Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division BZG04-16TR

Overview

BZG04-16TR from Vishay Semiconductors is a glass-passivated Zener diode designed for transient voltage suppression in power rails and signal lines, with a nominal standoff voltage of 16 V, clamping voltage of 28.4 V at 10.6 A surge current, and 300 W non-repetitive peak surge power rating. It operates within -65 °C to +150 °C and is qualified for high-reliability industrial protection applications.

For engineers reviewing the BZG04-16TR datasheet, BZG04-16TR pinout, BZG04-16TR application, or BZG04-16TR equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-214AC package, 10.6 A peak clamping current, 28.4 V clamping voltage under 10/1000 µs pulse, thermal resistance of 100 K/W on Al₂O₃ substrate, and RoHS-compliant lead-free construction.

Technical Context

The BZG04-16TR functions as a unidirectional voltage-clamping device with a precisely defined Zener breakdown voltage (18.8 V min, 20.8 V max at 25 mA), fast response time ≤1 ps, and low junction capacitance (655 pF at 0 V). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable long-term performance under repeated surge stress.

Thermal design relies on its R_thJL of 25 K/W and configurable R_thJA (150 K/W on epoxy-glass, 100 K/W on Al₂O₃ ceramic), enabling robust thermal management in compact PCB layouts where transient energy dissipation must be localized without board-level derating penalties.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, plastic body with cathode band marking; dimensions per Vishay Doc. 85594 Rev. 2.2; weight ≈77 mg.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener-based transient suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ16A and P6SMB16A, the BZG04-16TR offers tighter Zener voltage tolerance (18.8–20.8 V vs. 16.0–17.6 V), lower clamping voltage (28.4 V vs. ≥26.0 V), and optimized thermal resistance on ceramic substrates-making it preferable for space-constrained, thermally sensitive 24 V industrial nodes requiring precision clamping.

Availability

BZG04-16TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power supplies, and PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for BZG04-16TR 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 markets.

The BZG04-Series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh-environment power systems, emphasizing glass-passivation stability, tight Zener voltage control, and repeatable clamping performance under repetitive surge stress.

FAQ

What is the Zener breakdown voltage range for BZG04-16TR?

The BZG04-16TR has a specified Zener breakdown voltage range of 18.8 V to 20.8 V at test current I_ZT = 25 mA, per Vishay Document 85594 Rev. 2.2. This range reflects manufacturing tolerance and ensures reliable clamping onset above the 16 V standoff rating while remaining below the 28.4 V maximum clamping voltage. The BZG04-16TR maintains this specification across its full operating temperature range.

Is BZG04-16TR compatible with reflow soldering processes?

Yes, the BZG04-16TR in DO-214AC package is qualified for standard lead-free reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020. Its glass-passivated junction and plastic body withstand peak temperatures up to 260 °C for 30 seconds. Thermal profiles must respect its 150 °C maximum junction temperature limit, and board layout should ensure adequate copper pour for heat dissipation during reflow. The BZG04-16TR is fully RoHS-compliant and lead-free.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of BZG04-16TR under surge conditions?

The BZG04-16TR exhibits a maximum clamping voltage of 28.4 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs surge pulse at I_PP = 10.6 A, as documented in Vishay's BZG04-Series datasheet. This value represents the peak voltage imposed on the protected circuit during transient events and is critical for ensuring downstream components remain within their absolute maximum ratings. The BZG04-16TR achieves this clamping performance while sustaining 300 W peak surge power.

Does BZG04-16TR support bidirectional transient suppression?

No, the BZG04-16TR is a unidirectional Zener diode intended for single-polarity clamping-typically cathode-to-rail configuration. It conducts only in reverse breakdown (clamping) and forward conduction (1.2 V @ 0.5 A). For bidirectional protection, two BZG04-16TR devices must be connected in series opposition, or a dedicated bidirectional TVS such as SMAJ16A should be selected. The BZG04-16TR datasheet does not specify symmetrical breakdown behavior.

What thermal resistance values apply to BZG04-16TR in PCB design?

The BZG04-16TR has a junction-to-lead thermal resistance (R_thJL) of 25 K/W and junction-to-ambient values dependent on mounting: 150 K/W on epoxy-glass hard tissue (Fig. 1a), 125 K/W (Fig. 1b), or 100 K/W on Al₂O₃ ceramic substrate. These values directly impact power derating-e.g., at 100 °C ambient, the BZG04-16TR dissipates only 1.25 W continuously. Proper copper land design is essential to realize the 100 K/W rating and avoid thermal runaway during surge events.