Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division BZX84C12-E3-18
- Part No.:
- BZX84C12-E3-18
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BZX84C12-E3-18.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 12V 300MW SOT23-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,485
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Product details
Overview
BZX84C12-E3-18 from Vishay Semiconductors is a silicon planar Zener diode rated for 12 V nominal zener voltage (11.4–12.6 V range), ±5 % tolerance, 5 mA test current, 25 Ω dynamic resistance at 5 mA, and 500 mW maximum power dissipation on lead; used for precision voltage regulation and reference in low-power analog circuits, power supply feedback loops, and overvoltage protection.
For engineers reviewing the BZX84C12-E3-18 datasheet, BZX84C12-E3-18 pinout, BZX84C12-E3-18 application, or BZX84C12-E3-18 equivalent, this part serves as a surface-mount, SOT-23 packaged, RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade Zener diode with verified thermal resistance (RthJA = 420 K/W), ESD robustness (>8 kV HBM), and stable temperature coefficient (+6 × 10−4/°C).
Technical Context
This device operates as a single-element, unidirectional voltage reference diode with reverse-biased breakdown behavior. Its zener voltage is specified at IZT1 = 5 mA, with dynamic resistance measured at 1 kHz and leakage current limited to ≤0.1 μA at VR = 9.5 V.
The BZX84C12-E3-18 exhibits a positive temperature coefficient of +6 × 10−4/°C, indicating increasing VZ with rising junction temperature, and is qualified for operation across −55 °C to +150 °C ambient range with MSL level 1 moisture sensitivity.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 11.4–12.6 V at 5 mA - defines stable regulation window for feedback or clamping |
| Dynamic Resistance (ZZ) | 25 Ω at 5 mA - determines output impedance and load regulation sensitivity |
| Power Dissipation (Ptot) | 300 mW on FR-4 board - sets max continuous DC/average power in PCB-mounted use |
| Reverse Leakage (IR) | ≤0.1 μA at 9.5 V - ensures minimal quiescent current in high-impedance bias networks |
| Temperature Coefficient (αVZ) | +6 × 10−4/°C - quantifies VZ drift per degree Celsius for thermal stability analysis |
| ESD Rating (HBM) | >8 kV - supports handling and assembly without external protection in non-automotive lines |
| Junction Temperature (Tj) | 150 °C max - constrains thermal design margin under worst-case power and ambient conditions |
Pinout & Package
SOT-23 package: 3-terminal surface-mount plastic case, 9.2 mg weight, UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, MSL level 1, peak reflow temperature 260 °C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Pin 1) | Forward conduction terminal / cathode reference ground | Connected to lower-potential node in reverse-bias configuration; defines polarity for regulation |
| Cathode (Pin 2) | Zener breakdown terminal / regulated output node | Connected to input voltage source via series resistor; delivers stable 12 V reference when reverse-biased |
| Collector / Heat Sink (Pin 3) | Lead-connected thermal path / mechanical anchor | Shared internal connection to cathode; primary heat conduction path to PCB copper pour |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Silicon planar construction | Enables tight VZ tolerance control and repeatable breakdown characteristics across production lots |
| E24-standard voltage grading | Ensures compatibility with industry-standard reference selection and BOM consolidation practices |
| RoHS-compliant, commercial grade (E3 suffix) | Meets environmental compliance requirements without AEC-Q101 qualification overhead |
| 420 K/W thermal resistance (J-A) | Supports thermal modeling for derating curves up to 125 °C ambient without forced cooling |
| 8 kV HBM ESD robustness | Reduces need for external transient suppression in lab, industrial, and consumer assembly environments |
Applications
| Power Supply Feedback | Overvoltage Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulating output voltage in isolated flyback or buck-derived DC-DC converters. IC Role / Device Role: Provides precise 12 V reference to optocoupler input or TL431 shunt regulator feedback network. Use Value: Enables ±1% output regulation accuracy with minimal external components and no active circuitry. |
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O pins from transient surges exceeding 12 V. IC Role / Device Role: Acts as passive shunt clamp, diverting excess current when input exceeds 12.6 V. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to safe levels without response delay or power sequencing dependency. |
| Reference Voltage Source | Signal Level Translation |
Use Scenario: Generating stable 12 V bias for op-amp comparators or ADC reference buffers. IC Role / Device Role: Supplies low-noise, temperature-compensated reference point for analog signal conditioning. Use Value: Delivers <25 Ω source impedance and <0.1 μA leakage-critical for high-Z sensor interfaces. |
Use Scenario: Shifting logic-level signals between 15 V and 12 V domains in mixed-voltage systems. IC Role / Device Role: Clamps high-side swing to 12 V while sinking current during overvoltage events. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity without loading source drivers, supporting >1 MHz transient response. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON Semiconductor MMBZ5242B | 12 V nominal, ±5 %, 20 Ω ZZ at 20 mA, SOT-23, 500 mW Ptot | Higher test current (20 mA) yields lower dynamic resistance but requires larger series resistor | Select when lower output impedance is prioritized over low-current operation |
| Diodes Incorporated BZX84-C12 | Identical VZ, tolerance, and package; differs only in tape/reel packaging (E3-08 vs. E3-18) | No functional difference; reel size (7″ vs. 13″) affects inventory planning and line feed compatibility | Choose based on production line feeder compatibility and minimum order quantity requirements |
Compared with BZX84C12-E3-18, MMBZ5242B offers tighter dynamic resistance at higher bias but less optimal leakage at low VR, while Diodes' BZX84-C12 is functionally identical-differing only in packaging format and reel logistics-not electrical performance.
Availability
BZX84C12-E3-18 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply feedback, overvoltage protection, and precision reference voltage generation requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term sourcing continuity.
Supply support for BZX84C12-E3-18 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
Vishay Intertechnology is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete components, sensors, and passive elements with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and ruggedized packaging.
The BZX84 Series targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications requiring stable voltage references-designed for commercial-grade consumer, industrial, and computing systems where AEC-Q101 qualification is not mandated.
FAQ
What is the zener voltage tolerance of BZX84C12-E3-18?
The BZX84C12-E3-18 has a nominal zener voltage of 12 V with a tolerance of ±5 %, meaning its actual breakdown voltage falls within 11.4 V to 12.6 V when tested at 5 mA. This tolerance aligns with the E24 standard and is indicated by the "C" in the ordering code. The device is not rated for tighter tolerance unless specified with "B" (±2 %) in place of "C".
Is BZX84C12-E3-18 AEC-Q101 qualified?
No, BZX84C12-E3-18 is not AEC-Q101 qualified. It carries the "E3" suffix, denoting RoHS-compliant commercial grade. For automotive-grade qualification, Vishay offers the BZX84C12-HE3_A-18 variant, which includes full AEC-Q101 stress testing and documentation. Engineers must select the HE3_A version explicitly if automotive reliability standards apply.
What is the maximum power dissipation for BZX84C12-E3-18 on a standard FR-4 PCB?
The BZX84C12-E3-18 is rated for 300 mW maximum power dissipation when mounted on an FR-4 printed circuit board using the recommended soldering footprint per JEDEC 51-3. This value reflects real-world thermal performance-not the 500 mW rating under ideal lead-to-lead conditions-and must be used for thermal derating calculations in actual layouts.
Does BZX84C12-E3-18 have ESD protection built-in?
Yes, BZX84C12-E3-18 features inherent ESD robustness per AEC-Q101: human body model (HBM) >8 kV and machine model (MM) >800 V. This capability is process-integrated and does not require external TVS devices for handling or board-level ESD immunity in non-automotive applications, though system-level surge protection remains separate.
What is the temperature coefficient of BZX84C12-E3-18 and how does it affect regulation?
The BZX84C12-E3-18 has a temperature coefficient of +6 × 10−4/°C, meaning its zener voltage increases by approximately 0.072 V per 12 °C rise in junction temperature. This positive drift must be accounted for in high-precision or wide-temperature-range applications, especially where regulation stability beyond ±1 % is required across −55 °C to +150 °C.
BZX84C12-E3-18 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- 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:
- 300 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 25 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 100 nA @ 8 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23-3
BZX84C12-E3-18 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZX84C12-E3-18 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX84C12-E3-18 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 BZX84C12-E3-18 reliable?
The price and inventory of BZX84C12-E3-18 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX84C12-E3-18 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX84C12-E3-18?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX84C12-E3-18 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZX84C12-E3-18?
BZX84C12-E3-18 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZX84C12-E3-18 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 BZX84C12-E3-18?
For technical support, including BZX84C12-E3-18 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX84C12-E3-18 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX84C12-E3-18 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZX84C12-E3-18 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 BZX84C12-E3-18 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX84C12-E3-18?
All BZX84C12-E3-18 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX84C12-E3-18, 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 BZX84C12-E3-18 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZX84C12-E3-18:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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