Nexperia USA Inc. BZX384-A12-QX
- Part No.:
- BZX384-A12-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- SC-76, SOD-323
- Datasheet:
-
BZX384-A12-QX.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 12V 300MW SOD323
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,321
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Product details
Overview
BZX384-A12-QX from Nexperia is a ±1 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOD323 (SC-76) package, rated for 12 V nominal breakdown voltage at 5 mA, 300 mW total power dissipation, and qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive voltage reference and overvoltage protection circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BZX384-A12-QX datasheet, BZX384-A12-QX pinout, BZX384-A12-QX application, or BZX384-A12-QX equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal behavior, automotive qualification status, and real-world design implications for precision biasing and transient clamping in constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
This Zener diode operates in reverse-biased breakdown mode with a tightly controlled 11.88–12.12 V tolerance window at IZ = 5 mA, exhibiting a temperature coefficient of +0.1 mV/K and differential resistance ≤150 Ω. Its low 415 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance enables stable regulation under ambient temperatures from –65 °C to +150 °C.
Designed for surface-mount reliability, it supports non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation up to 40 W (100 μs pulse), reverse current <25 μA at VR = 10.8 V, and forward voltage ≤0.9 V at IF = 10 mA - enabling robust operation in both regulation and clamping configurations.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Breakdown Voltage (VZ) | 11.88–12.12 V at IZ = 5 mA - ensures precise 12 V reference within ±1 % for analog sensing and supply rail stabilization. |
| Power Dissipation (Ptot) | 300 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C - defines maximum continuous DC power handling on standard FR4 PCB with single-sided copper. |
| Differential Resistance (rdif) | ≤150 Ω - limits output voltage variation under load current changes, critical for low-drift reference applications. |
| Reverse Current (IR) | <25 μA at VR = 10.8 V - guarantees minimal leakage before breakdown, essential for battery-powered standby circuits. |
| Non-repetitive Peak Power (PZSM) | 40 W (100 μs pulse) - enables transient surge suppression without device failure in automotive load-dump scenarios. |
| Junction Temperature (Tj) | –65 °C to +150 °C - supports operation across full automotive under-hood and cabin environments. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - validated for automotive discrete semiconductor stress testing, including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOD323 (SC-76), 2-pin surface-mount plastic package with cathode marked by a bar on the body. Dimensions: 1.8 × 1.35 × 0.45 mm (L × W × H).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cathode (K) | Connected to regulated output node; polarity marker (bar) aligns with this terminal for correct PCB orientation. |
| 2 | Anode (A) | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail; reverse-bias configuration requires anode at lower voltage than cathode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ±1 % voltage tolerance | Enables high-accuracy voltage references without external trimming, reducing BOM count in sensor signal conditioning. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS modules requiring long-term reliability under thermal and mechanical stress. |
| SOD323 footprint | 0.65 mm pitch and 1.35 mm width allow dense placement in space-constrained modules like ECU sub-assemblies and LED drivers. |
| 40 W surge capability | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a transients without derating, eliminating need for parallel TVS in many 12 V vehicle systems. |
| Low 25 μA max reverse leakage | Minimizes quiescent current draw in always-on circuits such as CAN bus termination biasing and microcontroller reset supervision. |
Applications
| Automotive ECU Voltage Reference | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing stable 12 V reference for ADC biasing and op-amp feedback networks in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener diode operating in reverse breakdown to maintain fixed reference potential independent of supply ripple. Use Value: ±1 % tolerance and +0.1 mV/K TC ensure <±15 mV drift over –40 °C to +125 °C, meeting ASIL-B functional safety margin requirements. |
Use Scenario: Biasing bridge sensors and RTD interfaces in programmable logic controllers and process transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision shunt regulator establishing known excitation voltage for ratiometric measurements. Use Value: 150 Ω differential resistance minimizes loading error when sourcing 1–5 mA to 350 Ω sensor elements. |
| USB-C Port Overvoltage Protection | Smart Lighting Driver Feedback Clamp |
Use Scenario: Clamping VBUS line against 20 V transients during hot-plug events in automotive infotainment USB hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt clamp activated above 12.12 V to divert surge energy before downstream IC damage. Use Value: 40 W non-repetitive peak power rating absorbs 100 μs pulses per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 without degradation. |
Use Scenario: Stabilizing feedback node voltage in constant-current LED drivers to prevent thermal runaway during dimming cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt regulator holding optocoupler input voltage at 12 V to maintain accurate current regulation loop gain. Use Value: Low 25 μA reverse leakage avoids false triggering of feedback comparators during PWM off-states. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BZX384-B12-Q | ±2 % tolerance (11.8–12.2 V), higher max reverse current (30 μA at 10.8 V) | Acceptable where 12 V reference stability <±200 mV suffices, e.g., non-critical power sequencing. | Select for cost-sensitive industrial controls where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. |
| MMSZ4687T1G | ±5 % tolerance (11.4–12.6 V), 500 mW Ptot, SOD-123 package (larger footprint) | Higher power handling but looser tolerance; suitable for general-purpose clamping with thermal margin. | Choose when board layout allows larger SOD-123 and ±5 % accuracy is acceptable for bulk protection. |
Compared with BZX384-B12-Q and MMSZ4687T1G, the BZX384-A12-QX offers the tightest voltage tolerance and smallest footprint while maintaining AEC-Q101 compliance - making it optimal for space-constrained automotive reference designs where accuracy and qualification are non-negotiable.
Availability
BZX384-A12-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, USB-C overvoltage protection, and smart lighting driver feedback circuits requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for BZX384-A12-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 technologies.
The BZX384-Q series belongs to Nexperia's automotive-grade Zener diode product line, engineered specifically for precision voltage reference and transient suppression in harsh-environment electronic control units and sensor subsystems.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous reverse current this diode can sustain at 12 V?
The BZX384-A12-QX is not rated for continuous reverse conduction at its nominal Zener voltage. At VR = 10.8 V (90 % of VZ), reverse current is guaranteed ≤25 μA. Sustained operation at or above 12 V must be limited by series resistance to keep power dissipation ≤300 mW - typically restricting average current to ≤25 mA with adequate PCB copper area.
Does the marking code '33' correspond exclusively to BZX384-A12-Q?
Yes - per Table 4 of the datasheet, marking code '33' is assigned solely to BZX384-A12-Q. This unambiguous one-to-one mapping enables automated optical inspection (AOI) and traceability verification during SMT assembly without cross-reference ambiguity.
How does thermal resistance impact regulation accuracy in a compact PCB layout?
With Rth(j-a) = 415 K/W on standard FR4, a 300 mW dissipation raises junction temperature by ~125 °C above ambient. Since VZ has +0.1 mV/K TC, this causes ~12.5 mV positive shift - a critical factor in high-precision references. Using thermal vias or increased copper pour reduces Rth and stabilizes regulation.
Can this diode replace a 1N4742A in an existing design?
Electrically, yes - both are 12 V Zeners. However, BZX384-A12-QX uses SOD323 (0.65 mm pitch) versus 1N4742A's DO-41 (5.3 mm lead spacing). The footprint change requires PCB redesign. Also, BZX384-A12-QX's tighter ±1 % tolerance and AEC-Q101 qualification may necessitate revalidation in automotive applications.
BZX384-A12-QX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- BZX384-Q
- Package/Case:
- SC-76, SOD-323
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 12 V
- Tolerance:
- ±1%
- Power - Max:
- 300 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 25 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 100 nA @ 8 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.1 V @ 100 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOD-323
BZX384-A12-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZX384-A12-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX384-A12-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 BZX384-A12-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BZX384-A12-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX384-A12-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX384-A12-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX384-A12-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZX384-A12-QX?
BZX384-A12-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZX384-A12-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 BZX384-A12-QX?
For technical support, including BZX384-A12-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX384-A12-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX384-A12-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZX384-A12-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 BZX384-A12-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX384-A12-QX?
All BZX384-A12-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX384-A12-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 BZX384-A12-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZX384-A12-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BZX384-A12-QX Tags

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MMBZ5240B-7-F
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BZT52C5V6T-7
Diodes Incorporated

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MMSZ5231B-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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BZT52C15-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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BZX84C3V3LT1G
onsemi

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MMSZ5245BS-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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MMSZ4682T1G
onsemi

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BZT52C15S-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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MM5Z5V1ST1G
onsemi

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SMAJ4744A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

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BZT52C3V6LP-7
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SMAZ12-13-F
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