Nexperia USA Inc. BZX384-B16-QX

Overview

BZX384-B16-QX from Nexperia is a ±2 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOD323 (SC-76) package, rated for 16 V nominal breakdown voltage at 5 mA, 300 mW total power dissipation, and qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use. It provides stable reference voltage in low-power biasing, overvoltage protection, and voltage clamping circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX384-B16-QX datasheet, BZX384-B16-QX pinout, BZX384-B16-QX application, or BZX384-B16-QX equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16 V Zener voltage tolerance (±2 %), 200 Ω max differential resistance at 5 mA, 0.05 μA reverse current at 12.2 V, thermal resistance of 110 K/W (junction-to-solder point), and automotive-grade qualification per AEC-Q101.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse-biased breakdown mode with a specified 16 V nominal Zener voltage at 5 mA test current. Its temperature coefficient is +11.2 mV/K at 5 mA, indicating positive drift with junction temperature rise - critical for precision reference stability in varying thermal environments.

The device supports non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation up to 40 W for 100 μs pulses and features a maximum forward voltage of 0.9 V at 10 mA. Its 200 Ω differential resistance ensures predictable regulation slope under load variation, while the 150 °C maximum junction temperature enables operation in under-hood automotive locations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOD323 (SC-76), surface-mount plastic package with 2 leads, 1.35 mm × 0.85 mm footprint, 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 BZX384-B16-QX, the BZX384-B16-Q offers identical performance at lower cost without halogen-free assurance, while MMSZ4687T1G trades AEC-Q101 compliance and ±2 % tolerance for higher power and relaxed footprint constraints - making it suitable only for non-automotive, less precision-critical roles.

Availability

BZX384-B16-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU sensor biasing, infotainment power rail clamping, and ADAS camera module voltage regulation requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for BZX384-B16-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 essential semiconductors for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The BZX384-Q series belongs to Nexperia's automotive-qualified Zener diode product line, engineered specifically for stable voltage reference and transient protection in harsh-environment electronic control units.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse current this diode can sustain at 16 V?

The BZX384-B16-QX is not rated for continuous reverse conduction at its Zener voltage. At V_R = 12.2 V (80 % of V_Z), reverse current is guaranteed ≤0.05 μA. At 16 V, it operates in breakdown and must be current-limited externally - typical design uses a series resistor to restrict I_Z to ≤5 mA for stable regulation and thermal safety within the 300 mW limit.

Does the 'QX' suffix indicate halogen-free construction?

Yes. The 'QX' suffix denotes Nexperia's halogen-free and RoHS-compliant version of the BZX384-B16-Q, meeting IEC 61249-2-21 requirements. This includes bromine- and chlorine-free molding compounds and lead-free terminations, verified per JEDEC J-STD-70B and IPC-4101D standards.

Can this diode replace a 1N4742A in an existing design?

No - the 1N4742A is a 12 V, 1 W through-hole Zener in DO-41 package. BZX384-B16-QX is a 16 V, 300 mW SMD device with different thermal behavior, package geometry, and surge capability. Direct replacement would require redesign of current limiting, PCB layout, and thermal relief; it is not a drop-in substitute.

How does the +11.2 mV/K temperature coefficient affect long-term voltage stability?

The +11.2 mV/K coefficient means V_Z increases by ~1.8 mV per °C rise in junction temperature. Over a 100 °C junction range (−40 °C to +60 °C ambient, assuming 90 °C self-heating), total drift is ~180 mV - approximately ±1.1 % of 16 V. This must be accounted for in high-accuracy references; compensation techniques or tighter ambient control may be needed.