Nexperia USA Inc. BZX8450-C20R
- Part No.:
- BZX8450-C20R
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BZX8450-C20R.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 20V 250MW TO236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,920
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Product details
Overview
BZX8450-C20R from Nexperia is a low-current Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 package, designed for precision biasing and voltage reference in ultra-low-power circuits. It delivers a nominal 20 V regulation at 50 µA test current, with ±5 % tolerance, 250 mW total power dissipation, and 15.2 V minimum/20.4 V maximum working voltage range. It is used in portable battery-powered sensor nodes requiring stable reference under microampere standby conditions.
For engineers reviewing the BZX8450-C20R datasheet, BZX8450-C20R pinout, BZX8450-C20R application, or BZX8450-C20R equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, thermal resistance data (Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W), differential resistance (225 Ω at IZ = 5 mA), temperature coefficient (+15.2 mV/K), and cathode/anode terminal mapping for PCB layout and low-leakage design validation.
Technical Context
This device operates as a two-terminal shunt voltage regulator, maintaining stable reverse-bias voltage across its terminals when current exceeds the knee point. Its specified test current of 50 µA enables operation in sub-100 µA bias networks, and its intentional minor leakage rise (per AN90031) reduces switching noise in signal conditioning paths.
The BZX8450-C20R exhibits a positive temperature coefficient of +15.2 mV/K and differential resistance of 225 Ω at 5 mA, enabling predictable thermal drift compensation in analog front-ends. Its 60 pF capacitance at 0 V and VR ≤ 15 V supports high-frequency decoupling in RF bias rails without destabilizing feedback loops.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Working Voltage (VZ) | 19.0 V to 21.0 V at IZ = 50 µA - defines regulation band for low-current reference stability |
| Differential Resistance (rdiff) | 225 Ω max at IZ = 5 mA - determines output impedance and load regulation error |
| Temperature Coefficient (SZ) | +15.2 mV/K - quantifies voltage drift per °C ambient change in precision references |
| Forward Voltage (VF) | 0.9 V max at IF = 10 mA - sets forward conduction loss in polarity protection or clamping roles |
| Total Power Dissipation (Ptot) | 250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C - limits continuous DC power handling on standard FR4 PCB |
| Junction-to-Ambient Rth | 500 K/W - governs thermal rise under 100 µA–1 mA bias; requires minimal copper area |
| Reverse Current (IR) | 0.05 µA max at VR = 15.2 V - ensures <5 nA leakage in battery-critical sleep modes |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 plastic surface-mount package: 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body, 1.9 mm pin pitch, single-sided FR4 mounting.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anode (A) | Connected to lower-potential node; carries forward current or sinks reverse leakage |
| 2 | Not Connected (n.c.) | Internally unconnected; must remain floating-no PCB trace or solder mask relief required |
| 3 | Cathode (K) | Connected to regulated voltage rail; source of Zener current during reverse breakdown |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-test-current regulation | Specified at 50 µA - enables use in µA-level bias networks without external amplification |
| Optimized leakage profile | Intentional minor IR rise per AN90031 - reduces switching transients and broadband noise in sensor interfaces |
| Tight voltage tolerance | ±5 % (C-series) - supports 1% reference accuracy after calibration in portable medical devices |
| Thermal robustness | 150 °C max junction temperature - sustains operation in sealed industrial enclosures without derating |
| Low capacitance | 60 pF at VR = 0 V - preserves signal integrity in 10 MHz+ analog monitoring paths |
Applications
| Portable Gas Sensor Biasing | IoT Node Reference Voltage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing stable 20 V bias to electrochemical gas sensor electrodes in AA-battery-powered air quality monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage regulator establishing fixed anode potential relative to ground-referenced working electrode. Use Value: Enables <1 µA quiescent current draw while maintaining ±0.5 % reference stability over −20 °C to +60 °C ambient. |
Use Scenario: Generating precise 20 V reference for 16-bit ADC input scaling in NB-IoT environmental data loggers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Passive voltage reference source feeding resistive divider into ADC VREF pin. Use Value: Delivers <0.1 % line regulation error over 1.8–3.6 V supply range due to low rdiff and stable SZ. |
| RF Front-End DC Bias | Low-Power Microcontroller Reset Circuit |
Use Scenario: Supplying clean 20 V gate bias to GaN HEMT drivers in sub-GHz wireless transceivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise Zener clamp stabilizing gate voltage against RF coupling and supply ripple. Use Value: 60 pF capacitance and optimized leakage suppress 100 kHz–10 MHz noise injection into sensitive RF paths. |
Use Scenario: Holding reset line high until 20 V rail reaches regulation in energy-harvesting MCU systems powered by piezoelectric generators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Threshold-detecting shunt element triggering reset release when VDD crosses 20 V ±5 %. Use Value: Predictable 50 µA turn-on current allows accurate timing of reset deassertion within ±2 ms tolerance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMBZ5242B (ON Semiconductor) | 20 V nominal, ±5 %, 350 mW Ptot, 200 Ω rdiff at 20 mA | Higher power rating but requires 20 mA test current - unsuitable for µA-biased circuits | Select only if >1 mA bias current is available and thermal margin exceeds 300 mW |
| BZX84-C20 (Nexperia, legacy) | Same 20 V/C-series spec but no AN90031 leakage optimization; 250 mW rating | Lacks intentional leakage tuning - higher switching noise in fast-sampling sensor interfaces | Prefer BZX8450-C20R where low-noise analog acquisition is required |
Compared with MMBZ5242B, BZX8450-C20R offers 10× lower test current and superior noise performance but lower surge tolerance; versus legacy BZX84-C20, it adds verified fast-switching behavior without sacrificing regulation accuracy or thermal rating.
Availability
BZX8450-C20R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable sensor biasing, IoT reference generation, RF DC biasing, and low-power MCU reset circuits requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term continuity.
Supply support for BZX8450-C20R 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 leading semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands, specializing in high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices for consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.
The BZX8450 series belongs to Nexperia's precision low-current Zener portfolio, engineered specifically for battery-constrained applications demanding microampere regulation, low noise, and tight voltage tolerance in compact SOT23 form factor.
FAQ
What is the maximum reverse voltage the BZX8450-C20R can withstand before breakdown?
The BZX8450-C20R has a nominal Zener voltage of 20 V with a guaranteed working range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 50 µA. Its absolute maximum non-repetitive peak reverse voltage is not specified independently, but the device is rated for up to 40 W non-repetitive surge power at 100 µs pulse width, implying safe operation below 21.0 V in steady-state regulation. Exceeding 21.0 V continuously risks thermal runaway.
Can BZX8450-C20R be used in place of a 20 V Zener with ±2 % tolerance?
No - BZX8450-C20R is part of the ±5 % tolerance "C" series. The ±2 % versions are designated "B" (e.g., BZX8450-B20). Substituting C-series for B-series introduces up to ±5 % regulation error instead of ±2 %, which may violate accuracy requirements in precision ADC references or calibrated sensor systems.
Why does Pin 2 show 'n.c.' and how should it be handled on the PCB?
Pin 2 is internally not connected and serves only as a mechanical lead in the SOT23 package. It must remain electrically floating - no trace, pad, or solder mask relief is required. Routing copper to Pin 2 or applying solder paste risks shorting to adjacent traces or causing assembly defects; best practice is to omit the pad or isolate it completely.
How does the BZX8450-C20R's thermal resistance affect its usable current in a typical PCB layout?
With Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W on standard FR4, dissipating 250 mW causes a 125 °C junction-to-ambient rise. At 25 °C ambient, that reaches 150 °C - the absolute maximum. Therefore, sustained operation above ~100 mW (e.g., 5 mA × 20 V) requires thermal relief (copper pour, via stitching) or derating to maintain Tj ≤ 125 °C for reliability.
BZX8450-C20R Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 20 V
- Tolerance:
- ±5%
- Power - Max:
- 250 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 55 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 50 nA @ 15.2 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 900 mV @ 10 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
BZX8450-C20R FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZX8450-C20R through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX8450-C20R 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 BZX8450-C20R reliable?
The price and inventory of BZX8450-C20R are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX8450-C20R is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX8450-C20R?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX8450-C20R transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZX8450-C20R?
BZX8450-C20R orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZX8450-C20R 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 BZX8450-C20R?
For technical support, including BZX8450-C20R datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX8450-C20R requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX8450-C20R is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZX8450-C20R 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 BZX8450-C20R meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX8450-C20R?
All BZX8450-C20R units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX8450-C20R, 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 BZX8450-C20R part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZX8450-C20R:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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