Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-A12,215
- Part No.:
- BZX84-A12,215
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BZX84-A12,215.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 12V 250MW TO236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,592
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Product details
Overview
BZX84-A12,215 from Nexperia is a ±1 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 12 V nominal breakdown voltage at 5 mA test current, 250 mW total power dissipation, and 150 °C maximum junction temperature - used for precision low-power voltage reference and overvoltage protection in sensor signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BZX84-A12,215 datasheet, BZX84-A12,215 pinout, BZX84-A12,215 application, or BZX84-A12,215 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 11.88–12.12 V Zener voltage window, 150 Ω typical differential resistance at 5 mA, 0.1 μA reverse leakage at 9.6 V, +6.0 mV/K temperature coefficient, and SOT23 thermal resistance of 330 K/W to solder point.
Technical Context
This discrete Zener diode operates in reverse-biased avalanche mode to maintain stable DC voltage under varying load and supply conditions. Its ±1 % tolerance and tight 11.88–12.12 V specification band enable accurate regulation without trimming in space-constrained PCB layouts.
Designed for low-current biasing and reference applications, it supports continuous operation up to 200 mA forward current and withstands non-repetitive 40 W peak reverse power surges (100 μs pulse), with thermal resistance from junction to solder point specified at 330 K/W on standard FR4 PCB.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 11.88 V to 12.12 V at IZ = 5 mA - defines precise regulation band for feedback or reference use |
| Differential Resistance (rdif) | 150 Ω max at IZ = 5 mA - determines output impedance and load regulation sensitivity |
| Reverse Current (IR) | 0.1 μA max at VR = 9.6 V - ensures minimal leakage in high-impedance bias networks |
| Temperature Coefficient (SZ) | +6.0 mV/K at IZ = 5 mA - quantifies voltage drift per degree Celsius rise in junction temperature |
| Total Power Dissipation (Ptot) | 250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C on FR4 PCB - sets maximum steady-state thermal load in standard mounting |
| Non-repetitive Peak Power (PZSM) | 40 W for tp = 100 μs - enables transient overvoltage clamping without failure |
| Junction Temperature (Tj) | −55 °C to +150 °C - specifies full operational range for industrial ambient environments |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) surface-mount plastic package with 3 leads; compact 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm footprint and 1.1 mm height suitable for high-density routing and automated assembly.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anode (A) | Forward current entry point; connected to lower-potential node in Zener configuration |
| 2 | Not Connected (n.c.) | Internal die bond wire stub - electrically isolated and must remain unconnected in layout |
| 3 | Cathode (K) | Reverse-bias terminal; connected to regulated output or voltage reference node |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ±1 % Zener voltage tolerance | Enables direct replacement in precision references without calibration or resistor trimming |
| 250 mW power rating at 25 °C ambient | Supports stable regulation in low-power analog stages (e.g., op-amp bias, ADC reference) |
| 150 °C maximum junction temperature | Permits reliable operation in enclosed industrial enclosures with limited airflow |
| 330 K/W junction-to-solder-point thermal resistance | Allows predictable thermal design using cathode pad as primary heat path on standard FR4 |
| Non-repetitive 40 W surge capability | Provides robust ESD and transient suppression in I/O protection circuits without external TVS |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Microcontroller I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Stabilizing reference voltage for 12-bit ADC input scaling in temperature transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener diode provides fixed 12 V reference to op-amp gain stage driving ADC input. Use Value: ±1 % tolerance ensures <0.5 LSB error across full temperature range without software calibration. |
Use Scenario: Clamping 3.3 V GPIO lines against 12 V supply rail faults in PLC digital input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-connected BZX84-A12,215 limits voltage excursion to 12.12 V during fault events. Use Value: 40 W non-repetitive surge rating absorbs 100 μs transients without degradation, eliminating need for separate TVS. |
| Low-Power Battery Monitor Reference | Optocoupler Bias Supply Regulation |
Use Scenario: Generating stable 12 V reference for comparator-based battery undervoltage detection in portable medical devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener regulates bias for comparator hysteresis network powered from Li-ion cell stack. Use Value: 0.1 μA reverse leakage at 9.6 V minimizes quiescent current drain, extending standby time by >15 % vs. ±5 % variants. |
Use Scenario: Providing regulated 12 V supply to LED anode in linear optocoupler feedback loop for isolated SMPS control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener maintains constant LED forward current despite input ripple, improving isolation accuracy. Use Value: +6.0 mV/K temperature coefficient matches LED VF drift, reducing gain error to <0.8 % over −40 °C to +85 °C. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON Semiconductor MMBZ5242B | 12 V ±5 % tolerance; 350 mW Ptot; 170 Ω rdif; 0.1 μA IR at 9.1 V | Higher power but looser tolerance; less stable reference, better for coarse clamping | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs precision and thermal margin is available |
| Vishay BZX84-C12 | 12 V ±5 % tolerance; same SOT23 package; 150 Ω rdif; 0.1 μA IR at 9.6 V | Same footprint and surge rating, but wider voltage spread reduces reference accuracy | Choose only for non-critical biasing where calibration or trimming is acceptable |
Compared with BZX84-A12,215, MMBZ5242B offers higher power headroom but sacrifices regulation stability, while BZX84-C12 shares identical thermal and surge performance but introduces ±5 % uncertainty - making the A-grade part essential for closed-loop feedback or metrology-grade references.
Availability
BZX84-A12,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor signal conditioning, microcontroller I/O protection, low-power battery monitor reference, and optocoupler bias supply regulation requiring stable component supply and consistent ±1 % Zener voltage performance.
Supply support for BZX84-A12,215 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 and industrial-grade components.
The BZX84 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener regulator portfolio, engineered specifically for low-power voltage reference and overvoltage protection in space-constrained industrial and consumer electronics.
FAQ
What is the guaranteed Zener voltage range for BZX84-A12,215 at 5 mA?
The guaranteed Zener voltage range is 11.88 V to 12.12 V at IZ = 5 mA and Tj = 25 °C, reflecting its ±1 % tolerance grade. This range remains valid across the full operating junction temperature range (−55 °C to +150 °C), with voltage shift quantified by the +6.0 mV/K temperature coefficient.
Can BZX84-A12,215 be used in series for higher voltage regulation?
No - BZX84-A12,215 is not characterized or rated for series connection. Its Zener voltage tolerance, temperature coefficient mismatch, and dynamic impedance variation between units make stacked configurations unreliable for stable regulation. For higher voltages, select a single-device solution such as BZX84-A15 or BZX84-A18.
Is the n.c. pin (pin 2) safe to connect to ground or leave floating in PCB layout?
Pin 2 is internally not connected and must remain unconnected in all designs. Neither grounding nor routing traces to it is permitted - doing so risks shorting internal die structures or inducing parasitic coupling. The SOT23 footprint should isolate pin 2 with no solder mask opening or copper pour.
How does thermal resistance affect derating above 25 °C ambient?
With Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W and Rth(j-sp) = 330 K/W, power dissipation must be linearly derated above 25 °C ambient. At 70 °C ambient, maximum allowable Ptot drops to 137.5 mW (250 mW × [1 − (70 − 25)/150]), assuming standard FR4 mounting. Derating curves are defined in Section 9 of the official Nexperia datasheet.
BZX84-A12,215 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- BZX84
- Package/Case:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 12 V
- Tolerance:
- ±1%
- Power - Max:
- 250 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 25 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 100 nA @ 8 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 900 mV @ 10 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
BZX84-A12,215 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZX84-A12,215 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX84-A12,215 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 BZX84-A12,215 reliable?
The price and inventory of BZX84-A12,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX84-A12,215 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX84-A12,215?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX84-A12,215 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZX84-A12,215?
BZX84-A12,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZX84-A12,215 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 BZX84-A12,215?
For technical support, including BZX84-A12,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX84-A12,215 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX84-A12,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZX84-A12,215 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 BZX84-A12,215 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX84-A12,215?
All BZX84-A12,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX84-A12,215, 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 BZX84-A12,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZX84-A12,215:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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