onsemi BZX79C16
- Part No.:
- BZX79C16
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
BZX79C16.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 16V 500MW DO35
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,415
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Product details
Overview
BZX79C16 from ON Semiconductor is a 16 V, 5% tolerance, 500 mW glass-passivated Zener diode in DO-35 package, optimized for voltage regulation and reference applications at 5 mA test current with 52 Ω dynamic impedance and ±0.05 μA leakage at 12.2 V.
For engineers reviewing the BZX79C16 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection factors include its 16 V nominal Zener voltage, 52 Ω impedance at 5 mA, DO-35 mechanical compatibility, thermal stability (TC = +10.4 mV/°C), and low leakage performance in precision biasing and overvoltage protection circuits.
Technical Context
The BZX79C16 operates as a silicon planar Zener diode with controlled avalanche breakdown, specified at IZ = 5 mA and TA = 25°C. Its Zener voltage range is 15.3–17.1 V, with a positive temperature coefficient of +10.4 mV/°C and 52 Ω dynamic impedance (ZZ) measured at 5 mA.
It features a maximum reverse leakage current of 0.05 μA at 12.2 V, junction capacitance of 14 pF at VR = 0 V and f = 1 MHz, and is rated for continuous power dissipation of 500 mW at lead temperature ≤75°C with 4.0 mW/°C derating above that threshold.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 15.3–17.1 V at IZ = 5 mA - defines stable regulation point with ±5% tolerance |
| Power Dissipation (PD) | 500 mW @ TL ≤ 75°C - sets maximum continuous DC power handling in standard leaded mounting |
| Dynamic Impedance (ZZ) | 52 Ω @ IZ = 5 mA - determines output voltage variation under load current changes |
| Leakage Current (IR) | ≤0.05 μA @ VR = 12.2 V - ensures minimal error current in high-impedance reference paths |
| Temperature Coefficient (TC) | +10.4 mV/°C - quantifies voltage drift per degree Celsius rise in junction temperature |
| Junction Capacitance (CJ) | 14 pF @ VR = 0 V, f = 1 MHz - impacts high-frequency noise filtering and transient response |
| Operating Temperature | −65 to +200°C - supports deployment in extended industrial and automotive under-hood environments |
Pinout & Package
DO-35 glass axial package with cathode indicated by color band; two-terminal device requiring no orientation-specific PCB footprint beyond standard 0.4 mm wire diameter lead spacing.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal / Zener cathode reference ground | Connected to lower-potential node in reverse-biased regulation configuration |
| Cathode | Zener breakdown terminal / voltage reference output | Marked with color band; connected to regulated output node or feedback path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ±5% Zener voltage tolerance | Enables predictable regulation without post-manufacture trimming in cost-sensitive designs |
| Low 0.05 μA leakage at 12.2 V | Minimizes loading error in high-resistance voltage divider and sensor bias networks |
| +10.4 mV/°C temperature coefficient | Provides known, linear drift behavior for compensated reference circuits |
| 52 Ω dynamic impedance at 5 mA | Ensures <100 mV output shift for ±1 mA load current variation in stable references |
| DO-35 glass passivation | Delivers long-term reliability and moisture resistance in non-hermetic assemblies |
Applications
| Power Supply Regulation | Overvoltage Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Stabilizing 15–17 V rail in linear regulator feedback loop or low-power auxiliary supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage reference element providing precise setpoint for error amplifier comparison. Use Value: Maintains output accuracy within ±5% across temperature and line variations using only passive components. | Use Scenario: Clamping transient surges on 12 V automotive signal lines or industrial I/O ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt protection device diverting excess energy to ground when voltage exceeds 17.1 V. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to safe levels with sub-μA standby leakage, preserving system quiescent current. |
| Sensor Biasing | ADC Reference Stabilization |
Use Scenario: Providing stable excitation voltage to resistive temperature detectors (RTDs) or bridge sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift, low-noise voltage source replacing higher-cost IC references in analog front-ends. Use Value: Delivers 16 V ±0.8 V with <52 Ω source impedance, reducing measurement error from sensor current draw. | Use Scenario: Supplying clean reference voltage to 12-bit SAR ADCs in data acquisition modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision shunt reference establishing VREF independent of supply rail fluctuations. Use Value: Enables <0.5 LSB INL error contribution via 0.05 μA leakage and 14 pF capacitance at 1 MHz. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4742A | 12 V nominal, 1 W rating, DO-41 package, 22 Ω ZZ, −2.5 mV/°C TC | Higher power, lower impedance, negative TC - better for 12 V rails with tighter regulation needs | Select when 12 V regulation and >500 mW dissipation are required; not interchangeable due to voltage and package mismatch |
| MMSZ4687 | 16 V nominal, SOD-123 package, 500 mW, 50 Ω ZZ, +10.5 mV/°C TC, 0.1 μA IR | Surface-mount alternative with near-identical electrical specs but different footprint and thermal profile | Choose for automated assembly or space-constrained PCBs; verify thermal relief and solder joint reliability per JEDEC standards |
Compared with BZX79C16, 1N4742A offers higher power and lower impedance but targets 12 V systems and requires DO-41 layout changes, while MMSZ4687 provides identical voltage and comparable TC/leakage in a surface-mount form factor suitable for modern high-density designs.
Availability
BZX79C16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply regulation, overvoltage protection, and sensor biasing applications requiring stable component supply across industrial control, automotive subsystems, and instrumentation design cycles.
Supply support for BZX79C16 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
ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, analog, sensor, and discrete solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud power applications.
The BZX79C series was designed as a cost-effective, glass-passivated Zener diode family for general-purpose voltage regulation and reference functions in non-critical, medium-accuracy circuits.
FAQ
What is the nominal Zener voltage of the BZX79C16 and how is it tested?
The BZX79C16 has a nominal Zener voltage of 16 V, with a guaranteed range of 15.3–17.1 V at a test current of 5 mA and ambient temperature of 25°C. This value is measured under thermal equilibrium conditions with 3/8-inch lead length and TL = 30°C ±1°C, per ON Semiconductor's characterization methodology documented in the BZX79C2V4–BZX79C56 datasheet Rev. 3.
Does the BZX79C16 have polarity markings, and how is the cathode identified?
Yes, the BZX79C16 uses a color band on the DO-35 glass body to denote the cathode terminal. The banded end must be connected to the higher-potential node in reverse-bias operation. This marking follows industry-standard axial diode conventions and is visible under standard visual inspection without magnification.
What is the maximum power dissipation rating for the BZX79C16 and how does it change with temperature?
The BZX79C16 is rated for 500 mW maximum power dissipation at lead temperature (TL) ≤ 75°C. Above 75°C, it derates linearly at 4.0 mW/°C, reaching zero dissipation at approximately 200°C junction temperature. This derating curve is defined in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and must be applied in thermal design calculations.
How does the temperature coefficient of the BZX79C16 affect its regulation accuracy over temperature?
The BZX79C16 exhibits a +10.4 mV/°C temperature coefficient, meaning its Zener voltage increases by ~10.4 mV per degree Celsius rise in junction temperature. Over a −40°C to +125°C operating range, this contributes up to ±1.7 V drift relative to 25°C baseline - a critical factor in wide-temperature applications where absolute accuracy matters more than stability.
Can the BZX79C16 be used as a replacement for the BZX79C15 or BZX79C18 in existing designs?
No - the BZX79C16 is not a drop-in replacement for BZX79C15 (15 V) or BZX79C18 (18 V), as each part has distinct Zener voltage ranges, temperature coefficients (+9.2 mV/°C and +12.6 mV/°C respectively), and dynamic impedances (55 Ω and 47 Ω). Substitution would alter regulation setpoints and thermal behavior, requiring circuit revalidation.
BZX79C16 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 16 V
- Tolerance:
- ±5%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 40 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 50 nA @ 11.2 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.5 V @ 100 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 200°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-35
BZX79C16 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZX79C16 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX79C16 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 BZX79C16 reliable?
The price and inventory of BZX79C16 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX79C16 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX79C16?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX79C16 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZX79C16?
BZX79C16 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZX79C16 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 BZX79C16?
For technical support, including BZX79C16 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX79C16 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX79C16 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZX79C16 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 BZX79C16 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX79C16?
All BZX79C16 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX79C16, 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 BZX79C16 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZX79C16:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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