Nexperia USA Inc. BZX8450-C4V3-QVL

Overview

BZX8450-C4V3-QVL from Nexperia is a low-current Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 package, designed for precision biasing and voltage reference in automotive and portable electronics. It delivers a nominal 4.3 V regulation at 50 µA test current, with ±5 % tolerance, 250 mW total power dissipation, and qualified AEC-Q101 reliability.

For engineers reviewing the BZX8450-C4V3-QVL datasheet, BZX8450-C4V3-QVL pinout, BZX8450-C4V3-QVL application, or BZX8450-C4V3-QVL equivalent, this device is selected for low-quiescent-current voltage stabilization in battery-powered sensors, ECU reference rails, and I/O level-shifting circuits where thermal efficiency and automotive-grade robustness are critical.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode with a specified working voltage of 4.09 V to 4.52 V at I_Z = 50 µA. Its differential resistance is ≤95 Ω at I_Z = 5 mA, and temperature coefficient is −2.7 mV/K - enabling stable reference performance across −55 °C to +150 °C ambient.

The device features intentional leakage optimization per AN90031 for fast switching and noise reduction, and includes a not-connected (n.c.) terminal (Pin 2) to isolate parasitic coupling in high-frequency analog paths. Thermal resistance from junction to solder point is 330 K/W on standard FR4 PCB.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 plastic surface-mount package (2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body, 1.9 mm pin pitch), optimized for automated assembly and thermal performance on FR4 PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX8450-C4V3-QVL, the BZX84-C4V3 offers higher power handling but no automotive qualification, while MMSZ4V3ET1G trades compactness and noise performance for broader package availability - making the QVL variant optimal for new automotive and space-constrained IoT designs requiring certified reliability and low-noise regulation.

Availability

BZX8450-C4V3-QVL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor reference, portable device rail clamping, and industrial PLC input protection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for BZX8450-C4V3-QVL 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 high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and energy-efficient solutions.

The BZX8450-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified Zener diode product line, engineered specifically for low-current voltage regulation in automotive ECUs, battery management, and portable electronics where precision, stability, and qualification integrity are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum reverse current at 2.5 V for BZX8450-C4V3-QVL?

At 2.5 V reverse bias and T_j = 25 °C, the typical reverse current is <1 µA, with a maximum of 2.5 µA per Table 8. This ultra-low leakage enables use in battery-critical applications such as IoT node supervisors where standby current must remain below 100 nA at system level.

Does Pin 2 require PCB connection or grounding?

No - Pin 2 is explicitly designated "not connected" (n.c.) in the official pinning diagram and must remain electrically floating. Connecting it risks introducing parasitic capacitance or leakage paths that degrade noise performance and regulation accuracy, especially in high-impedance reference circuits.

How does the −2.7 mV/K temperature coefficient affect regulation stability?

The negative temperature coefficient means output voltage decreases by 2.7 mV per Kelvin rise in junction temperature. Over a −40 °C to +125 °C range, this results in ~0.45 V drift - compensated in precision designs using matched-component networks or calibration algorithms, not standalone use in high-stability references.

Can BZX8450-C4V3-QVL replace BZX84-C4V3 in an existing design?

Yes, electrically and physically - both share identical 4.3 V rating, ±5 % tolerance, SOT23 package, and pinout. However, the QVL variant adds AEC-Q101 qualification and AN90031 leakage tuning, so replacement is safe for automotive upgrades but requires validation if used in noise-sensitive analog paths due to differing leakage behavior.