Nexperia USA Inc. BZX8450-C6V2VL

Overview

BZX8450-C6V2VL 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 6.2 V regulation at 50 µA test current, with ±5 % tolerance, 160 Ω differential resistance at 5 mA, and 0.4 mV/K temperature coefficient - enabling stable operation in battery-powered sensor nodes and microcontroller reset circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX8450-C6V2VL datasheet, BZX8450-C6V2VL pinout, BZX8450-C6V2VL application, or BZX8450-C6V2VL equivalent, key selection criteria include its low 50 µA regulation current, 110 pF capacitance at 0 V, 250 mW power dissipation limit, and intentional leakage optimization for noise-sensitive analog front-ends.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode with specified regulation at I_Z = 50 µA, making it suitable for ultra-low-quiescent-current designs where traditional regulators are impractical. Its differential resistance of 160 Ω at 5 mA and 10 Ω at 1 mA enables predictable voltage deviation under varying load conditions.

The device exhibits a positive temperature coefficient of +0.4 mV/K near 6.2 V, minimizing thermal drift in ambient-stable environments. Its cathode-connected terminal (Pin 3) and isolated anode (Pin 1) support unidirectional clamping, while the n.c. Pin 2 eliminates parasitic coupling paths in high-impedance signal chains.

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 space-constrained PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX8450-C6V2VL, BZX84-C6V2 offers greater power headroom but looser regulation at low current, while MMSZ4687 provides superior high-frequency performance and load drive capability at the expense of higher minimum operating current.

Availability

BZX8450-C6V2VL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable sensor biasing, microcontroller reset circuits, USB-C power negotiation clamping, and industrial signal conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for BZX8450-C6V2VL 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 series belongs to Nexperia's low-current Zener regulator product line, engineered specifically for battery-powered and space-constrained applications demanding precision voltage references at microampere bias levels.

FAQ

What is the maximum reverse voltage this diode can withstand before breakdown?

The BZX8450-C6V2VL is rated for nominal 6.2 V Zener voltage at 50 µA, with a guaranteed breakdown range of 5.89 V to 6.51 V. Its absolute maximum non-repetitive peak reverse voltage is not specified independently; instead, it is constrained by the 40 W non-repetitive peak power limit at 100 µs pulse width, translating to ~250 V for sub-microsecond transients under controlled conditions.

Can this Zener diode be used in forward conduction mode?

Yes - the BZX8450-C6V2VL has a forward voltage ≤ 0.9 V at 10 mA, making it usable as a low-drop rectifier or ESD clamp in forward bias. However, its primary design intent and characterization are for reverse-biased Zener regulation; forward characteristics are secondary and not optimized for sustained conduction.

Why does Pin 2 show 'n.c.' and how should it be handled on the PCB?

Pin 2 is internally not connected and electrically isolated from all die structures. It must remain unconnected on the PCB - no trace, pad, or solder mask opening should tie it to any net. Leaving it floating prevents unintended capacitive coupling or mechanical stress-induced failure during reflow or board flexure.

How does the ±5 % tolerance affect accuracy in a 3.3 V LDO feedback network?

When used in a resistive divider for LDO feedback, the ±5 % Zener tolerance contributes directly to output voltage error. For a 6.2 V reference feeding a 3.3 V output via resistor ratio, the resulting output variation is ±5 % of the reference-derived setpoint - approximately ±165 mV. Tighter system accuracy requires post-calibration or higher-tolerance references.