Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-A3V6,215

Overview

BZX84-A3V6,215 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 signal conditioning, power supply feedback, and overvoltage protection circuits. It delivers 3.6 V nominal Zener voltage at 5 mA, with 90 Ω typical differential resistance, 5 µA max reverse current at 2.88 V, and operates across –55 °C to +150 °C ambient.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84-A3V6,215 datasheet, BZX84-A3V6,215 pinout, BZX84-A3V6,215 application, or BZX84-A3V6,215 equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, thermal behavior, terminal mapping, real-world use cases, and validated alternatives for circuit design and BOM optimization.

Technical Context

This discrete Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode to maintain stable DC voltage under varying load and temperature conditions. Its ±1 % tolerance (BZX84-A series), 250 mW total power dissipation at 25 °C, and 40 W non-repetitive peak reverse power capability support robust transient suppression and precision biasing.

The device features a 3-pin SOT23 package with Pin 1 = anode, Pin 2 = not connected, Pin 3 = cathode - enabling unidirectional voltage regulation without parasitic conduction paths. Its temperature coefficient of –3.5 mV/K at 5 mA ensures predictable drift in thermal environments up to 150 °C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package: 3-terminal, 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, tin-plated leads compatible with standard reflow soldering profiles.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-A3V6,215, the MMBZ5226BS-7-F trades ±1 % accuracy for broader availability and lower unit cost, while the BZX84-C3V6-TP sacrifices precision for higher surge endurance - making the A-series optimal for closed-loop control where voltage stability directly impacts system performance.

Availability

BZX84-A3V6,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply feedback, overvoltage protection, and precision reference voltage divider applications requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for BZX84-A3V6,215 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 essential semiconductors for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The BZX84 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener diode product line, engineered for stable voltage regulation in space-constrained, thermally demanding applications where accuracy, repeatability, and surge resilience are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse current the BZX84-A3V6,215 can handle at 25 °C?

The device supports up to 200 mA forward current per Absolute Maximum Ratings, but for reverse (Zener) operation, its continuous current is limited by power dissipation: at 25 °C ambient, 250 mW / 3.6 V ≈ 69 mA maximum steady-state Zener current. Exceeding this requires thermal derating per R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W.

Can BZX84-A3V6,215 replace a 3.3 V Zener in a 3.3 V LDO feedback network?

No - its nominal 3.6 V Zener voltage is 9 % higher than 3.3 V. Using it directly would raise the regulated output to ~3.6 V. To adapt, recalculate the feedback resistor ratio so that the divider delivers 3.6 V at the error amplifier input when V_OUT = 3.3 V, ensuring loop stability and accuracy.

Is Pin 2 electrically functional or a mechanical dummy lead?

Pin 2 is explicitly marked "n.c." (not connected) in Nexperia's official pinning diagram and has no internal bond wire or die connection. It serves only as a mechanical anchor for the SOT23 package and must remain unconnected in PCB layout to prevent unintended coupling or solder bridging.

How does the –3.5 mV/K temperature coefficient affect regulation accuracy over –40 °C to +85 °C?

Across a 125 K temperature span, the coefficient causes ΔV_Z ≈ –3.5 mV/K × 125 K = –437.5 mV shift. With nominal V_Z = 3.6 V, this represents a –12.2 % deviation - confirming the need for temperature-compensated designs or calibration in wide-temperature applications.