Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-C11,215

Overview

BZX84-C11,215 from Nexperia is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 11 V nominal breakdown voltage at 5 mA, 250 mW total power dissipation, and 150 °C maximum junction temperature - used for precision low-power voltage reference and overvoltage protection in sensor biasing, power supply feedback, and microcontroller reset circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84-C11,215 datasheet, BZX84-C11,215 pinout, BZX84-C11,215 application, or BZX84-C11,215 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 11 V Zener voltage tolerance (±5 %), differential resistance of 150 Ω at 5 mA, temperature coefficient of +0.1 mV/K, non-repetitive peak reverse current of 2.5 A, and thermal resistance of 330 K/W to solder point.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse-biased breakdown mode with a specified 11 V nominal working voltage at I_Z = 5 mA, exhibiting a typical differential resistance of 150 Ω and a positive temperature coefficient of +0.1 mV/K - enabling stable regulation under moderate temperature drift in low-current reference paths.

It features a non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation of 40 W (100 μs pulse), forward voltage ≤0.9 V at 10 mA, and junction-to-solder-point thermal resistance of 330 K/W - supporting transient surge suppression and PCB-level thermal management in compact SMT designs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 (TO-236AB), surface-mount plastic package with 3 leads, 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm footprint, 0.45 mm nominal lead pitch, and standard reflow-compatible solder lands per Fig. 12.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C11,215, the MMBZ5240BLT1G offers identical tolerance and package but sacrifices 1 V regulation accuracy and adds 20 Ω dynamic impedance, while the BZX84-C10-TP trades 1 V reference precision for +50 mW power headroom - making the original optimal for 11 V-specific, thermally constrained designs.

Availability

BZX84-C11,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply feedback, sensor bias reference, and microcontroller reset circuits requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for BZX84-C11,215 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 manufacturer headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands, specializing in high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic components for industrial, consumer, and automotive markets.

The BZX84 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener diode product line, engineered for low-power voltage regulation and reference applications where small size, tight tolerance variants, and robust surge handling are essential in cost-sensitive SMT designs.

FAQ

What is the exact Zener voltage range for BZX84-C11,215 at 5 mA test current?

The BZX84-C11,215 has a guaranteed Zener voltage range of 10.4 V to 11.6 V when measured at I_Z = 5 mA and T_j = 25 °C, reflecting its ±5 % tolerance grade per the E24 series. This range remains valid across the full operating junction temperature span of −55 °C to +150 °C, with a temperature coefficient of +0.1 mV/K.

Can BZX84-C11,215 be used in place of a 12 V Zener diode?

No - BZX84-C11,215 is specifically rated for 11 V nominal breakdown and cannot substitute for a true 12 V Zener such as BZX84-C12, which has a 11.4 V to 12.7 V range. Using it in a 12 V circuit would result in premature conduction and potential regulation failure, as its upper limit (11.6 V) falls below the minimum required 12 V threshold.

Is Pin 2 truly unconnected, or does it serve a mechanical function?

Pin 2 is electrically unconnected (n.c.) - no internal bond wire or semiconductor structure links to it. Its presence is purely mechanical, providing structural symmetry and alignment stability during SMT placement and reflow. PCB footprints must leave this pad unconnected; routing to ground or any net will cause assembly defects or functional interference.

How does the 250 mW power rating translate to practical current limits in continuous operation?

At 11 V Zener voltage, the maximum continuous DC current is approximately 22.7 mA (250 mW ÷ 11 V), but derating is required above 25 °C ambient. With a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 500 K/W, sustained operation above 50 °C ambient requires limiting current to ≤15 mA to maintain T_j < 125 °C - verified using R_th(j-a) and ambient temperature data from Table 6.