NXP Semiconductors BZX384-C2V4/ZLX

Overview

BZX384-C2V4/ZLX from Nexperia is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOD323 (SC-76) package, rated for 2.4 V nominal breakdown voltage at 5 mA, 300 mW total power dissipation, and 150 °C maximum junction temperature. It provides stable low-voltage reference and overvoltage protection in space-constrained consumer and industrial power rails.

For engineers reviewing the BZX384-C2V4/ZLX datasheet, BZX384-C2V4/ZLX pinout, BZX384-C2V4/ZLX application, or BZX384-C2V4/ZLX equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.2 V–2.6 V Zener voltage range at IZ = 5 mA, 600 Ω max differential resistance, 100 μA reverse current at VR = 1 V, thermal resistance of 415 K/W (junction-to-ambient), and non-repetitive peak reverse current capability of 6.0 A.

Technical Context

This device operates as a two-terminal shunt voltage regulator, conducting in reverse bias above its specified Zener voltage to clamp and stabilize downstream circuit nodes. Its design targets low-power, surface-mount applications where precision is secondary to cost-effective voltage limiting and ESD-adjacent transient suppression.

The BZX384-C2V4/ZLX exhibits a negative temperature coefficient of −3.5 mV/K at IZ = 5 mA, indicating decreasing Zener voltage with rising temperature - a critical factor in thermal drift-sensitive bias networks. Its 450 pF diode capacitance at 1 MHz and 0 V reverse bias supports moderate-frequency filtering but limits high-speed signal path use.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOD323 (SC-76) plastic surface-mount package: 2-pin, small outline, cathode-marked with bar; dimensions 1.8 mm × 1.35 mm × 0.95 mm (L × W × H); optimized for reflow soldering on standard FR4 PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX384-B2V4, the BZX384-C2V4/ZLX trades voltage accuracy for lower unit cost and identical SOD323 footprint; versus MMBZ5221BS, it delivers 33 % higher power handling and superior thermal performance in the same board area, making it preferable for compact, thermally constrained layouts.

Availability

BZX384-C2V4/ZLX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply rail clamping, microcontroller reset circuits, low-voltage reference sources, and overvoltage protection stages requiring stable component supply and consistent SOD323 packaging.

Supply support for BZX384-C2V4/ZLX 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 devices with focus on efficiency, miniaturization, and automotive-grade reliability.

The BZX384 series is designed for cost-sensitive, space-constrained voltage regulation in consumer, industrial, and computing applications - emphasizing manufacturability, thermal robustness, and broad E24 voltage coverage from 2.4 V to 75 V.

FAQ

What is the Zener voltage tolerance of BZX384-C2V4/ZLX?

The BZX384-C2V4/ZLX has an approximate ±5 % Zener voltage tolerance, meaning its breakdown voltage falls between 2.2 V and 2.6 V at 5 mA test current. This tolerance reflects the 'C' grade in the BZX384 series and is intended for applications where tight regulation is not critical but cost and size are prioritized. The BZX384-C2V4/ZLX datasheet specifies this range explicitly in Table 8 under the 'C' column for the 2V4 variant.

Can BZX384-C2V4/ZLX be used in place of a 2.4 V voltage reference IC?

The BZX384-C2V4/ZLX can serve as a basic 2.4 V reference in low-precision applications such as reset threshold setting or coarse biasing, but it lacks the temperature stability, low dynamic impedance, and long-term drift performance of dedicated voltage reference ICs. Its −3.5 mV/K temperature coefficient and 600 Ω differential resistance mean output voltage varies significantly with temperature and load - unlike IC references offering ppm/°C stability. For BZX384-C2V4/ZLX, use is appropriate only where ±5 % initial accuracy and moderate thermal drift are acceptable.

What is the maximum continuous power dissipation for BZX384-C2V4/ZLX?

The BZX384-C2V4/ZLX has a maximum total power dissipation (Ptot) of 300 mW at ambient temperatures ≤25 °C when mounted on a standard FR4 PCB with single-sided copper and tin-plated finish. This rating decreases with rising ambient temperature per its thermal resistance of 415 K/W. At 70 °C ambient, usable power drops to approximately 180 mW. Exceeding Ptot risks thermal runaway and permanent degradation of the BZX384-C2V4/ZLX junction.

How is the cathode identified on the BZX384-C2V4/ZLX package?

The cathode of the BZX384-C2V4/ZLX is marked by a visible bar on the top surface of the SOD323 package, aligned with Pin 1. As confirmed in the pinning diagram (Table 2) and package outline (Figure 11), Pin 1 is labeled 'K' for cathode and corresponds to the marked end. During PCB layout and assembly, this bar must align with the designated cathode pad to ensure correct reverse-bias orientation for Zener operation. Misorientation renders the BZX384-C2V4/ZLX nonfunctional as a regulator.

Does BZX384-C2V4/ZLX meet automotive qualification standards?

No, the BZX384-C2V4/ZLX is not automotive-qualified. Per Nexperia's revision history (Section 13), the BZX384 series was explicitly changed to non-automotive qualification in Rev. 4, and the datasheet states that automotive alternatives require the '-Q' suffix (e.g., BZX384-C2V4-Q). The BZX384-C2V4/ZLX lacks AEC-Q200 stress testing, extended temperature validation beyond −65 °C to +150 °C, and failure rate reporting required for automotive use. It is intended for industrial, consumer, and computing applications only.