onsemi BZX55C15_T50A
- Part No.:
- BZX55C15_T50A
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
BZX55C15_T50A.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 15V 500MW DO35
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,042
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Product details
Overview
BZX55C15_T50A from Fairchild Semiconductor is a 15 V, ±5% tolerance Zener diode in DO-35 glass package, rated for 500 mW power dissipation at TL ≤ 75°C with 30 Ω dynamic impedance at 5 mA test current and 0.1 μA reverse leakage at 11.4 V. It provides precise voltage regulation in low-power reference and protection circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BZX55C15_T50A datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include zener voltage tolerance, thermal derating behavior, cathode identification via color band, maximum reverse leakage at VR, and compatibility with through-hole PCB assembly using standard DO-35 footprint.
Technical Context
This device operates as a two-terminal voltage reference by exploiting controlled reverse breakdown in a silicon p-n junction. Its 15 V nominal zener voltage is specified at 5 mA test current with ±5% tolerance, and it maintains stable regulation across -65°C to +200°C operating temperature range.
The DO-35 glass package features axial leads with cathode indicated by a color band, and its 500 mW power rating is thermally limited to 4.0 mW/°C derating above 75°C lead temperature - critical for reliability in ambient-temperature-variable designs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 13.8 V min / 15.6 V max at IZ = 5 mA - defines usable regulation window under nominal bias |
| Tolerance | ±5% - determines worst-case output deviation in precision reference applications |
| Dynamic Impedance (ZZ) | 30 Ω at IZ = 5 mA - quantifies AC voltage variation per mA current change during regulation |
| Reverse Leakage (IR) | 0.1 μA max at VR = 11.4 V - ensures minimal quiescent current in standby protection circuits |
| Power Dissipation (PD) | 500 mW @ TL ≤ 75°C - sets maximum continuous DC power handling before thermal derating applies |
| Thermal Derating | 4.0 mW/°C above 75°C - requires layout-aware heatsinking or current reduction in high-ambient environments |
| Operating Temp Range | -65°C to +200°C - supports deployment in automotive under-hood and industrial motor-control environments |
Pinout & Package
DO-35 glass axial-leaded package with cathode identified by a single color band on the body. Leads are tinned copper-clad steel, suitable for wave or hand soldering.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential node in reverse-biased regulation configuration |
| Cathode | Zener breakdown terminal | Marked with color band; connected to higher-potential node to enable controlled reverse conduction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Stable 15 V reference | Guaranteed 13.8–15.6 V range at 5 mA enables predictable clamping in feedback networks |
| Low leakage current | ≤0.1 μA at 11.4 V minimizes loading error in high-impedance voltage divider references |
| Wide temperature operation | -65°C to +200°C rating allows use in extreme-environment sensors and power converters |
| Standard DO-35 footprint | Enables drop-in replacement with legacy 1N47xx and other DO-35 Zeners in existing layouts |
| 5% voltage tolerance | Supports cost-sensitive designs where tighter tolerance is unnecessary for functional safety margins |
Applications
| Overvoltage Protection | Voltage Reference |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Clamping transient spikes on 12 V automotive supply rails during load dump events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone shunt regulator absorbing excess energy to protect downstream LDOs and microcontrollers. Use Value: 15 V breakdown threshold provides 25% headroom above nominal 12 V rail while staying below 16 V IC absolute maximum ratings. | Use Scenario: Generating stable bias voltage for op-amp comparators in battery-monitoring circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal passive reference source replacing more complex IC references where 5% accuracy suffices. Use Value: 0.1 μA leakage ensures <10 nA error contribution in 1 MΩ divider networks, preserving measurement resolution. |
| ESD Clamp | Power Supply Feedback |
Use Scenario: Secondary ESD protection on USB VBUS line in conjunction with primary TVS diode. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance shunt element limiting residual voltage after primary clamp conduction. Use Value: 30 Ω dynamic impedance ensures clamped voltage stays ≤15.6 V even under 100 mA surge, meeting IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4. | Use Scenario: Setting output voltage of adjustable DC-DC converter via resistor divider feedback network. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision node in resistive divider that defines regulated output voltage without active compensation. Use Value: ±5% tolerance directly translates to ±5% output voltage variation, acceptable for non-critical 3.3 V or 5 V system rails. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4744A | 14 V nominal, same DO-35 package, 10% tolerance, 20 Ω ZZ at 25 mA | Lower voltage and looser tolerance; higher test current shifts operating point | Select when 14 V regulation suffices and tighter 5% tolerance is not required |
| BZX55C15-TR | Same electrical specs, tape-and-reel packaging, identical DO-35 case | No functional difference; optimized for automated SMT placement with carrier tape | Choose for high-volume production requiring reel-fed pick-and-place compatibility |
Compared with 1N4744A and BZX55C15-TR, the BZX55C15_T50A offers tighter 5% tolerance and DO-35 packaging suited for prototyping and manual assembly, while maintaining identical regulation performance - making it ideal for design validation and low-to-mid volume manufacturing where tape-and-reel is unnecessary.
Availability
BZX55C15_T50A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for overvoltage protection, voltage reference, ESD clamping, and power supply feedback applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for BZX55C15_T50A 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
Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, signal conditioning, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.
The BZX55C series was developed for general-purpose voltage regulation and transient suppression in cost-sensitive industrial and consumer electronics, emphasizing reliability in axial-leaded through-hole form factors.
FAQ
What is the exact zener voltage range for BZX55C15_T50A at 25°C?
The BZX55C15_T50A has a guaranteed zener voltage range of 13.8 V minimum to 15.6 V maximum when measured at 5 mA test current and 25°C ambient temperature, reflecting its ±5% tolerance specification as defined in the Fairchild datasheet Rev. D1.
Does BZX55C15_T50A have polarity marking, and how is it identified?
Yes, BZX55C15_T50A uses a cathode band - a single colored ring near one end of the DO-35 glass body - to indicate the cathode terminal. This marking aligns with JEDEC DO-35 standards and must be oriented toward the higher-potential node in shunt regulation configurations.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for BZX55C15_T50A, and at what voltage is it specified?
The maximum reverse leakage current for BZX55C15_T50A is 0.1 μA, specified at a reverse voltage (VR) of 11.4 V - which is 76% of the nominal 15 V zener voltage - ensuring minimal off-state current in reference and protection circuits.
Can BZX55C15_T50A be used in surface-mount designs?
No, BZX55C15_T50A is strictly a through-hole DO-35 axial-leaded device and lacks surface-mount terminations. For SMT equivalents, consider SOD-123 or SOD-323 packaged Zeners such as BZX384-B15 or MMBZ5245B, which differ electrically and mechanically from BZX55C15_T50A.
How does thermal derating affect BZX55C15_T50A's power handling capability?
BZX55C15_T50A's 500 mW power rating applies only when lead temperature (TL) is ≤75°C; above that, power must be reduced by 4.0 mW per °C rise - meaning at 105°C lead temperature, maximum allowable dissipation drops to 380 mW to prevent junction overheating and parametric shift.
BZX55C15_T50A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 15 V
- Tolerance:
- ±6%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 30 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 100 nA @ 11 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.3 V @ 100 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 200°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-35
BZX55C15_T50A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZX55C15_T50A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX55C15_T50A on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for BZX55C15_T50A reliable?
The price and inventory of BZX55C15_T50A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX55C15_T50A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX55C15_T50A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX55C15_T50A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZX55C15_T50A?
BZX55C15_T50A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZX55C15_T50A order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BZX55C15_T50A?
For technical support, including BZX55C15_T50A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX55C15_T50A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX55C15_T50A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZX55C15_T50A products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BZX55C15_T50A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX55C15_T50A?
All BZX55C15_T50A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX55C15_T50A, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The BZX55C15_T50A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZX55C15_T50A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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