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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Diodes > Zener > Single Zener Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division BZX55C15-TR

Name: BZX55C15-TR
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: BZX55C15-TR
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BZX55C15-TR

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: Single Zener Diodes

Package:: DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial

Datasheet:: BZX55C15-TR.pdf

Description:: DIODE ZENER 15V 500MW DO204AH

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:7,325

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Product details

Overview

BZX55C15-TR from Vishay Semiconductors is a silicon planar Zener diode designed for precision voltage regulation and reference applications in low-power circuits. It delivers a nominal Zener voltage of 15 V at 5 mA test current, with ±0.6 V tolerance (13.8–15.6 V), 500 mW power dissipation, and dynamic resistance of 11 Ω at 5 mA - enabling stable clamping in power supply feedback loops and sensor biasing networks.

For engineers reviewing the BZX55C15-TR datasheet, BZX55C15-TR pinout, BZX55C15-TR application, or BZX55C15-TR equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-35 package compatibility, temperature coefficient of +0.03 %/K at 25 °C, reverse leakage < 0.1 μA at 12 V, and suitability for voltage stabilization in industrial control interfaces, automotive body electronics, and analog front-end protection circuits.

Technical Context

The BZX55C15-TR operates as a single-element, two-terminal Zener diode with sharp reverse breakdown characteristics and low noise performance. Its junction temperature range spans –65 °C to +175 °C, and thermal resistance from junction-to-ambient is 300 K/W at 4 mm lead length - supporting reliable operation in thermally constrained PCB layouts.

It exhibits a positive temperature coefficient (+0.03 %/K at 25 °C, +0.11 %/K at 150 °C), indicating increasing Zener voltage with rising temperature - a critical factor when used in temperature-sensitive references or compensated bias networks. The device is rated for 1.5 V forward voltage at 200 mA, confirming standard silicon PN-junction behavior.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Zener Voltage (V_Z)	13.8–15.6 V (nominal 15 V at I_ZT = 5 mA); defines precise clamping threshold for overvoltage protection and reference generation
Power Dissipation (P_tot)	500 mW at T_L = 25 °C with 4 mm lead length; sets maximum continuous power handling without derating
Dynamic Resistance (Z_Z)	11 Ω at I_ZT = 5 mA; ensures minimal voltage shift under load variation in regulation circuits
Reverse Leakage (I_R)	< 0.1 μA at V_R = 12 V; guarantees negligible standby current in high-impedance bias networks
Temperature Coefficient (T_KVZ)	+0.03 %/K at 25 °C; enables predictable drift compensation in temperature-stable references
Junction-to-Ambient R_thJA	300 K/W; informs thermal design margin for ambient temperatures up to 70 °C at full power
Forward Voltage (V_F)	1.5 V max at I_F = 200 mA; confirms standard silicon diode conduction for polarity-check or ESD path use

Pinout & Package

DO-35 (DO-204AH) glass axial package, 3.9 mm max body diameter, 26 mm min overall length, cathode identified by band marking. Lead spacing not specified; standard DO-35 footprint applies.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Forward conduction terminal / Zener cathode reference ground	Connected to circuit ground or lower-potential node; reverse-biased during Zener operation
Cathode	Zener breakdown terminal / voltage reference output	Connected to regulated node; maintains stable 15 V relative to anode under reverse bias

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Very sharp reverse characteristic	Enables clean, well-defined breakdown at 15 V with minimal knee voltage spread - critical for tight-tolerance regulation
Low reverse leakage current	< 0.1 μA at 12 V allows use in ultra-low-power sensor biasing and battery-backed reference circuits
High stability and low noise	Supports precision analog signal conditioning where Zener-derived references must avoid introducing jitter or drift
UL 94 V-0 molding compound	Ensures flame-retardant compliance for industrial and automotive PCB assemblies requiring safety certification
MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity	Permits unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking - simplifies SMT assembly logistics

Applications

Industrial Power Supply Feedback	Automotive Body Control Module Reference
Use Scenario: Regulating 12 V rail in isolated flyback converter feedback loop using optocoupler-coupled error amplifier. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener reference providing stable 15 V threshold to TL431 shunt regulator input. Use Value: Tight 13.8–15.6 V tolerance and 11 Ω dynamic resistance minimize output voltage drift across line/load/temperature.	Use Scenario: Biasing Hall-effect position sensor in door latch actuator module operating from 12 V battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage reference for sensor excitation and ADC reference scaling. Use Value: Low 0.1 μA leakage preserves battery life; +0.03 %/K TC enables accurate temperature-compensated sensing.
Programmable Logic Controller Input Protection	Medical Diagnostic Equipment Signal Clamping
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V digital input channel against transient overvoltage from inductive loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp diode limiting input voltage to safe level before Schmitt trigger buffer. Use Value: 500 mW rating handles repetitive 100 ns transients; sharp breakdown prevents false triggering.	Use Scenario: Limiting analog front-end input to ±15 V in portable ECG amplifier stage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element (paired with series diode) defining signal swing boundaries. Use Value: Low noise and high stability preserve signal integrity in low-amplitude bio-signal acquisition.

Industrial Power Supply Feedback

Automotive Body Control Module Reference

Use Scenario: Regulating 12 V rail in isolated flyback converter feedback loop using optocoupler-coupled error amplifier.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener reference providing stable 15 V threshold to TL431 shunt regulator input.

Use Value: Tight 13.8–15.6 V tolerance and 11 Ω dynamic resistance minimize output voltage drift across line/load/temperature.

Use Scenario: Biasing Hall-effect position sensor in door latch actuator module operating from 12 V battery.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage reference for sensor excitation and ADC reference scaling.

Use Value: Low 0.1 μA leakage preserves battery life; +0.03 %/K TC enables accurate temperature-compensated sensing.

Programmable Logic Controller Input Protection

Medical Diagnostic Equipment Signal Clamping

Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V digital input channel against transient overvoltage from inductive loads.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp diode limiting input voltage to safe level before Schmitt trigger buffer.

Use Value: 500 mW rating handles repetitive 100 ns transients; sharp breakdown prevents false triggering.

Use Scenario: Limiting analog front-end input to ±15 V in portable ECG amplifier stage.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element (paired with series diode) defining signal swing boundaries.

Use Value: Low noise and high stability preserve signal integrity in low-amplitude bio-signal acquisition.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
1N4744A-T	14 V nominal, ±5 % tolerance (13.3–14.7 V), 1 W power rating, DO-41 package	Higher power handling but looser tolerance and larger footprint; less suitable for space-constrained 15 V references	Select when higher surge energy absorption is required and 1 V lower nominal voltage is acceptable in feedback design.
BZX85C15	15 V nominal, ±5 % tolerance (14.25–15.75 V), 1.3 W power rating, DO-41 package	Higher power and wider tolerance; different thermal profile due to larger package and higher P_tot	Prefer for high-reliability industrial supplies needing >500 mW margin; verify layout clearance for DO-41 vs. DO-35.

Compared with BZX55C15-TR, the 1N4744A-T offers greater surge capability but sacrifices voltage precision and board space efficiency, while the BZX85C15 trades tighter 15 V alignment for higher power and thermal mass - making BZX55C15-TR optimal for compact, low-drift 15 V reference designs.

Availability

BZX55C15-TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply feedback, automotive body control module reference, and programmable logic controller input protection requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for BZX55C15-TR 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

Vishay Intertechnology is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete components, sensors, and passive elements with emphasis on reliability, precision, and high-volume manufacturability.

The BZX55-Series was developed for cost-effective, high-stability voltage reference and regulation in consumer, industrial, and automotive electronics - prioritizing tight tolerances, low leakage, and robust thermal performance in axial-glass packages.

FAQ

What is the Zener voltage tolerance of BZX55C15-TR?

The BZX55C15-TR has a Zener voltage range of 13.8 V to 15.6 V at 5 mA test current, corresponding to a ±0.6 V absolute tolerance or ±4 % relative tolerance around the nominal 15 V value. This specification is guaranteed per Vishay's BZX55C15-TR datasheet revision 2.0 (November 2024) and applies under standard test conditions (T_amb = 25 °C).

Is BZX55C15-TR suitable for surface-mount assembly?

No, BZX55C15-TR uses a DO-35 (DO-204AH) axial glass package with wire leads and is intended for through-hole mounting. It is not a surface-mount device. For SMD alternatives, consider Vishay's PLZ series or ON Semiconductor's NZ9F15V, which offer comparable 15 V Zener performance in SOD-123 or SOD-323 packages.

What is the maximum reverse leakage current for BZX55C15-TR at 12 V?

The maximum reverse leakage current (I_R) for BZX55C15-TR is specified as < 0.1 μA at V_R = 12 V and T_amb = 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage supports use in high-impedance bias networks and battery-powered systems where standby current must be minimized.

Does BZX55C15-TR have a defined temperature coefficient?

Yes, BZX55C15-TR has a temperature coefficient (T_KVZ) of +0.03 %/K at 25 °C and +0.11 %/K at 150 °C. This positive coefficient means its Zener voltage increases with junction temperature - a key parameter for designing temperature-stable references or compensating circuits.

What is the power dissipation rating of BZX55C15-TR and under what conditions?

BZX55C15-TR is rated for 500 mW total power dissipation (P_tot) when mounted with 4 mm lead length and lead temperature (T_L) held constant at 25 °C. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient, following the curve in Figure 2 of the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 85604).

BZX55C15-TR Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Series:: BZX55

Package/Case:: DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):: 15 V

Tolerance:: ±5%

Power - Max:: 500 mW

Impedance (Max) (Zzt):: 30 Ohms

Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:: 100 nA @ 11 V

Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:: 1.5 V @ 200 mA

Operating Temperature:: -65°C ~ 175°C

Grade:: Automotive

Qualification:: AEC-Q101

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: DO-204AH (DO-35)

BZX55C15-TR FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BZX55C15-TR through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX55C15-TR 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-TR reliable?

The price and inventory of BZX55C15-TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX55C15-TR is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX55C15-TR?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX55C15-TR transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BZX55C15-TR?

BZX55C15-TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BZX55C15-TR 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-TR?

For technical support, including BZX55C15-TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX55C15-TR requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX55C15-TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BZX55C15-TR 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-TR meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX55C15-TR?

All BZX55C15-TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX55C15-TR, 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-TR part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BZX55C15-TR:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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