Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-A20,215

Overview

BZX84-A20,215 from Nexperia is a ±1 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, designed for precision low-power voltage reference and clamping in space-constrained PCBs. It delivers a nominal 20 V breakdown voltage at 5 mA, with 225 Ω maximum differential resistance, 55 µA reverse current at 16 V, and 14 mV/K temperature coefficient - enabling stable regulation in power supply feedback loops and overvoltage protection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84-A20,215 datasheet, BZX84-A20,215 pinout, BZX84-A20,215 application, or BZX84-A20,215 equivalent, this page provides verified Zener voltage, thermal resistance, peak surge capability, tolerance grade, and SOT23 terminal mapping - all confirmed from Nexperia's Rev. 7 product data sheet (January 2023).

Technical Context

This device operates as a two-terminal shunt regulator, maintaining a stable 20 V output by conducting reverse current above its specified Zener voltage. Its ±1 % tolerance (BZX84-A series) and 14 mV/K temperature coefficient enable predictable behavior across -55 °C to +150 °C ambient conditions.

It supports transient suppression via non-repetitive 40 W peak reverse power dissipation (100 µs pulse), while continuous operation is limited to 250 mW total power dissipation on FR4 PCB with standard footprint - requiring thermal design consideration for sustained load regulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 (TO-236AB), surface-mount plastic package with 3 leads, 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm body, 0.95 mm height, and standard FR4-compatible footprint per Figure 12.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-A20,215, the MMBZ5243BS-7-F offers higher continuous power but sacrifices regulation precision, while the BZX84-C20-TP matches footprint and surge capability but trades off leakage performance and tolerance - making the A-grade part optimal for accuracy-critical, thermally constrained applications.

Availability

BZX84-A20,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply feedback reference, overvoltage clamp protection, and low-power voltage reference applications requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for BZX84-A20,215 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 manufacturing rooted in process technology leadership and automotive-grade quality systems.

The BZX84 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener diode product line, engineered specifically for low-power voltage regulation and transient suppression in consumer, industrial, and communication equipment where SMT scalability and parametric consistency are essential.

FAQ

What is the exact Zener voltage range for BZX84-A20,215 at 5 mA test current?

The guaranteed Zener voltage range is 19.80 V to 20.20 V at I_Z = 5 mA and T_j = 25 °C, per Table 8 of Nexperia's Rev. 7 datasheet. This ±1 % tolerance is maintained across the full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +150 °C), with temperature coefficient of +14 mV/K measured at I_Z = 5 mA.

Can BZX84-A20,215 replace BZX84-C20 in an existing design?

Yes, mechanically - both use identical SOT23 packaging and pinout - but electrically it introduces tighter regulation (±1 % vs ±5 %) and lower reverse leakage (55 µA vs ~100 µA at 16 V). This may improve accuracy in feedback loops but requires verifying that downstream circuitry tolerates reduced leakage-induced offset and tighter voltage spread.

What is the maximum allowable continuous forward current for this Zener diode?

The absolute maximum forward current is 200 mA, per Table 5 limiting values. However, forward conduction is not its intended operating mode; sustained forward bias above 0.9 V at 10 mA risks exceeding thermal limits due to 500 K/W junction-to-ambient resistance - use only for brief polarity-check or ESD protection scenarios.

How does the n.c. (pin 2) terminal affect PCB layout and thermal performance?

Pin 2 is internally unconnected and must remain floating on the PCB - no copper pour, trace, or solder mask opening should contact it. Its presence does not contribute to thermal conduction; heat dissipation relies solely on pins 1 (anode) and 3 (cathode), with cathode providing primary thermal path (R_th(j-sp) = 330 K/W to solder point).