Nexperia USA Inc. BZX384-A20X

Overview

BZX384-A20X from Nexperia is a ±1 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOD323 (SC-76) package, rated for 20 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 overvoltage clamp in low-power analog supply rails, sensor biasing circuits, and microcontroller reset supervision.

For engineers reviewing the BZX384-A20X datasheet, BZX384-A20X pinout, BZX384-A20X application, or BZX384-A20X equivalent, key selection criteria include its tight ±1 % V_Z tolerance, low 14 Ω typical differential resistance at I_Z = 5 mA, 0.5 μA max reverse current at V_R = 16 V, and thermal resistance of 415 K/W in free air - critical for stable regulation in space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This device operates in reverse-biased Zener breakdown mode with a specified 20.0 V nominal working voltage at I_Z = 5 mA, exhibiting a temperature coefficient of +14 mV/K across its operating range. Its low 14 Ω differential resistance ensures minimal output voltage variation under load changes.

The diode supports non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation up to 40 W for 100 μs pulses and maintains stable regulation down to 0.5 mA test current, enabling use in ultra-low-quiescent-current monitoring circuits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOD323 (SC-76), surface-mount plastic package with 2 leads, 2.7 mm × 1.6 mm footprint, 0.45 mm nominal height, and cathode marked by bar on top surface.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBZ5242B and BZX84-C20, BZX384-A20X delivers superior regulation accuracy (±1 % vs. ±5 %), lower dynamic impedance (14 Ω vs. ≥25 Ω), and tighter thermal design margin - making it the preferred choice for precision analog monitoring and low-drift sensor interfaces.

Availability

BZX384-A20X is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor modules, portable medical devices, and automotive body control units requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term continuity.

Supply support for BZX384-A20X 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 headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands, specializing in high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices for consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.

The BZX384 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener regulator portfolio, engineered specifically for space-constrained, low-power applications demanding tight voltage tolerance and robust surge immunity in SMD form factors.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse current the BZX384-A20X can sustain at 25 °C ambient?

The BZX384-A20X does not specify a maximum continuous reverse current rating; instead, its safe operating limit is defined by total power dissipation. At 25 °C ambient on a standard FR4 PCB, it sustains up to 15 mA reverse current continuously (20 V × 15 mA = 300 mW), assuming no additional thermal derating is required.

Can the BZX384-A20X be used in place of a 20 V Zener diode with ±5 % tolerance?

Yes, but only where tighter regulation improves system performance. Its ±1 % tolerance reduces worst-case V_Z spread from ±1.0 V (±5 %) to ±0.2 V, lowering reference error in ADC circuits and improving reset threshold consistency - however, no pin or thermal redesign is needed due to identical SOD323 packaging and power rating.

How does the temperature coefficient affect regulation accuracy over −40 °C to +85 °C?

With a +14 mV/K temperature coefficient, the BZX384-A20X exhibits approximately +0.7 V drift across a 50 K temperature span (e.g., −40 °C to +85 °C). This corresponds to +3.5 % full-scale shift relative to 20 V, which must be compensated in high-accuracy applications using calibration or complementary circuitry.

Is the SOD323 package compatible with standard reflow soldering profiles?

Yes - Nexperia specifies compatibility with IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020D-compliant lead-free reflow profiles. The SOD323 footprint uses 0.5 mm wide × 1.15 mm long solder lands with 0.6 mm spacing, supporting peak temperatures up to 260 °C for ≤30 seconds without degradation to electrical parameters or mechanical integrity.