Nexperia USA Inc. BZX384-C20-QX

Overview

BZX384-C20-Q from Nexperia is a ±5 % 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 qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive voltage reference and overvoltage protection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX384-C20-Q datasheet, BZX384-C20-Q pinout, BZX384-C20-Q application, or BZX384-C20-Q equivalent, this part serves as a compact, automotive-grade Zener for precision biasing, supply rail clamping, and feedback network stabilization where ±5 % tolerance and low thermal resistance (110 K/W junction-to-solder point) are design-critical.

Technical Context

This device operates in reverse-biased Zener breakdown mode with a specified 20 V working voltage at I_Z = 5 mA, exhibiting a maximum differential resistance of 225 Ω and temperature coefficient of +0.05 mV/K. It supports non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation up to 40 W for surge suppression.

Designed for surface-mount use on FR4 PCBs with standard SOD323 footprint, it features cathode-marked polarity, 150 °C maximum junction temperature, and reverse current ≤55 μA at VR = 18.8 V - enabling stable regulation in space-constrained automotive and industrial control modules.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Supplied in SOD323 (SC-76) plastic surface-mount package: 2-terminal, cathode-bar marked, 2.3 mm × 1.35 mm body, 0.45 mm profile height.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX384-B20-Q, this part trades regulation accuracy for cost and automotive qualification; versus MMSZ5248B-TP, it sacrifices power headroom for smaller size and guaranteed automotive reliability - making BZX384-C20-Q optimal for space- and qualification-constrained automotive modules.

Availability

BZX384-C20-Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer power supplies, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 compliance and SOD323 footprint compatibility.

Supply support for BZX384-C20-Q 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 specializing in high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and advanced packaging.

The BZX384-Q series belongs to Nexperia's automotive Zener portfolio, engineered specifically for robust voltage reference and transient protection in harsh-environment electronic control units and sensor systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse current this diode can handle?

The BZX384-C20-Q has a maximum continuous forward current rating of 250 mA, but as a Zener regulator, its steady-state reverse current is determined by circuit design. At 20 V breakdown, typical operating reverse current ranges from 1 mA to 20 mA depending on series resistor selection - with absolute maximum non-repetitive surge current limited to 1.5 A for 100 μs pulses.

How does the ±5 % tolerance affect circuit performance in a feedback network?

The ±5 % tolerance means the actual breakdown voltage falls between 18.8 V and 21.2 V at 5 mA. In feedback networks, this introduces direct gain or threshold error - e.g., a 20 V reference used to set 5 V output via resistor divider yields ±0.25 V variation. Designers compensate using calibration or tighter-tolerance alternatives like BZX384-B20-Q when absolute accuracy is required.

Can this Zener be used in parallel for higher power dissipation?

No - Zener diodes exhibit negative temperature coefficients and manufacturing variations that cause current hogging when paralleled. Even matched units will not share current evenly, risking thermal runaway. For >300 mW requirements, use a single higher-power Zener (e.g., BZX84-C20) or active regulation instead.

Is the SOD323 package compatible with standard reflow profiles for lead-free assembly?

Yes - Nexperia specifies full compatibility with IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020D reflow profiles for lead-free soldering. The SOD323 footprint in Figure 12 supports standard 0.5 mm pad width, 0.6 mm spacing, and 1.65 mm land length, with peak temperatures up to 260 °C for ≤30 seconds, verified per JEDEC Level 3 moisture sensitivity requirements.