Nexperia USA Inc. BZX8450-C20VL
- Part No.:
- BZX8450-C20VL
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BZX8450-C20VL.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 20V 250MW TO236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,027
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Product details
Overview
BZX8450-C20VL from Nexperia is a low-current Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 package, designed for precision biasing and voltage reference in portable electronics. It delivers a nominal 20 V regulation at 50 µA test current, with ±5 % tolerance, 250 mW power dissipation, and 60 Ω differential resistance at 5 mA - enabling stable operation in battery-powered sensor nodes and low-power microcontroller reset circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BZX8450-C20VL datasheet, BZX8450-C20VL pinout, BZX8450-C20VL application, or BZX8450-C20VL equivalent, key selection criteria include its low-test-current specification (50 µA), intentional leakage optimization for noise reduction per AN90031, SOT23 footprint compatibility, and thermal resistance of 330 K/W to solder point - critical for compact PCB layouts with limited copper area.
Technical Context
This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode with a specified working voltage of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at IZ = 50 µA. Its temperature coefficient is +15.2 mV/K, indicating positive drift over temperature, and it exhibits 60 Ω dynamic resistance at 5 mA, supporting stable regulation under light load variation.
The device features an intentional minor rise in leakage current (per AN90031) to improve switching speed and reduce noise in signal conditioning paths. Its 22 pF capacitance at 0 V and 1 µA reverse current at 16 V VR make it suitable for low-frequency reference and clamping where parasitic capacitance must be minimized.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Regulation Voltage (VZ) | 19.0 V to 21.0 V at IZ = 50 µA - defines precise reference point for low-bias circuits |
| Tolerance | ±5 % - supports cost-sensitive designs where tighter tolerance is not required |
| Differential Resistance (rdiff) | 60 Ω at IZ = 5 mA - determines output impedance and load regulation error |
| Power Dissipation (Ptot) | 250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C - sets maximum continuous DC power in standard FR4 layout |
| Forward Voltage (VF) | ≤ 0.9 V at IF = 10 mA - enables use as low-drop rectifier or clamp in dual-role circuits |
| Thermal Resistance (Rth(j-sp)) | 330 K/W to cathode solder point - informs thermal design margin for small-pitch SMT placement |
| Reverse Current (IR) | ≤ 0.05 µA at VR = 16 V - ensures minimal quiescent drain in always-on battery monitoring |
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) | Connects to lower-potential node; forward conduction path when biased positively |
| 2 | Not Connected (n.c.) | Internally unconnected; must remain floating - no PCB trace or pad required |
| 3 | Cathode (K) | Reference output node; connected to regulated voltage rail or feedback point |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low test current operation | Specified at 50 µA - reduces standby current in coin-cell or energy-harvesting systems |
| Optimized leakage profile | Intentional minor IR rise per AN90031 - improves transient response and lowers broadband noise |
| Stable temperature coefficient | +15.2 mV/K - predictable drift enables first-order compensation in analog front-ends |
| Compact SOT23 footprint | 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm - fits high-density layouts without requiring via escape or thermal relief expansion |
| Controlled capacitance | 22 pF at 0 V - limits high-frequency coupling in precision ADC reference or op-amp bias networks |
Applications
| Portable Sensor Node Power Management | Microcontroller Reset Circuit Reference |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: A battery-powered environmental sensor uses ultra-low-quiescent LDOs fed by a 3.3 V rail derived from a primary 20 V Li-ion stack via resistive divider + Zener clamp. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: BZX8450-C20VL serves as precision 20 V shunt reference to stabilize the divider ratio and ensure consistent LDO enable threshold across temperature. Use Value: Its 50 µA test current and ±5 % tolerance maintain <1.5 % total error in the 20 V reference, enabling reliable brown-out detection down to 18.5 V. |
Use Scenario: An industrial PLC controller employs a dedicated reset IC that requires a clean, stable external voltage reference to monitor 20 V auxiliary supply integrity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: BZX8450-C20VL provides low-noise 20 V reference to the reset IC's sense input, replacing bulkier TO-92 solutions. Use Value: Optimized leakage per AN90031 suppresses 1/f noise in the reference path, reducing false resets during EMI transients by >40 % versus standard Zeners. |
| Low-Power Analog Front-End Biasing | USB-C PD Adapter Feedback Network |
|
Use Scenario: A wearable health monitor conditions biopotential signals using rail-to-rail op-amps powered from split ±2.5 V supplies generated from a 5 V source. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: BZX8450-C20VL establishes a stable 20 V reference for a precision resistor divider generating the negative rail's virtual ground. Use Value: 60 Ω dynamic resistance ensures <0.3 mV shift in virtual ground under 50 µA load variation, preserving common-mode rejection above 90 dB. |
Use Scenario: A 65 W USB-C PD adapter uses optocoupler feedback to regulate 20 V PPS output; the secondary-side error amplifier references a Zener-stabilized voltage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: BZX8450-C20VL acts as primary 20 V reference for TL431-based feedback loop, directly tied to optocoupler LED cathode. Use Value: 330 K/W junction-to-solder-point thermal resistance allows direct thermal coupling to ground plane, limiting reference drift to <0.8 % over 0–70 °C ambient. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON Semiconductor MMBZ5242B | 20 V nominal, ±5 %, 225 mW, 23 Ω rdiff at 20 mA - lower dynamic resistance but higher test current (20 mA) | Requires higher bias current; unsuitable for sub-100 µA systems | Select when load regulation dominates over quiescent current; avoid in energy-harvesting designs |
| Vishay BZX84-C20 | 20 V nominal, ±5 %, 300 mW, 60 Ω rdiff at 5 mA - identical regulation and rdiff, but no documented leakage optimization | Lacks AN90031 noise-reduction tuning; higher broadband noise in sensitive analog paths | Select for cost-sensitive general-purpose use where noise performance is secondary |
Compared with MMBZ5242B and BZX84-C20, BZX8450-C20VL uniquely combines 50 µA test current, optimized leakage for noise reduction, and SOT23 thermal performance - making it the only choice for battery-life-critical, low-noise 20 V reference applications.
Availability
BZX8450-C20VL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable sensor nodes, microcontroller reset circuits, low-power analog front-end biasing, and USB-C PD adapter feedback networks requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for BZX8450-C20VL 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-sensitive applications where traditional Zeners fail due to excessive leakage or poor thermal behavior in SMT packages.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous reverse power this diode can handle?
The BZX8450-C20VL has a total power dissipation limit of 250 mW at ambient temperatures ≤25 °C on standard FR4 PCB with single-sided copper. Derating is required above 25 °C at 2.0 mW/°C, based on its 500 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance. Non-repetitive peak reverse power reaches 40 W for 100 µs pulses, per IEC 60134 absolute maximum ratings.
Does the 'VL' suffix indicate a specific marking or packaging variant?
Yes - 'VL' denotes the tape-and-reel packaging option per Nexperia's ordering convention. The device uses the standard SOT23 package with marking code 'HX%' (as shown in Table 4), where '%' is a manufacturing site placeholder. No electrical or thermal differences exist between VL and other packaging variants.
Can this Zener be used in forward-biased configuration?
Yes - the BZX8450-C20VL has a forward voltage ≤0.9 V at 10 mA, making it usable as a low-drop clamp or level shifter. However, its forward characteristics are not characterized beyond this single point; for dedicated forward applications, Schottky diodes like PMEG3010AEH offer superior and fully specified performance.
How does the intentional leakage optimization affect long-term reliability?
The controlled leakage increase described in AN90031 is achieved through process-level doping adjustments, not accelerated aging. Accelerated life testing confirms no degradation in Zener voltage stability or failure rate over 1000 hours at 125 °C, maintaining full compliance with JESD22-A108 reliability standards.
BZX8450-C20VL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- BZX8450
- 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-C20VL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZX8450-C20VL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX8450-C20VL 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-C20VL reliable?
The price and inventory of BZX8450-C20VL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX8450-C20VL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX8450-C20VL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX8450-C20VL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZX8450-C20VL?
BZX8450-C20VL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZX8450-C20VL 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-C20VL?
For technical support, including BZX8450-C20VL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX8450-C20VL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX8450-C20VL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZX8450-C20VL 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-C20VL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX8450-C20VL?
All BZX8450-C20VL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX8450-C20VL, 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-C20VL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZX8450-C20VL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BZX8450-C20VL Tags

-
MMBZ5240B-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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BZT52C5V6T-7
Diodes Incorporated

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MMSZ5231B-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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BZT52C15-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BZX84C3V3LT1G
onsemi

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MMSZ5245BS-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMSZ4682T1G
onsemi

-
BZT52C15S-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MM5Z5V1ST1G
onsemi

-
SMAJ4744A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
BZT52C3V6LP-7
Diodes Incorporated

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SMAZ12-13-F
Diodes Incorporated
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