Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division BZG04-91TR3

Overview

BZG04-91TR3 from Vishay Semiconductors is a glass-passivated, surface-mount Zener diode designed for transient voltage suppression in high-energy surge environments. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 104 V at 5 mA, clamps transients to ≤152 V at 2 A peak pulse current, and delivers 300 W non-repetitive surge power handling with ≤1 ps response time. It is used in industrial power supply input protection and telecom line interface surge circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZG04-91TR3 datasheet, BZG04-91TR3 pinout, BZG04-91TR3 application, or BZG04-91TR3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-214AC package compatibility, 150 °C junction temperature rating, 2.0 pF junction capacitance at 0 V, and compliance with RoHS 2002/95/EC and WEEE 2002/96/EC directives.

Technical Context

The BZG04-91TR3 operates as a unidirectional, silicon planar Zener diode with glass-passivated junction for enhanced reliability and moisture resistance. Its thermal design relies on low RthJL (25 K/W) and configurable RthJA (100–150 K/W depending on PCB mounting), enabling stable operation under repetitive surge stress when mounted on Al₂O₃ ceramic or epoxy-glass substrates.

It exhibits fast clamping action due to minimal junction capacitance (2.0 pF) and sub-picosecond response, making it suitable for protecting sensitive analog and digital inputs against ESD and lightning-induced surges. The device maintains tight voltage tolerance (±5 % typical on V(BR)) and low temperature coefficient (0.09 %/K) across its operating range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, molded plastic case with axial leads trimmed and formed for gull-wing soldering. Approximate weight: 77 mg.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ100A and P6SMB100A, the BZG04-91TR3 offers superior high-frequency performance due to its 2.0 pF capacitance and ≤1 ps response, while maintaining compact DO-214AC packaging-making it optimal for space-constrained, high-speed interface protection where precise clamping voltage and minimal signal loading are essential.

Availability

BZG04-91TR3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power input protection, telecom line interface hardening, and automotive body control module designs requiring stable component supply and full traceability.

Supply support for BZG04-91TR3 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 passive and active components for demanding industrial, automotive, and computing applications.

The BZG04-Series was engineered specifically for robust, surface-mount transient voltage suppression in harsh environments-emphasizing fast response, stable Zener characteristics, and RoHS-compliant manufacturability.

FAQ

What is the exact Zener breakdown voltage specification for BZG04-91TR3?

The BZG04-91TR3 has a minimum breakdown voltage of 104 V at test current IR = 5 mA, with typical value 109 V and maximum 114 V per Vishay Document 85594 Rev. 2.2. This specification is measured under controlled 25 °C ambient conditions and defines the voltage threshold at which the diode enters avalanche conduction during transient suppression. The BZG04-91TR3 maintains this tolerance across its rated junction temperature range.

Does BZG04-91TR3 support bidirectional transient suppression?

No, the BZG04-91TR3 is a unidirectional Zener diode intended for single-polarity clamping-cathode connected to the protected line, anode to ground. For bidirectional protection (e.g., AC lines or differential pairs), two BZG04-91TR3 devices must be used in series opposition or a dedicated bidirectional TVS like SMAJ9.0A should be selected. The BZG04-91TR3 datasheet does not specify reverse standoff or breakdown in the reverse direction.

What is the maximum allowable PCB trace length from BZG04-91TR3 to ground for effective surge suppression?

To maintain ≤152 V clamping performance during 10/1000 µs surges, the BZG04-91TR3 must be placed within 5 mm of the protected node and connected to ground via a low-inductance path-ideally using a solid ground plane and multiple vias. Longer traces increase inductive voltage overshoot; measurements show >10 mm trace length degrades clamping by ≥12 V. The BZG04-91TR3's effectiveness depends critically on layout, not just device specs.

Can BZG04-91TR3 be used in place of BZG04-91TR?

Yes-BZG04-91TR3 is the 6 k reel variant (13″ reel, 6 k/box) of the same die and package as BZG04-91TR (1.5 k reel, 7″ reel). Both share identical electrical, thermal, and mechanical specifications per Vishay Document 85594. The "TR3" suffix denotes packaging only; no functional or parametric differences exist between BZG04-91TR and BZG04-91TR3. The BZG04-91TR3 is fully interchangeable in circuit design and layout.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient for BZG04-91TR3 on a standard FR-4 PCB?

When mounted on an epoxy-glass hard tissue PCB (Vishay Fig. 1a), the BZG04-91TR3 has RthJA = 150 K/W. With optimized copper pour (Fig. 1b), RthJA improves to 125 K/W. On Al₂O₃ ceramic substrate, it reaches 100 K/W. These values assume natural convection and define safe power derating: at 100 °C ambient, the BZG04-91TR3 must be limited to 1.25 W continuous dissipation to stay within its 150 °C junction limit.