NXP Semiconductors BZX84-C12/LF1VL
- Part No.:
- BZX84-C12/LF1VL
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BZX84-C12/LF1VL.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 12V 250MW SOT23
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,198
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Product details
Overview
BZX84-C12/LF1VL from NXP Semiconductors is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 12 V nominal breakdown voltage at 5 mA, 250 mW total power dissipation, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the BZX84-C12/LF1VL datasheet, BZX84-C12/LF1VL pinout, BZX84-C12/LF1VL application, or BZX84-C12/LF1VL equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, validated pin functions, confirmed automotive-grade reliability, and real-world regulation use cases - all aligned to NXP's Rev. 6 product data sheet dated 6 March 2014.
Technical Context
The BZX84-C12/LF1VL operates as a passive two-terminal voltage reference, conducting in reverse bias above its specified Zener voltage (11.4 V to 12.7 V at IZ = 5 mA). Its differential resistance is ≤150 Ω, temperature coefficient is +6.0 mV/K typical, and reverse current remains ≤0.1 μA at VR = 10 V.
Designed for low-power stabilization in space-constrained PCBs, it supports pulsed operation up to 40 W non-repetitive peak reverse power (tp ≤ 100 μs), with thermal resistance from junction to ambient of 500 K/W on FR4 board.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Zener Voltage | 12 V at IZ = 5 mA; actual range 11.4–12.7 V defines usable regulation window under production tolerance |
| Total Power Dissipation | 250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C; sets maximum continuous DC or average pulsed load in standard PCB layout |
| Tolerance | Approximately ±5 %; enables cost-effective general-purpose regulation where tight voltage accuracy is not required |
| Forward Voltage | ≤0.9 V at IF = 10 mA; ensures low-loss conduction in series protection or clamping configurations |
| Non-repetitive Peak Reverse Power | 40 W (tp ≤ 100 μs); supports transient overvoltage suppression without device failure |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Validated for automotive applications per stress test qualification for discrete semiconductors |
| Junction Temperature Range | −65 °C to +150 °C; permits operation in under-hood and industrial environments |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOT23 (TO-236AB), plastic surface-mounted, 3-lead, dimensions 2.9 × 1.3 × 1.0 mm (L × W × H), standard footprint per Fig 9/10.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Anode) | Anode | Connected to lower-potential node in reverse-bias regulation; forward conduction path when used as clamp |
| 2 (n.c.) | Not connected | Internally unconnected; no electrical function; must remain floating in PCB layout |
| 3 (Cathode) | Cathode | Connected to higher-potential node; Zener breakdown occurs between cathode and anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ±5 % Zener voltage tolerance | Enables cost-sensitive, non-critical voltage reference applications without precision trimming |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Confirms suitability for automotive electronics including body control modules and sensor interfaces |
| 250 mW power rating in SOT23 | Delivers stable regulation in compact layouts while maintaining thermal margin on FR4 PCBs |
| Low leakage current | IR ≤ 0.1 μA at VR = 10 V minimizes quiescent current draw in battery-powered circuits |
| Non-repetitive 40 W surge capability | Provides robustness against ESD and line transients without external TVS supplementation |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Biasing | Industrial Power Rail Clamping |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing stable 12 V reference for analog sensor signal conditioning in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener diode operating in reverse breakdown to fix reference potential at sensor amplifier input. Use Value: Maintains <±2 % output stability across −40 °C to +125 °C ambient, meeting AEC-Q100 Grade 2 requirements. |
Use Scenario: Limiting 12 V supply rail excursions during load dump events in factory automation controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Passive shunt regulator absorbing transient energy above 12.7 V threshold. Use Value: Withstands 40 W non-repetitive surges (tp ≤ 100 μs), eliminating need for larger-footprint TVS devices. |
| Consumer Device Voltage Reference | Medical Instrument Overvoltage Protection |
Use Scenario: Generating precise 12 V bias for op-amp comparators in portable diagnostic equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal voltage reference establishing comparator trip point independent of supply variation. Use Value: Differential resistance ≤150 Ω ensures minimal reference shift under varying load currents up to 5 mA. |
Use Scenario: Protecting ADC inputs from accidental 12 V overvoltage in patient monitoring front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (≤0.1 μA at 10 V) shunt clamp preventing input damage without loading signal path. Use Value: Forward voltage ≤0.9 V at 10 mA allows safe bidirectional clamping when paired with series resistor. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMBZ5242B-7-F (Diodes Inc.) | 12 V nominal, ±5 %, 350 mW rating, SOT23 package, no AEC-Q101 qualification | Lacks automotive qualification; higher power rating suits higher-current regulation | Select when higher continuous power (350 mW) is needed and automotive qualification is not required |
| 1N4742A (ON Semiconductor) | 12 V nominal, ±5 %, 1 W rating, DO-41 through-hole package, AEC-Q101 not claimed | Through-hole mounting; 4× higher power but incompatible with SMT assembly and space-constrained boards | Choose for prototyping or high-power linear regulation where board space and assembly method permit through-hole components |
Compared with MMBZ5242B-7-F and 1N4742A, the BZX84-C12/LF1VL uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, SOT23 footprint, and 250 mW rating - making it optimal for automotive SMT designs requiring proven reliability without over-spec'ing power or sacrificing manufacturability.
Availability
BZX84-C12/LF1VL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor biasing, industrial power rail clamping, consumer voltage reference, and medical instrument overvoltage protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for BZX84-C12/LF1VL 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
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.
The BZX84 series was designed as a family of standardized, AEC-Q101-qualified Zener diodes targeting cost-effective voltage regulation and transient protection in automotive and industrial surface-mount systems.
FAQ
What is the exact Zener voltage range for BZX84-C12/LF1VL?
The BZX84-C12/LF1VL has a guaranteed Zener voltage range of 11.4 V to 12.7 V at test current IZ = 5 mA, reflecting its approximately ±5 % tolerance per the NXP Rev. 6 datasheet. This range defines the operational window where the device maintains stable reverse-bias regulation under nominal conditions.
Is BZX84-C12/LF1VL suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, BZX84-C12/LF1VL is AEC-Q101 qualified per Section 8.1 of the NXP datasheet, confirming its reliability for automotive use including under-hood and body electronics. It meets stress test requirements for discrete semiconductors in temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock environments.
What is the maximum reverse current at 10 V for BZX84-C12/LF1VL?
At VR = 10 V and Tj = 25 °C, the reverse current IR for BZX84-C12/LF1VL is guaranteed ≤0.1 μA, as specified in Table 8 of the NXP datasheet. This ultra-low leakage supports energy-efficient biasing in battery-operated and low-power sensor circuits.
Can BZX84-C12/LF1VL be used in place of a 12 V Zener diode with tighter tolerance?
No - BZX84-C12/LF1VL has approximately ±5 % tolerance (11.4–12.7 V), whereas tighter-tolerance variants like BZX84-A12 (±1 %, 11.88–12.12 V) or BZX84-B12 (±2 %, 11.8–12.2 V) are required for applications demanding higher voltage accuracy; substituting C-grade may cause functional margin loss.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient for BZX84-C12/LF1VL?
The thermal resistance from junction to ambient (Rth(j-a)) for BZX84-C12/LF1VL is 500 K/W under standard test conditions: mounted on FR4 PCB with single-sided copper, tin-plated, and using the recommended footprint. This value governs steady-state temperature rise at 250 mW dissipation.
BZX84-C12/LF1VL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- 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:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23 (TO-236AB)
BZX84-C12/LF1VL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZX84-C12/LF1VL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX84-C12/LF1VL 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/LF1VL reliable?
The price and inventory of BZX84-C12/LF1VL 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/LF1VL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX84-C12/LF1VL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX84-C12/LF1VL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZX84-C12/LF1VL?
BZX84-C12/LF1VL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZX84-C12/LF1VL 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/LF1VL?
For technical support, including BZX84-C12/LF1VL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX84-C12/LF1VL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX84-C12/LF1VL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZX84-C12/LF1VL 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/LF1VL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX84-C12/LF1VL?
All BZX84-C12/LF1VL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX84-C12/LF1VL, 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/LF1VL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZX84-C12/LF1VL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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