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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Diodes > Zener > Single Zener Diodes

Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-C12,215

Name: BZX84-C12,215
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: BZX84-C12,215
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BZX84-C12,215

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Zener Diodes

Package:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Datasheet:: BZX84-C12,215.pdf

Description:: DIODE ZENER 12V 250MW TO236AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:353,652

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Product details

Overview

BZX84-C12,215 from Nexperia is a ±5 % 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 12 V breakdown voltage at 5 mA, with 150 Ω typical differential resistance, 250 mW total power dissipation, and operates across −55 °C to +150 °C ambient.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84-C12,215 datasheet, BZX84-C12,215 pinout, BZX84-C12,215 application, or BZX84-C12,215 equivalent, key selection considerations include its ±5 % tolerance band, thermal resistance of 500 K/W (junction-to-ambient), non-repetitive peak reverse power capability of 40 W, and cathode-anode polarity confirmation for correct PCB layout.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse-biased breakdown mode to maintain stable DC voltage under varying load or supply conditions. Its 12 V nominal Zener voltage is specified at I_Z = 5 mA, with temperature coefficient of +6.0 mV/K and maximum reverse current of 0.1 μA at VR = 9.4 V.

The device uses silicon planar epitaxial construction for consistent breakdown characteristics and low leakage. Its SOT23 package enables high-density mounting while limiting thermal performance to R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W on standard FR4 PCB - requiring careful thermal design in continuous-power applications.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Zener Voltage (V_Z)	11.4 V to 12.7 V at I_Z = 5 mA - defines usable regulation window for 12 V rail stabilization
Differential Resistance (r_dif)	150 Ω max - determines output impedance and load regulation error under current variation
Reverse Current (I_R)	0.1 μA max at V_R = 9.4 V - ensures minimal quiescent leakage in standby circuits
Total Power Dissipation (P_tot)	250 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C - sets absolute DC power limit before thermal derating applies
Non-repetitive Peak Power (P_ZSM)	40 W for t_p ≤ 100 μs - supports transient overvoltage clamping without failure
Junction Temperature (T_j)	150 °C max - constrains maximum allowable power under elevated ambient conditions
Thermal Resistance (R_th(j-a))	500 K/W - quantifies self-heating rise per watt on standard FR4 board

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 (TO-236AB), 3-lead surface-mount plastic package with 1.3 mm height, 2.9 mm length, and 1.3 mm width; optimized for reflow soldering with defined footprint per Figure 12.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Anode (A)	Connected to lower-potential node; reverse bias applied between anode and cathode to activate Zener conduction
2	Not Connected (n.c.)	Internally unconnected lead; must remain floating - no PCB trace or pad connection permitted
3	Cathode (K)	Connected to higher-potential node; polarity marker for correct orientation during placement and inspection

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
±5 % Zener voltage tolerance	Enables cost-effective voltage reference where tight regulation is not required, e.g., power supply feedback or signal clamping
250 mW power rating	Supports low-current regulation up to ~20 mA at 12 V without external heatsinking on standard PCB
150 °C maximum junction temperature	Allows operation in industrial environments with ambient up to +125 °C when derated per thermal resistance
Non-repetitive 40 W surge capability	Provides robust ESD and transient protection for downstream circuitry without additional TVS devices
SOT23 footprint compatibility	Enables drop-in replacement with other SOT23 Zeners and simplifies PCB layout reuse across voltage variants

Applications

Power Supply Feedback

Overvoltage Clamp

Use Scenario: Stabilizing output voltage in low-power linear regulators or switching converter feedback loops.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides precise 12 V reference to error amplifier input, enabling closed-loop regulation accuracy.

Use Value: Maintains ±5 % output stability despite input ripple or load changes, reducing need for trimming resistors.

Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O pins from accidental 15–24 V transients on shared signal lines.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as shunt clamp, conducting excess current above 12.7 V to limit voltage excursion.

Use Value: Limits transient duration to <100 μs at 40 W, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in CMOS inputs.

Reference Voltage Source

Signal Level Shifting

Use Scenario: Generating stable 12 V bias for op-amp comparators or analog sensor excitation circuits.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies low-noise, temperature-compensated reference voltage independent of supply variations.

Use Value: Delivers +6.0 mV/K temperature coefficient - predictable drift enables software compensation in precision systems.

Use Scenario: Translating 3.3 V logic signals to 12 V interface levels in industrial control modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Functions as bidirectional level translator via Zener-clamped pull-up configuration.

Use Value: Enables fast edge response (<10 ns) with minimal added capacitance (≤15 pF), preserving signal integrity.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
ON Semiconductor MMBZ5242B	12 V nominal, ±5 %, 500 mW rating, DO-35 package	Through-hole mounting; higher power but larger footprint and manual assembly requirement	Select when legacy through-hole design or higher surge margin is prioritized over board space
Vishay BZX84-C12-7-F	Identical 12 V ±5 % spec, same SOT23 package, RoHS-compliant variant	No functional difference; differs only in tape-and-reel packaging and compliance marking	Choose for direct second-source availability with identical electrical and mechanical behavior

Compared with MMBZ5242B, BZX84-C12,215 saves >70 % PCB area and supports automated SMT assembly; versus BZX84-C12-7-F, it offers identical performance with Nexperia's specific thermal and reliability validation for high-volume industrial use.

Availability

BZX84-C12,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive body electronics, and IoT sensor nodes requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for BZX84-C12,215 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 diode product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained voltage regulation and protection in consumer, industrial, and communication equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous forward current for BZX84-C12,215?

The BZX84-C12,215 is a Zener diode intended for reverse-bias operation; its forward current rating is not a primary specification. However, per datasheet limiting values, the absolute maximum forward current is 200 mA. In normal regulation use, forward conduction is avoided - the device operates in reverse breakdown, with forward voltage capped at 0.9 V at 10 mA.

Can BZX84-C12,215 be used in place of a 12 V Zener with tighter tolerance?

No - BZX84-C12,215 has a ±5 % tolerance (11.4 V to 12.7 V), whereas tighter-tolerance variants like BZX84-B12 (±2 %, 11.8 V to 12.2 V) or BZX84-A12 (±1 %, 11.9 V to 12.1 V) exist in the same series. Substituting this part into a design requiring <±2 % regulation will introduce measurable output error and potential system instability.

How does the '215' suffix in BZX84-C12,215 affect specifications?

The '215' is Nexperia's internal package and reel code indicating SOT23 packaging in 3,000-piece 8 mm tape-and-reel format (EIA-481 compliant), with moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 1 and Pb-free termination. It does not alter electrical parameters - all BZX84-C12 variants share identical Zener voltage, power, and thermal specs.

Is BZX84-C12,215 qualified for automotive applications?

No - per Nexperia's Rev. 7 datasheet (January 2023), the BZX84 series is explicitly designated as non-automotive qualified. Automotive alternatives are marked with '-Q' suffix (e.g., BZX84-C12-Q) and undergo AEC-Q200 stress testing. Using BZX84-C12,215 in automotive systems voids warranty and violates functional safety requirements.

BZX84-C12,215 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):: 12 V

Tolerance:: ±5%

Power - Max:: 250 mW

Impedance (Max) (Zzt):: 25 Ohms

Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:: 100 nA @ 8 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-C12,215 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BZX84-C12,215 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX84-C12,215 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-C12,215 reliable?

The price and inventory of BZX84-C12,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX84-C12,215 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX84-C12,215?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX84-C12,215 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BZX84-C12,215?

BZX84-C12,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BZX84-C12,215 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-C12,215?

For technical support, including BZX84-C12,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX84-C12,215 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX84-C12,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BZX84-C12,215 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-C12,215 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX84-C12,215?

All BZX84-C12,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX84-C12,215, 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-C12,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BZX84-C12,215:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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