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STMicroelectronics BZW50-68
- Part No.:
- BZW50-68
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- R-6, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
BZW50-68.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 68VWM 157VC R6
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:275
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Product details
Overview
BZW50-68 from STMicroelectronics is a unidirectional transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power lines and signal interfaces. It features a 68 V stand-off voltage (VRM), 75.6 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 121 V maximum clamping voltage (VCL) at 41 A peak pulse current (IPP), and 5000 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs). It is used in industrial power supplies and telecom line cards requiring robust IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 compliance.
For engineers reviewing the BZW50-68 datasheet, BZW50-68 pinout, BZW50-68 application, or BZW50-68 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin at rated IPP, junction temperature derating above 25 °C, dynamic resistance (0.913 Ω), leakage current ≤5 µA at VRM, and R6 package thermal performance under sustained surge duty cycles.
Technical Context
The BZW50-68 employs planar silicon junction technology optimized for low leakage (<5 µA at 68 V) and stable clamping up to +175 °C junction temperature. Its unidirectional polarity enables asymmetric surge handling-forward conduction during overvoltage events while blocking reverse leakage in normal operation.
It delivers 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) with 121 V clamping at 41 A, and supports higher short-duration surges up to 60 kW (8/20 µs). Voltage temperature coefficient αT = 10.5 × 10⁻⁴ /°C ensures predictable VBR and VCL drift across operating temperature range (–55 to +175 °C).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stand-off Voltage (VRM) | 68 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 75.6 V min at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset threshold ensuring reliable triggering |
| Clamping Voltage (VCL) | 121 V max at 41 A (10/1000 µs) - Limits downstream voltage stress during surge |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 5000 W (10/1000 µs) - Sustains standardized lightning-surge energy without failure |
| Leakage Current (IRM) | ≤5 µA at VRM - Minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering |
| Dynamic Resistance (RD) | 0.913 Ω - Determines VCL rise per additional amp of surge current beyond rated IPP |
| Junction Temperature Range | –55 °C to +175 °C - Enables deployment in high-ambient environments like motor drives and base stations |
Pinout & Package
The BZW50-68 is housed in the R6 axial-leaded package (JEDEC DO-201AD), featuring two terminals: anode and cathode. Cathode identified by a band marking; leads are matte tin-plated for solderability and RoHS compliance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias | Connected to protected circuit ground or low-side return path during surge clamp |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; marked with band | Connected to line/voltage rail being protected; carries full surge current to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High-temperature operation | Rated for continuous operation up to +175 °C junction temperature, enabling use in enclosed power converters |
| Low dynamic resistance | 0.913 Ω ensures minimal VCL increase under over-current conditions, improving protection margin |
| IEC 61000-4-2 compliance | Withstands ≥30 kV air/contact ESD without degradation-validates reliability in user-accessible ports |
| Planar junction construction | Delivers stable leakage (<5 µA) and repeatable VBR/VCL over lifetime, critical for long-life industrial systems |
| UL 497B certification | QVGQ2.E136224 listing confirms suitability for telecom and data line surge protection per UL safety standards |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Input Protection | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 48 V DC input stage of programmable logic controller (PLC) power module exposed to load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS diode placed between input rail and chassis ground to clamp positive-going surges. Use Value: Clamps to 121 V at 41 A, limiting stress on downstream rectifier and bulk capacitor while surviving repeated 5000 W pulses. |
Use Scenario: T1/E1 interface card in central office equipment subjected to lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary protection device on line side, coordinated with gas discharge tube (GDT) front-end. Use Value: Low leakage (<5 µA) prevents signal distortion; 175 °C rating supports operation in sealed, fanless enclosures. |
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Power Rail | Renewable Energy Inverter DC Link Protection |
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-supplied BCM experiencing ISO 7637-2 pulse 1 (inductive switch-off) and pulse 3a/b (load dump simulation). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary TVS on main power rail after fuse and upstream GDT, absorbing residual energy. Use Value: 121 V clamping protects 16 V-rated microcontroller supply rails; R6 package withstands mechanical vibration per AEC-Q200. |
Use Scenario: DC link between photovoltaic array and MPPT converter, subject to grid-switching transients and partial shading surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on DC+ to ground, providing fast-response clamping ahead of electrolytic capacitor bank. Use Value: 5000 W 10/1000 µs rating handles repetitive solar farm surge events; 175 °C rating accommodates ambient heat near heatsinks. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ68A | DO-214AA package; 68 V VRM; 75.6 V VBR min; 110 V VCL at 43.3 A; lower PPP (600 W) | Lower power handling limits use to sub-1 kW surge environments; surface-mount only | Select when board space is constrained and surge energy is <1 kW (10/1000 µs) |
| P6KE68A | DO-15 package; 68 V VRM; 75.6 V VBR min; 118 V VCL at 42.4 A; PPP = 600 W | Legacy through-hole alternative with lower thermal mass and reduced surge endurance | Choose only for cost-sensitive, low-reliability consumer designs where 5000 W capability is unnecessary |
Compared with SMBJ68A and P6KE68A, the BZW50-68 provides 8.3× higher peak pulse power (5000 W vs. 600 W), superior thermal robustness (175 °C TJ max), and axial R6 package compatibility with high-current leaded PCB layouts-making it uniquely suited for industrial-grade surge protection where energy and longevity are critical.
Availability
BZW50-68 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, telecom line cards, and renewable energy inverters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and certified surge immunity.
Supply support for BZW50-68 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in power management, analog, MEMS, and automotive ICs with strong industrial and automotive focus.
The BZW50 series belongs to ST's high-power TVS diode product line, engineered specifically for robust, high-energy transient suppression in harsh-environment power systems where reliability under repeated surge stress is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of BZW50-68 at 41 A?
The maximum clamping voltage (VCL) of BZW50-68 is 121 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs surge waveform at 41 A peak pulse current. This value is measured at Tamb = 25 °C and is guaranteed per Table 2 of DS0662 Rev 8. VCL increases linearly with junction temperature at a rate defined by αT = 10.5 × 10⁻⁴ /°C.
Can BZW50-68 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No-BZW50-68 is a unidirectional TVS diode, intended for protection of DC rails with defined polarity. For bidirectional protection, ST offers the BZW50-68B variant, which has symmetrical clamping in both directions and identical VRM/VBR/VCL ratings but different internal structure and marking (cathode band omitted).
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient for BZW50-68 in standard FR4 layout?
On a standard epoxy FR4 PCB with 70 µm copper thickness, the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (Rth(j-a)) for BZW50-68 in R6 package is approximately 40 °C/W when mounted with 2 cm² copper area per lead (per Figure 12, DS0662 Rev 8). This enables safe dissipation of 6.5 W steady-state power at ≤175 °C junction temperature.
Does BZW50-68 meet UL 497B for telecom surge protection?
Yes-BZW50-68 is certified under UL 497B with file number QVGQ2.E136224, confirming its suitability for primary and secondary circuit protection in telecommunications equipment. This certification covers dielectric strength, flammability (UL94 V0), and surge withstand per ANSI/UL 497B Annex D test requirements.
BZW50-68 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- R-6, Axial
- Series:
- BZW50, TRANSIL™
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 68V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 75.6V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 157V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 382A (8/20µs)
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 5000W (5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- 3000pF @ 1MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- R-6
BZW50-68 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZW50-68 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZW50-68 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 BZW50-68 reliable?
The price and inventory of BZW50-68 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZW50-68 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZW50-68?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZW50-68 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZW50-68?
BZW50-68 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZW50-68 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 BZW50-68?
For technical support, including BZW50-68 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZW50-68 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZW50-68 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZW50-68 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 BZW50-68 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZW50-68?
All BZW50-68 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZW50-68, 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 BZW50-68 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZW50-68:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BZW50-68 Tags
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