Nexperia USA Inc. BZV90-C36,115

Overview

BZV90-C36,115 from Nexperia is a medium-power Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT223 package, rated for 36 V nominal working voltage (34–38 V), 1.5 W total power dissipation, and ±5% tolerance, used for precision DC voltage regulation in power supply feedback loops and reference circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZV90-C36,115 datasheet, BZV90-C36,115 pinout, BZV90-C36,115 application, or BZV90-C36,115 equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage accuracy at 5 mA test current, differential resistance of 30.4–37.4 Ω, temperature coefficient of +0.8 mV/K, and non-repetitive peak reverse power handling up to 40 W.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode with tightly controlled V_Z and low dynamic impedance, enabling stable voltage references under varying load and temperature conditions. Its thermal resistance (R_{th j-a}) is 83.3 K/W on FR4 PCB with 2 cm² copper area, supporting reliable operation up to 150 °C junction temperature.

The device exhibits a positive temperature coefficient (+0.8 mV/K) at its 5 mA test current, indicating predictable V_Z drift over temperature-critical for biasing and sensing applications where thermal stability is required without external compensation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT223 plastic surface-mount package with integrated collector pad for enhanced thermal conduction; 4-terminal configuration (pins 1 and 3 anode, pins 2 and 4 cathode) optimized for PCB heat spreading and mechanical robustness.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage regulation applications.

Compared with BZX84-C36 and 1N4738A, BZV90-C36,115 uniquely combines SMT compatibility, 1.5 W power handling, and SOT223 thermal pad-making it the only choice for production-grade 36 V shunt regulation in space-constrained, thermally demanding industrial and automotive modules.

Availability

BZV90-C36,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switch-mode power supplies, industrial sensor interfaces, automotive ECUs, and programmable logic controller input protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for BZV90-C36,115 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

Nexperia is a global leader in discrete, logic, and PowerMOS semiconductors, spun off from NXP in 2017 and focused on automotive, industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

The BZV90 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener regulator portfolio, engineered for stable voltage reference and clamping in high-reliability power management systems where ±5% tolerance and thermal robustness are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse current the BZV90-C36,115 can sustain at 25 °C?

The device does not specify a maximum continuous reverse current; instead, it defines maximum power dissipation (1500 mW) and Zener voltage (34–38 V). At nominal 36 V, this corresponds to a safe continuous Zener current of approximately 41.7 mA (1500 mW ÷ 36 V), assuming adequate PCB thermal design per the datasheet's 2 cm² copper requirement.

Can BZV90-C36,115 be used in place of a 33 V Zener for higher-voltage margining?

No-BZV90-C36,115 is strictly rated for 36 V nominal operation (34–38 V range). Using it as a 33 V substitute would result in excessive voltage error (>9% high) and potential overvoltage damage to downstream circuitry. For 33 V regulation, use the designated BZV90-C33 variant with its verified 31–35 V range.

How does the SOT223 package improve thermal performance versus SOT23 for this Zener diode?

The SOT223 package incorporates an exposed collector pad that serves as a primary thermal conduction path to the PCB. This reduces R_{th j-a} to 83.3 K/W-more than 3× better than typical SOT23 devices (~250–300 K/W)-enabling full 1.5 W dissipation without derating, whereas SOT23 variants like BZX84-C36 are limited to 300 mW.

Is the +0.8 mV/K temperature coefficient stable across the full operating current range?

No-the +0.8 mV/K value is specified only at the standard test current of 5 mA. As shown in Figure 5 of the datasheet, the temperature coefficient varies significantly with Zener current: it drops to near zero at ~1 mA and becomes more positive above 10 mA. Designers must operate at or near 5 mA to achieve the published tempco behavior.