Nexperia USA Inc. BZX384-A12X
- Part No.:
- BZX384-A12X
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- SC-76, SOD-323
- Datasheet:
-
BZX384-A12X.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 12V 300MW SOD323
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,078
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Product details
Overview
BZX384-A12X 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 150 °C maximum junction temperature. It serves as a precision reference or low-power voltage clamp in power supply feedback paths, sensor biasing circuits, and overvoltage protection stages.
For engineers reviewing the BZX384-A12X datasheet, BZX384-A12X pinout, BZX384-A12X application, or BZX384-A12X equivalent, key selection criteria include its 11.88–12.12 V Zener voltage range at IZ = 5 mA, 8 Ω typical differential resistance, <1 μA reverse current at VR = 9.6 V, and thermal resistance of 415 K/W (junction-to-ambient).
Technical Context
This discrete Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown to maintain stable voltage across its terminals under varying load or input conditions. Its E24-compliant 12 V rating with ±1 % tolerance ensures tight regulation in reference-sensitive analog circuits.
Designed for surface-mount use on FR4 PCBs with standard single-sided copper, it delivers predictable performance up to 250 mA forward current and withstands non-repetitive 40 W reverse surges (100 μs pulse), supporting transient suppression in compact power rails.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 11.88 V to 12.12 V at IZ = 5 mA - defines precise clamping threshold for 12 V rail stabilization |
| Differential Resistance (rdif) | ≤8 Ω at IZ = 5 mA - ensures minimal output voltage shift under load variation |
| Reverse Current (IR) | <1 μA at VR = 9.6 V - guarantees low leakage before breakdown onset |
| Total Power Dissipation (Ptot) | 300 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C - sets continuous DC power limit on standard FR4 PCB |
| Junction Temperature (Tj) | −65 °C to +150 °C - enables operation in industrial ambient environments |
| Thermal Resistance (Rth(j-a)) | 415 K/W - determines temperature rise per watt on standard layout |
| Non-repetitive Peak Power (PZSM) | 40 W for tp = 100 μs - supports short-duration surge suppression |
Pinout & Package
SOD323 (SC-76) plastic surface-mounted package with 2 leads, 1.35 mm × 0.85 mm body size, and cathode-marked top surface.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cathode (K) | Connected to regulated output node; marking bar identifies this terminal |
| 2 | Anode (A) | Connected to ground or lower-potential reference; reverse-biased during regulation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ±1 % Zener voltage tolerance | Enables high-accuracy voltage references without external trimming in 12 V systems |
| Low differential resistance (≤8 Ω) | Maintains regulation stability under dynamic load changes in feedback loops |
| 300 mW power rating in SOD323 | Supports regulation in space-constrained consumer and industrial PCBs |
| 150 °C max junction temperature | Allows reliable operation in thermally demanding embedded enclosures |
| Non-repetitive 40 W surge capability | Provides transient overvoltage immunity without requiring additional TVS devices |
Applications
| Power Supply Feedback Reference | Sensor Biasing Circuit |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Stabilizing feedback voltage in adjustable DC-DC converter ICs (e.g., TL431-based designs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides precise 12 V reference to error amplifier input, setting output voltage accuracy. Use Value: ±1 % VZ tolerance directly limits overall output regulation error to ±1.2 % at 12 V. |
Use Scenario: Supplying stable bias voltage to analog sensor elements (e.g., RTD bridges or Hall-effect ICs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as low-noise, low-drift voltage source independent of supply rail fluctuations. Use Value: 8 Ω rdif minimizes sensitivity to sensor current draw variations, preserving measurement linearity. |
| Overvoltage Clamp Protection | Microcontroller I/O Pin Protection |
Use Scenario: Clamping induced transients on 12 V automotive accessory lines or industrial control inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunts excess energy above 12.12 V to ground during ESD or inductive kick events. Use Value: 40 W non-repetitive peak power rating absorbs 100 μs surges without degradation. |
Use Scenario: Protecting 3.3 V or 5 V MCU GPIO pins from accidental 12 V miswiring or backfeed. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Limits pin voltage to safe levels by conducting when reverse voltage exceeds 12.12 V. Use Value: Sub-μA leakage at 9.6 V prevents signal integrity loss during normal operation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON Semiconductor MMBZ5242B | 12 V ±5 % tolerance, 350 mW Ptot, SOT-23 package | Looser regulation accuracy but higher power handling; larger footprint | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs voltage precision and board space permits SOT-23 |
| Vishay BZX384-C12 | 12 V ±5 % tolerance, same SOD323 package, identical thermal specs | Higher IR (≤5 μA at VR = 9.6 V) and higher rdif (≤20 Ω) | Choose only for non-critical biasing where ±5 % tolerance is acceptable |
Compared with BZX384-A12X, MMBZ5242B trades ±1 % accuracy for higher power margin and different packaging, while BZX384-C12 retains identical form factor but sacrifices regulation tightness and dynamic impedance-making the A-grade optimal for precision feedback and low-leakage biasing.
Availability
BZX384-A12X is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply feedback reference, sensor biasing, overvoltage clamp protection, and microcontroller I/O pin protection requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for BZX384-A12X 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 delivering high-performance, reliable discrete, logic, and MOSFET solutions with focus on efficiency, miniaturization, and robustness.
The BZX384 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener diode product line, engineered for stable voltage reference and clamping in space-constrained, thermally demanding industrial and consumer applications.
FAQ
What is the guaranteed Zener voltage range for BZX384-A12X at 5 mA test current?
The BZX384-A12X has a guaranteed Zener voltage range of 11.88 V to 12.12 V when measured at IZ = 5 mA and Tj = 25 °C. This ±1 % tolerance is confirmed in Table 8 of the Nexperia datasheet Rev. 4 and applies to all units within specification.
Can BZX384-A12X be used in place of a 12 V Zener with looser tolerance in existing designs?
Yes-BZX384-A12X is pin-compatible and electrically substitutable for any 12 V Zener in SOD323 package, including BZX384-B12 (±2 %) and BZX384-C12 (±5 %). Its tighter tolerance improves regulation accuracy without changing layout or thermal design.
What is the maximum allowable forward current for BZX384-A12X?
The absolute maximum forward current is 250 mA, per Table 5 (Limiting Values) in the datasheet. However, sustained forward conduction is not intended; the device is optimized for reverse-bias Zener operation, and forward voltage remains ≤0.9 V at 10 mA.
How does thermal resistance affect derating of BZX384-A12X in real-world PCB layouts?
With Rth(j-a) = 415 K/W on standard FR4 (single-sided copper), power must be derated linearly above 25 °C ambient: at 75 °C ambient, max Ptot drops to 225 mW to keep Tj ≤ 150 °C. Layout improvements (copper pour, thermal vias) can reduce effective Rth.
BZX384-A12X Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- BZX384
- Package/Case:
- SC-76, SOD-323
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 12 V
- Tolerance:
- ±1.67%
- 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:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOD-323
BZX384-A12X FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZX384-A12X through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX384-A12X 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-A12X reliable?
The price and inventory of BZX384-A12X are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX384-A12X is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX384-A12X?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX384-A12X transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZX384-A12X?
BZX384-A12X orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZX384-A12X 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-A12X?
For technical support, including BZX384-A12X datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX384-A12X requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX384-A12X is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZX384-A12X 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-A12X meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX384-A12X?
All BZX384-A12X units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX384-A12X, 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-A12X part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZX384-A12X:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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