Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-C10,215

Overview

BZX84-C10,215 from Nexperia is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 10 V nominal breakdown voltage at 5 mA, 250 mW total power dissipation, and 150 °C maximum junction temperature. It delivers stable reference voltage in low-power linear regulators and overvoltage protection circuits for consumer power supplies and sensor interface boards.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84-C10,215 datasheet, BZX84-C10,215 pinout, BZX84-C10,215 application, or BZX84-C10,215 equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage tolerance (±5 %), differential resistance (150 Ω max at 5 mA), reverse current (20 μA max at 9.4 V), thermal resistance (500 K/W junction-to-ambient), and non-repetitive peak reverse power capability (40 W).

Technical Context

This device operates as a two-terminal shunt voltage reference, maintaining regulation by conducting reverse current when applied voltage exceeds its 10 V nominal Zener voltage. Its ±5 % tolerance (9.4 V to 10.6 V range at I_Z = 5 mA) and 150 Ω typical differential resistance define precision and load regulation behavior in feedback paths.

Thermal design relies on its 500 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance under standard FR4 PCB mounting, limiting continuous power handling to 250 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C. Non-repetitive surge capability supports transient suppression up to 40 W for 100 μs pulses, enabling use in clamping applications with controlled energy exposure.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 (TO-236AB), surface-mount plastic package with 3 leads, 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm footprint, 1.4 mm height, and standard FR4-compatible reflow soldering profile.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C10,215, MMBZ5240BLT1G offers higher continuous power but lacks the isolated n.c. pin, while BZX84-C10-7-F improves leakage and impedance specs at identical voltage and tolerance-making it preferable for noise-sensitive references.

Availability

BZX84-C10,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for consumer power adapters, sensor signal conditioning circuits, industrial I/O protection modules, and embedded microcontroller voltage supervision requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for BZX84-C10,215 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 headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands, specializing in high-volume production of essential semiconductors including logic, discretes, MOSFETs, and bipolar devices.

The BZX84 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener diode product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications requiring reliable voltage reference or clamping functionality in consumer, computing, and industrial electronics.

FAQ

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

The BZX84-C10,215 has a nominal Zener voltage of 10 V with ±5 % tolerance, meaning breakdown occurs between 9.4 V and 10.6 V at 5 mA test current. It is not rated for sustained reverse voltage above 10.6 V; operation beyond this risks thermal runaway unless current is strictly limited by external series resistance.

Can Pin 2 be used as a thermal pad or ground connection?

No-Pin 2 is explicitly marked "n.c." (not connected) in the official Nexperia datasheet and internal construction. Connecting it electrically or thermally may cause unpredictable leakage paths, solder joint reliability issues, or parametric shifts. It must remain unconnected per design intent and qualification testing.

How does ambient temperature affect its Zener voltage stability?

The BZX84-C10,215 exhibits a temperature coefficient of +4.5 mV/K to +8.0 mV/K (typical) over 25–150 °C, meaning its Zener voltage increases ~5–8 mV per degree Celsius rise. For stable reference use above 50 °C, system-level compensation or selection of lower-coefficient alternatives (e.g., BZX84-C12) is recommended.

Is this part qualified for automotive applications?

No-per Nexperia's Rev. 7 datasheet (January 2023), the BZX84-C10,215 is explicitly designated as non-automotive qualified. It lacks AEC-Q101 stress testing and automotive-grade process controls. For automotive use, select Nexperia's BZX84-Q series variants, which carry explicit automotive qualification and extended temperature validation.