Nexperia USA Inc. BZX38450-B20-QX
- Part No.:
- BZX38450-B20-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- SC-76, SOD-323
- Datasheet:
-
BZX38450-B20-QX.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 20V 300MW SOD323
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,349
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Product details
Overview
BZX38450-B20-QX from Nexperia is a low-current Zener voltage regulator diode in SOD323 (SC-76) package, rated for 20 V nominal regulation at 50 µA test current, with ±2 % tolerance, 300 mW power dissipation, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive biasing and reference applications.
For engineers reviewing the BZX38450-B20-QX datasheet, BZX38450-B20-QX pinout, BZX38450-B20-QX application, or BZX38450-B20-QX equivalent, key selection criteria include its low-test-current regulation stability, thermal resistance (Rth(j-a) = 415 K/W), cathode-anode polarity marking, and automotive-grade reliability under −55 °C to +150 °C ambient conditions.
Technical Context
This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode with a specified working voltage of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at IZ = 50 µA, exhibiting a temperature coefficient of +0.05 mV/K and differential resistance ≤225 Ω at IZ = 5 mA. Its low leakage and intentional minor leakage rise (per AN90031) support fast switching and noise reduction in portable systems.
Designed for stable low-power voltage referencing, it delivers 0.9 V forward voltage at 10 mA and withstands non-repetitive peak reverse power up to 40 W (tp = 100 µs). Junction temperature is limited to 150 °C, and it is qualified per AEC-Q101 for automotive underhood and infotainment subsystems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Zener Voltage | 20 V (19.0–21.0 V range at 50 µA; enables precise low-bias voltage reference) |
| Tolerance | ±2 % (B-series; ensures tight regulation for analog sensing and ADC reference rails) |
| Power Dissipation | 300 mW (at Tamb ≤ 25 °C on FR4 PCB; defines maximum continuous bias power) |
| Test Current | 50 µA (low-current operation ideal for battery-powered standby circuits and IoT sensors) |
| Forward Voltage | 0.9 V at 10 mA (supports reliable anode-cathode conduction during power-up or fault conditions) |
| Junction Temperature | 150 °C max (enables operation in high-temp automotive environments without derating) |
| Thermal Resistance | 415 K/W (junction-to-ambient; informs PCB copper area requirements for thermal management) |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOD323 (SC-76), surface-mount plastic package, 1.7 mm × 1.25 mm × 0.95 mm body, 1.3 mm lead pitch; marking bar denotes cathode.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cathode (K) | Connected to regulated output node; reverse-biased terminal where Zener breakdown occurs |
| 2 | Anode (A) | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail; completes bias path for regulation current |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low test current operation | Specified at 50 µA - minimizes quiescent current draw in always-on battery circuits |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive use - supports deployment in engine control units and ADAS sensor modules |
| Optimized leakage profile | Intentional minor leakage rise per AN90031 - improves transient response and reduces switching noise |
| Tight voltage tolerance | ±2 % (B-series) - eliminates need for post-production trimming in precision reference designs |
| Small footprint | SOD323 package - saves board space in compact consumer and automotive ECUs |
Applications
| Automotive Cabin Sensors | IoT Edge Node Power Reference |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Voltage reference for MEMS pressure and humidity sensors in HVAC control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener bias element providing stable 20 V reference to op-amp signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: ±2 % tolerance and AEC-Q101 qualification ensure long-term accuracy and reliability across −40 °C to +105 °C operating range. |
Use Scenario: Low-power voltage reference in battery-operated NB-IoT asset trackers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Regulation diode supplying fixed bias to ultra-low-power ADC and RF transceiver LDO input. Use Value: 50 µA test current enables microamp-level system sleep current, extending 10-year battery life. |
| Industrial PLC Input Protection | Medical Wearable Sensor Biasing |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage clamp and reference for 24 V DC digital input channels in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-biased Zener limiting transient-induced rail excursions while stabilizing threshold detection. Use Value: 300 mW power rating and 40 W surge capability absorb ESD and inductive kick energy without failure. |
Use Scenario: Precision bias source for photodiode amplifiers in pulse oximetry front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable 20 V reference enabling high-SNR analog signal chain with minimal drift. Use Value: +0.05 mV/K temperature coefficient and low capacitance (60 pF) preserve signal integrity at physiological sampling rates. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BZX384-C20-Q | ±5 % tolerance (C-series), higher leakage at low voltage, same SOD323 package | Acceptable where cost sensitivity outweighs precision; not recommended for <1 % reference designs | Select when budget constraints dominate and ±5 % regulation error is acceptable in non-critical bias rails |
| MMSZ5248B-7-F | 20 V, ±5 %, 500 mW, SOD-123 package, higher Ptot, larger footprint | Higher power handling but less suitable for space-constrained automotive PCBs | Choose only if thermal margin >300 mW is required and board area permits SOD-123 layout |
Compared with BZX38450-B20-QX, the BZX384-C20-Q trades precision for cost, while MMSZ5248B-7-F offers greater power headroom at the expense of size and automotive qualification - making the BZX38450-B20-QX optimal for AEC-Q101-compliant, space- and current-constrained 20 V reference designs.
Availability
BZX38450-B20-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive cabin electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for BZX38450-B20-QX 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 semiconductor expert focused on high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and advanced packaging.
The BZX38450-Q series belongs to Nexperia's automotive-grade Zener regulator portfolio, engineered specifically for low-current, high-stability voltage referencing in harsh-environment electronic control units and sensor signal chains.
FAQ
What is the maximum reverse voltage this diode can sustain before breakdown?
The BZX38450-B20-QX has a nominal Zener voltage of 20 V, with guaranteed breakdown occurring between 19.0 V and 21.0 V at 50 µA test current. It is not rated for sustained operation above 21.0 V in regulation mode; exceeding this risks thermal runaway unless current is strictly limited by external series resistance.
Is this device suitable for use in a 12 V automotive system?
Yes - the BZX38450-B20-QX is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for ambient temperatures from −55 °C to +150 °C. In a 12 V system, it functions as a 20 V reference or clamp only when biased above its Zener voltage (e.g., in overvoltage protection circuits with appropriate current limiting), not as a direct 12 V regulator.
How does the "intentional minor rise of leakage current" affect circuit performance?
Per AN90031, this controlled leakage enhancement improves dynamic response during fast voltage transients and reduces high-frequency noise coupling into sensitive analog nodes - particularly beneficial in sensor biasing and ADC reference applications where signal integrity is critical.
Can this Zener diode be used in parallel for higher current capability?
No - Zener diodes exhibit manufacturing spread in breakdown voltage, causing current hogging and thermal imbalance when paralleled. For higher current, use a single higher-power Zener or implement active regulation; the BZX38450-B20-QX is designed for ≤250 mA forward/regulated current and must be operated within its 300 mW dissipation limit.
BZX38450-B20-QX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- BZX38450-Q
- Package/Case:
- SC-76, SOD-323
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 20 V
- Tolerance:
- ±2%
- Power - Max:
- 300 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 55 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 50 nA @ 15.2 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 900 mV @ 10 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOD-323
BZX38450-B20-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZX38450-B20-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX38450-B20-QX 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 BZX38450-B20-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BZX38450-B20-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX38450-B20-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX38450-B20-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX38450-B20-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZX38450-B20-QX?
BZX38450-B20-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZX38450-B20-QX 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 BZX38450-B20-QX?
For technical support, including BZX38450-B20-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX38450-B20-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX38450-B20-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZX38450-B20-QX 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 BZX38450-B20-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX38450-B20-QX?
All BZX38450-B20-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX38450-B20-QX, 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 BZX38450-B20-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZX38450-B20-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BZX38450-B20-QX Tags

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