Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division BZG04-27TR3

Overview

BZG04-27TR3 from Vishay Semiconductors is a glass-passivated Zener diode designed for transient voltage suppression in DC power rails and signal lines, with a nominal standoff voltage of 27 V, clamping voltage of 46.2 V at 6.5 A peak pulse current, and surge power rating of 300 W (10/1000 µs). It operates within -65 °C to +150 °C and is used in industrial power supply overvoltage protection.

For engineers reviewing the BZG04-27TR3 datasheet, BZG04-27TR3 pinout, BZG04-27TR3 application, or BZG04-27TR3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-214AC package, 25 K/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance, 5 µA maximum reverse leakage at 21.6 V, and verified 1 ps typical response time - critical for fast-rising ESD and lightning-induced transients.

Technical Context

The BZG04-27TR3 functions as a unidirectional, single-junction Zener clamp with glass-passivated construction ensuring stable breakdown characteristics and high reliability under repeated surge stress. Its 27 V standoff voltage is defined at 5 µA reverse current, and it delivers 46.2 V clamping at 6.5 A (10/1000 µs waveform), enabling robust protection without crowbar action.

Thermal performance is optimized for PCB mounting on epoxy-glass or Al₂O₃ substrates, offering R_thJA values of 125 K/W and 100 K/W respectively. Junction temperature remains ≤150 °C under 3 W steady-state dissipation at 100 °C ambient when R_thJA < 25 K/W - a condition requiring active heatsinking or low-duty-cycle operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-214AC (SMA), molded plastic case with axial leads trimmed and formed for surface-mount use; cathode indicated by band marking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ27A and P6SMB27A, the BZG04-27TR3 offers tighter V_Z consistency, lower leakage, and faster response - making it preferred for precision DC protection where post-surge recovery stability and minimal standby loading matter most.

Availability

BZG04-27TR3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O protection, automotive BCM power rail hardening, and telecom PoE feeding circuits requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for BZG04-27TR3 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 manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and passive components, specializing in high-reliability devices for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.

The BZG04-Series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh-environment DC power systems, emphasizing glass-passivated junction stability, fast response, and repeatable clamping performance under thermal cycling.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous power dissipation for BZG04-27TR3 at 100 °C ambient?

The BZG04-27TR3 supports 3 W continuous power dissipation at 100 °C ambient only when thermal resistance from junction to ambient (R_thJA) is maintained below 25 K/W - typically requiring a dedicated copper heatsink or thermal via array. Without such enhancement, its rated dissipation drops to 1.25 W at 50 °C ambient with R_thJA < 100 K/W. This limitation must be validated in the final PCB layout using thermal simulation or IR imaging.

Does BZG04-27TR3 meet RoHS and lead-free soldering requirements?

Yes, the BZG04-27TR3 is certified lead-free and fully compliant with RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC and WEEE 2002/96/EC. It is qualified for Pb-free reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020, with a peak temperature rating of 260 °C. The glass-passivated junction and matte tin-plated leads ensure reliable wetting and intermetallic formation during standard SMT processes.

What is the reverse leakage current specification for BZG04-27TR3 at its rated standoff voltage?

The BZG04-27TR3 specifies a maximum reverse leakage current of 5 µA at 21.6 V (80 % of 27 V standoff voltage), measured at 25 °C. At full 27 V standoff, leakage remains ≤10 µA - a value confirmed in Vishay's characterization data and critical for preserving signal integrity in high-impedance sensor bias networks or precision voltage references.

Can BZG04-27TR3 be used in bidirectional transient protection configurations?

No, the BZG04-27TR3 is a unidirectional Zener diode intended for DC polarity-specific clamping. For bidirectional protection (e.g., AC lines or differential buses), two BZG04-27TR3 devices must be connected in series opposition - but this configuration increases forward voltage drop and reduces effective clamping symmetry. Dedicated bidirectional TVS arrays like SMAJ27CA are recommended instead.

How does the 1 ps response time of BZG04-27TR3 impact PCB layout for surge protection?

The 1 ps response time of BZG04-27TR3 demands minimized trace inductance between the protected node and device terminals - ideally <1 nH. This requires placement within 3 mm of the connector or IC pin, direct routing to ground plane via multiple thermal vias, and avoidance of stubs or tees. Layout deviations exceeding these constraints will delay clamping onset and allow transient energy to couple into sensitive circuitry before suppression activates.