Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-B20,215
- Part No.:
- BZX84-B20,215
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BZX84-B20,215.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 20V 250MW TO236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:142,911
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Product details
Overview
BZX84-B20,215 from Nexperia is a ±2 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 20 V nominal breakdown voltage at 5 mA test current, 250 mW total power dissipation, and 40 W non-repetitive peak reverse power. It serves as a precision reference or overvoltage clamp in low-power analog supply rails and signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BZX84-B20,215 datasheet, BZX84-B20,215 pinout, BZX84-B20,215 application, or BZX84-B20,215 equivalent, key selection factors include its 20 V Zener voltage tolerance (±2 %), differential resistance of 225 Ω at 5 mA, temperature coefficient of +14 mV/K, 55 μA reverse leakage at 15.2 V, and thermal resistance of 330 K/W to solder point - all critical for stable biasing and low-drift reference design.
Technical Context
This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode with a specified 20 V working voltage at IZ = 5 mA, exhibiting a positive temperature coefficient (+14 mV/K) that supports predictable drift compensation in temperature-sensitive references. Its 225 Ω differential resistance ensures stable regulation under small-signal load variations.
The device is optimized for surface-mount use on FR4 PCBs with single-sided 70 µm copper, delivering 250 mW continuous dissipation at Tamb ≤ 25 °C and surviving 40 W transient surges (100 µs, square wave) without degradation - enabling robust protection in intermittent overvoltage events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 19.6 V to 20.4 V at IZ = 5 mA - defines precise clamping threshold for 20 V rail stabilization |
| Differential Resistance (rdif) | 225 Ω max at IZ = 5 mA - determines output impedance and regulation sensitivity to current changes |
| Reverse Leakage (IR) | 55 µA max at VR = 15.2 V - sets minimum quiescent current draw in standby regulation |
| Temperature Coefficient (SZ) | +14 mV/K at IZ = 5 mA - quantifies voltage drift per degree Celsius for thermal error budgeting |
| Total Power Dissipation (Ptot) | 250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C on standard FR4 PCB - establishes maximum continuous DC power handling |
| Non-repetitive Peak Power (PZSM) | 40 W for 100 µs pulses - enables transient overvoltage suppression without failure |
| Junction Temperature (Tj) | 150 °C max - constrains thermal design margin for reliability under sustained load |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; compact 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, and gull-wing terminations for reflow/wave soldering.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anode (A) | Forward-biased terminal; connects to lower-potential node in reverse-bias regulation configuration |
| 2 | Not Connected (n.c.) | Internally unconnected lead; must remain floating - no PCB trace or thermal pad connection |
| 3 | Cathode (K) | Reverse-biased terminal; ties to regulated voltage node and provides thermal path to PCB solder point |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ±2 % Zener voltage tolerance | Enables tighter regulation than ±5 % variants (BZX84-C20), reducing calibration overhead in precision references |
| 250 mW continuous power rating | Supports stable operation in 3.3 V/5 V auxiliary rails without heatsinking on standard FR4 layouts |
| 40 W non-repetitive surge capability | Clamps ESD transients (IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4) and inductive kickback without parametric shift |
| 330 K/W junction-to-solder-point thermal resistance | Allows direct thermal coupling to PCB copper pour for improved long-term stability under load |
| Positive +14 mV/K temperature coefficient | Permits complementary drift cancellation when paired with negative-coefficient components (e.g., BJTs) |
Applications
| Power Supply Reference | Overvoltage Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing stable 20 V reference for ADC voltage dividers and op-amp bias networks in industrial sensor interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener diode operating in reverse breakdown to fix reference potential independent of input ripple. Use Value: 225 Ω differential resistance and ±2 % tolerance ensure <10 mV reference error across 1–10 mA load variation. |
Use Scenario: Clamping microcontroller I/O lines against 24 V field-side transients in PLC digital input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt regulator absorbing surge energy during voltage spikes exceeding 20.4 V. Use Value: 40 W peak power rating handles 100 µs surges up to 200 V without degradation, preserving downstream IC integrity. |
| Signal Level Translation | Current Source Biasing |
Use Scenario: Setting mid-rail bias for rail-to-rail op-amps in single-supply audio preamplifiers powered from 24 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener-based voltage divider anchor establishing 12 V virtual ground. Use Value: +14 mV/K temperature coefficient allows predictable tracking with amplifier offset drift, minimizing common-mode error. |
Use Scenario: Establishing fixed bias voltage for constant-current LED drivers in automotive interior lighting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision shunt regulating gate drive reference for MOSFET current mirrors. Use Value: 55 µA reverse leakage at 15.2 V ensures minimal error contribution to sub-1 mA current setpoints. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON Semiconductor MMBZ5243B | 20 V nominal, ±5 % tolerance, 225 Ω rdif, 100 µA IR at 15.2 V | Higher leakage and looser tolerance reduce accuracy in precision references but lower cost for basic clamping | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs regulation accuracy and thermal drift requirements |
| Vishay BZX84-C20-TP | 20 V nominal, ±5 % tolerance, 225 Ω rdif, 50 µA IR at 15.2 V, same SOT23 package | Wider voltage spread (19.0–21.0 V) increases calibration effort but maintains identical board layout | Choose for drop-in replacement where ±5 % tolerance is acceptable and supply chain diversification is needed |
Compared with MMBZ5243B and BZX84-C20-TP, BZX84-B20,215 delivers tighter ±2 % voltage control and lower thermal drift (+14 mV/K vs. typical +10 to +12 mV/K), making it preferable for applications demanding stable reference performance across temperature and production variance.
Availability
BZX84-B20,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, PLC digital input protection, single-supply op-amp biasing, and LED driver current source regulation requiring stable component supply and consistent Zener voltage performance.
Supply support for BZX84-B20,215 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, designed specifically for low-power voltage reference, overvoltage clamping, and biasing in space-constrained consumer, industrial, and computing applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous forward current for BZX84-B20,215?
The absolute maximum forward current is 200 mA, but the device is intended for reverse-bias Zener operation. Forward conduction is only relevant during circuit power-up sequencing or fault conditions; sustained forward current above 10 mA risks thermal runaway due to low forward voltage (≤0.9 V at 10 mA) and limited heat dissipation in SOT23.
Can BZX84-B20,215 be used in place of a 20 V Zener with ±1 % tolerance?
No - BZX84-B20,215 has ±2 % tolerance (19.6–20.4 V), while ±1 % variants (e.g., BZX84-A20) specify 19.8–20.2 V. Substituting introduces up to 0.4 V additional voltage uncertainty, which may exceed error budgets in precision references or feedback loops requiring tight regulation.
How does the n.c. pin (Pin 2) affect PCB layout?
Pin 2 is internally unconnected and must remain electrically isolated - no trace, pad, or thermal relief should contact it. Including it in a copper pour or routing a signal nearby risks parasitic capacitance increase (>1 pF) and unintended coupling into sensitive analog nodes, especially in high-frequency or low-leakage applications.
What is the impact of mounting on FR4 versus metal-core PCB?
On standard FR4 (single-sided 70 µm copper), Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W and Rth(j-sp) = 330 K/W. Mounting on aluminum-core PCB reduces Rth(j-sp) by ~40 %, enabling ~350 mW continuous dissipation before reaching 150 °C junction temperature - critical for high-reliability 24/7 operation in enclosed enclosures.
BZX84-B20,215 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):
- 20 V
- Tolerance:
- ±2%
- Power - Max:
- 250 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 55 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 50 nA @ 14 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-B20,215 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZX84-B20,215 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX84-B20,215 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-B20,215 reliable?
The price and inventory of BZX84-B20,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX84-B20,215 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX84-B20,215?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX84-B20,215 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZX84-B20,215?
BZX84-B20,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZX84-B20,215 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-B20,215?
For technical support, including BZX84-B20,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX84-B20,215 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX84-B20,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZX84-B20,215 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-B20,215 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX84-B20,215?
All BZX84-B20,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX84-B20,215, 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-B20,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZX84-B20,215:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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