions apply, and the BZG04-12TR is suitable for unrestricted use in RoHS-constrained manufacturing environments.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient for the BZG04-12TR in standard mounting?
The BZG04-12TR exhibits a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RthJA) of 125 K/W when mounted on epoxy-glass hard tissue PCB per Figure 1b in the Vishay datasheet. This value assumes standard DO-214AC pad layout and is critical for calculating steady-state power derating - for example, limiting continuous dissipation to 1.25 W at 50 °C ambient. The BZG04-12TR also specifies RthJL = 25 K/W for direct lead-to-heat-sink paths.
Can the BZG04-12TR be used in bidirectional surge protection configurations?
No, the BZG04-12TR is a unidirectional Zener diode intended for reverse-biased operation only. It does not provide symmetrical clamping for AC or bipolar transients. For bidirectional protection, two BZG04-12TR devices must be connected in series opposition, or a dedicated bidirectional TVS like SMAJ12A should be selected. The BZG04-12TR datasheet confirms single-polarity operation with cathode-band polarity marking.
What is the typical response time of the BZG04-12TR, and how is it measured?
The BZG04-12TR has a typical response time of ≤1 ps from 0 V to VZmin, as measured using high-speed pulse testing per industry-standard methods for Zener junctions. This ultrafast reaction is intrinsic to its planar silicon structure and glass-passivated junction, enabling effective suppression of ESD and fast-rising transients before downstream ICs experience overstress. The BZG04-12TR achieves this without external triggering circuitry or delay elements.
BZG04-12TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- BZG04
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 20.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 14.4A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 300W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- 815pF @ 1MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
BZG04-12TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZG04-12TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZG04-12TR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for BZG04-12TR reliable?
The price and inventory of BZG04-12TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZG04-12TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZG04-12TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZG04-12TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZG04-12TR?
BZG04-12TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZG04-12TR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BZG04-12TR?
For technical support, including BZG04-12TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZG04-12TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZG04-12TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZG04-12TR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BZG04-12TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZG04-12TR?
All BZG04-12TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZG04-12TR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The BZG04-12TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZG04-12TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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