Nexperia USA Inc. BZX8450-C11VL

Overview

BZX8450-C11VL from Nexperia is a low-current Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 package, designed for precision voltage reference and low-power biasing in portable electronics. It delivers a nominal 11 V regulation at 50 µA test current, with ±5 % tolerance, 150 Ω typical differential resistance at 5 mA, and 9.0 pF capacitance at 0 V - enabling stable operation in battery-powered sensor interfaces and microcontroller reset circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX8450-C11VL datasheet, BZX8450-C11VL pinout, BZX8450-C11VL application, or BZX8450-C11VL equivalent, key selection criteria include its low 50 µA regulation current, intentional leakage optimization for noise reduction (per AN90031), SOT23 footprint compatibility, and thermal resistance of 330 K/W to solder point - critical for space-constrained, thermally sensitive designs.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode with a specified working voltage of 10.45 V to 11.55 V at I_Z = 50 µA, exhibiting a temperature coefficient of +5.4 mV/K and reverse current ≤0.05 µA at V_R = 8.4 V. Its differential resistance drops to 150 Ω at 5 mA, supporting improved regulation under light load variations.

The device features an intentional minor rise in leakage current (vs. B-series) to enhance switching speed and reduce noise in signal conditioning paths, as documented in application note AN90031. Thermal performance is characterized by R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W (free air) and R_th(j-sp) = 330 K/W to cathode solder point on FR4 PCB.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23 plastic surface-mount package: 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body, 1.9 mm lead pitch, single-sided FR4 PCB mount with tin-plated copper.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX8450-C11VL, BZX84-C11 offers higher power headroom but looser regulation stability at microamp bias, while MMSZ5240B delivers superior dynamic impedance only at orders-of-magnitude higher current - making BZX8450-C11VL uniquely suited for true low-I_Q, noise-sensitive, SOT23-constrained designs.

Availability

BZX8450-C11VL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable sensor biasing, microcontroller reset circuits, RF detector clamping, and low-power LED current regulation requiring stable component supply across high-mix, low-volume production runs.

Supply support for BZX8450-C11VL 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 focused on essential efficiency technologies, delivering high-performance, reliable discrete, logic, and MOSFET solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The BZX8450 series belongs to Nexperia's precision low-current Zener portfolio, engineered specifically for battery-powered and noise-critical applications where regulation at microamp-level bias and optimized leakage behavior are mandatory design requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum reverse voltage this Zener can sustain before breakdown?

The BZX8450-C11VL has a nominal Zener voltage of 11 V with a guaranteed range of 10.45 V to 11.55 V at 50 µA. Its absolute maximum non-repetitive peak reverse voltage is not explicitly defined, but it is rated for up to 40 W non-repetitive surge power at 100 µs pulse width - implying safe operation below ~12.5 V DC reverse bias under normal conditions. Exceeding 11.55 V continuously risks thermal runaway due to its 250 mW power limit.

Can Pin 2 be used as a thermal pad or ground connection?

No - Pin 2 is explicitly marked "n.c." (not connected) in the official Nexperia datasheet and internal construction. It is electrically isolated and must remain unconnected on the PCB. Using it as a thermal pad or ground violates the device's thermal model (R_th(j-sp) assumes heat flows only through Pin 3/cathode), risks mechanical stress on the die bond, and may cause parametric drift or premature failure.

How does the "intentional minor rise of leakage current" improve noise performance?

Per AN90031, the controlled increase in leakage current reduces carrier trapping/detrapping effects at the Zener junction, which are a primary source of 1/f and burst noise in conventional low-current Zeners. This results in lower broadband RMS noise voltage - measured as reduced peak-to-peak jitter on reference outputs - especially critical in precision ADC references and RF detector bias rails where signal-to-noise ratio directly impacts measurement resolution.

Is this part suitable for automotive applications?

No - the BZX8450-C11VL is not AEC-Q200 qualified and lacks automotive-grade screening, extended temperature validation beyond −55 °C to +150 °C, or PPAP documentation. Nexperia explicitly states in its legal disclaimers that non-automotive qualified products are unsuitable for safety-critical or life-support systems. For automotive use, consider the AEC-Q200 qualified BZX84-A11 or PZM11A series instead.