NXP Semiconductors BZX384-C5V1/ZLX

Overview

BZX384-C5V1/ZLX from Nexperia is a low-power Zener voltage regulator diode in SOD323 (SC-76) surface-mount package, rated for 5.1 V nominal breakdown voltage at 5 mA with ±5 % tolerance, 480 Ω maximum differential resistance, and 2 μA reverse current at 2 V. It delivers stable reference voltage in power supply feedback loops, overvoltage protection circuits, and precision biasing networks for analog ICs.

For engineers reviewing the BZX384-C5V1/ZLX datasheet, BZX384-C5V1/ZLX pinout, BZX384-C5V1/ZLX application, or BZX384-C5V1/ZLX equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5.1 V Zener voltage tolerance, 300 mW total power dissipation at 25 °C ambient, thermal resistance of 415 K/W (junction-to-ambient), and cathode/anode polarity marking per IEC 60747-2.

Technical Context

This discrete Zener diode operates in reverse-biased breakdown mode to maintain a stable DC reference voltage across its terminals under varying load and input conditions. Its design targets low-current regulation applications where precision and compact footprint are prioritized over high-power handling.

It exhibits a temperature coefficient of −2.7 mV/K at 5 mA and 25 °C, enabling predictable drift compensation in temperature-sensitive circuits. The device supports non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation up to 40 W for 100 μs pulses, making it suitable for transient suppression in conjunction with series current-limiting resistors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOD323 (SC-76) plastic surface-mounted package with 2 leads; body dimensions 1.8 mm × 1.35 mm × 0.95 mm; cathode indicated by marking bar.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX384-C5V1/ZLX, BZX384-B5V1 offers tighter voltage control but higher cost, while MMBZ5222BS provides drop-in mechanical compatibility at the expense of increased leakage and dynamic resistance-making BZX384-C5V1/ZLX optimal for cost-sensitive, low-leakage 5.1 V reference designs.

Availability

BZX384-C5V1/ZLX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply reference, overvoltage protection, and signal level shifting requiring stable component supply and consistent ±5 % Zener tolerance.

Supply support for BZX384-C5V1/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 manufacturer headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands, specializing in high-volume production of discrete components, logic ICs, and MOSFETs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The BZX384 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener diode product line, engineered for reliable low-power voltage regulation in space-constrained SMD applications with emphasis on thermal stability and long-term parametric consistency.

FAQ

What is the Zener voltage tolerance of BZX384-C5V1/ZLX?

The BZX384-C5V1/ZLX has a nominal Zener voltage of 5.1 V with a tolerance of approximately ±5 %, meaning its actual breakdown voltage falls between 4.8 V and 5.4 V when tested at 5 mA. This tolerance is specified in the official Nexperia BZX384 series datasheet Rev. 4 and distinguishes it from the tighter ±1 % (A-series) and ±2 % (B-series) variants. BZX384-C5V1/ZLX maintains this tolerance across its qualified operating temperature range.

What package type does BZX384-C5V1/ZLX use?

BZX384-C5V1/ZLX uses the SOD323 (SC-76) surface-mount plastic package, measuring 1.8 mm × 1.35 mm × 0.95 mm with two gull-wing leads. The cathode is marked by a visible bar on the device body, aligning with Pin 1 in the standardized pinning diagram. This package is optimized for automated placement and reflow soldering on FR4 PCBs with standard footprints.

Can BZX384-C5V1/ZLX be used for transient voltage suppression?

BZX384-C5V1/ZLX supports non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation of up to 40 W for 100 μs pulses, enabling limited transient suppression when paired with a properly sized series current-limiting resistor. However, it is not rated for repetitive surge events or IEC 61000-4-2 ESD levels beyond 8 kV contact discharge. For dedicated TVS applications, purpose-built devices like PESD5V0S1BA should be selected instead of BZX384-C5V1/ZLX.

What is the maximum forward current rating for BZX384-C5V1/ZLX?

The absolute maximum forward current for BZX384-C5V1/ZLX is 250 mA, as defined in Table 5 (Limiting Values) of the Nexperia datasheet. This rating applies under continuous DC conditions at ambient temperatures up to +150 °C. In practice, forward conduction is avoided during normal Zener operation; the device is intended for reverse-bias regulation only, and forward current should remain below 10 mA to prevent degradation of Zener characteristics.

How does temperature affect the Zener voltage of BZX384-C5V1/ZLX?

BZX384-C5V1/ZLX has a temperature coefficient of −2.7 mV/K at 5 mA and 25 °C, indicating its Zener voltage decreases by approximately 2.7 mV per Kelvin rise in junction temperature. This negative coefficient is typical for Zeners in the 5–6 V range and must be accounted for in precision reference designs operating across −65 °C to +150 °C ambient. The coefficient remains stable over the full operating range, as confirmed in Figure 7 of the BZX384 series datasheet.