Nexperia USA Inc. BZX384-A3V3X

Overview

BZX384-A3V3X from Nexperia is a ±1 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOD323 (SC-76) package, providing precise 3.3 V reverse breakdown at 5 mA test current with 95 Ω typical differential resistance and ≤5 μA reverse leakage at 1 V. It delivers stable reference voltage for low-power analog circuits, microcontroller reset supervision, and overvoltage clamping in consumer and industrial power management.

For engineers reviewing the BZX384-A3V3X datasheet, BZX384-A3V3X pinout, BZX384-A3V3X application, or BZX384-A3V3X equivalent, key selection criteria include nominal Zener voltage (3.3 V), tight ±1 % tolerance, 300 mW total power dissipation, SOD323 surface-mount compatibility, and thermal resistance of 415 K/W junction-to-ambient.

Technical Context

This device operates as a two-terminal shunt voltage reference, conducting in reverse bias above its specified Zener voltage to clamp or regulate node voltage. Its 3.3 V nominal breakdown is characterized at I_Z = 5 mA with temperature coefficient of −3.5 mV/K and maximum differential resistance of 95 Ω, ensuring predictable regulation under varying load conditions.

Designed for low-power applications, it supports non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation up to 40 W (100 μs pulse) while maintaining continuous operation within 300 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C on standard FR4 PCB. Junction temperature remains within safe limits up to 150 °C, enabling reliable use in compact, thermally constrained layouts.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The BZX384-A3V3X is housed in a miniature SOD323 (SC-76) plastic surface-mount package with cathode-marked lead identification. The marking bar on the device body indicates Pin 1 (cathode).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with the BZX384-A3V3X, the MMBZ5226BS-7-F trades precision and thermal performance for lower cost, while the BZX384-C3V3-7-F retains package compatibility but sacrifices regulation accuracy and leakage control-making the A-grade version optimal for new designs demanding 3.3 V reference integrity.

Availability

BZX384-A3V3X is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microcontroller reset circuits, USB port protection, low-power sensor references, and ADC input clamping requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term sourcing.

Supply support for BZX384-A3V3X 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 logic, discrete, and MOSFET solutions, headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

The BZX384 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener diode product line, engineered specifically for stable voltage reference and overvoltage protection in space-sensitive, low-power consumer and industrial applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous forward current for BZX384-A3V3X?

The BZX384-A3V3X is a Zener diode intended for reverse-bias operation; its forward conduction is not a functional mode. Absolute maximum forward current is 250 mA per datasheet limiting values, but forward voltage reaches only 0.9 V at 10 mA-forward use is discouraged as it provides no regulation benefit and risks thermal overstress under sustained conduction.

Can BZX384-A3V3X be used in place of a 3.3 V LDO regulator?

No-it functions as a shunt regulator, not a series regulator. Unlike an LDO, it cannot source current to a load; instead, it sinks excess current to maintain voltage. It requires a series resistor to limit current and is only suitable for low-current, high-impedance nodes such as reference inputs or protection clamps-not for powering active loads.

How does temperature affect the 3.3 V Zener voltage of this diode?

The BZX384-A3V3X has a temperature coefficient of −3.5 mV/K, meaning its Zener voltage decreases by approximately 3.5 mV per degree Celsius rise in junction temperature. At 85 °C junction temperature, V_Z drops by ~210 mV versus 25 °C-designers must account for this drift in precision reference applications using thermal modeling or compensation techniques.

Is BZX384-A3V3X qualified for automotive applications?

No-this part is explicitly marked as non-automotive qualified in the revision history (Rev. 4, January 2023). Nexperia offers separate -Q qualified variants (e.g., BZX384-Q series) for automotive use, which undergo extended temperature testing, AEC-Q200 qualification, and enhanced process controls. BZX384-A3V3X is intended for industrial, consumer, and computing applications only.