Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-C15,215

Overview

BZX84-C15,215 from Nexperia is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 15 V nominal breakdown at 5 mA, with 250 mW total power dissipation and 75 Ω maximum differential resistance, used for precision low-power voltage reference and overvoltage protection in power supply feedback loops.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84-C15,215 datasheet, BZX84-C15,215 pinout, BZX84-C15,215 application, or BZX84-C15,215 equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage tolerance (±5 %), thermal resistance (330 K/W to solder point), non-repetitive peak reverse current (2.0 A), temperature coefficient (+9.2 mV/K at 5 mA), and SOT23 footprint compatibility with automated PCB assembly.

Technical Context

This device operates as a two-terminal shunt regulator, maintaining stable reverse-biased conduction above its specified Zener voltage (13.8 V to 15.6 V) with minimal dynamic impedance. Its junction-to-solder-point thermal resistance of 330 K/W enables reliable operation under pulsed load conditions when mounted on standard FR4 PCBs.

The diode exhibits a positive temperature coefficient of +9.2 mV/K at I_Z = 5 mA, indicating increasing breakdown voltage with rising junction temperature - a critical factor in thermal design of voltage reference circuits where ambient drift compensation is required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 (TO-236AB), 3-lead surface-mount plastic package with standard footprint per Figure 12 (reflow) and Figure 13 (wave soldering); dimensions 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C15,215, MMBZ5245BS-7-F offers superior regulation stability at higher currents due to lower dynamic impedance, while BZX84-C15-E3-08 provides greater thermal headroom without footprint change - both require validation of marking compatibility and long-term availability against Nexperia's production roadmap.

Availability

BZX84-C15,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply feedback reference, overvoltage protection clamp, and low-power sensor biasing requiring stable component supply and consistent SOT23 packaging.

Supply support for BZX84-C15,215 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 production of discrete, logic, and MOSFET devices with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.

The BZX84 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener diode product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding stable voltage regulation in consumer, industrial, and computing power systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse current for BZX84-C15,215 at 25 °C ambient?

The device does not specify a maximum continuous reverse current independent of power dissipation. At 25 °C ambient, it sustains up to 16.7 mA continuously (250 mW ÷ 15 V) before exceeding its 250 mW total power limit. Derating is required above 25 °C per the thermal resistance curve in the datasheet.

Can BZX84-C15,215 replace BZX84-B15 in an existing design?

Yes, but with trade-offs: BZX84-C15 has ±5 % tolerance (13.8–15.6 V) versus BZX84-B15's tighter ±2 % (14.7–15.3 V). If the circuit relies on precise 15 V regulation, output variation may increase by up to ±0.3 V. Verify stability margins and worst-case voltage compliance before substitution.

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

Pin 2 is electrically unconnected (n.c.) per Table 2 and Figure 11. It serves only as a mechanical support tab for die attachment inside the SOT23 mold compound and must not be soldered or routed on the PCB - doing so risks shorting internal structures or compromising thermal performance.

How does the +9.2 mV/K temperature coefficient affect long-term voltage accuracy?

At I_Z = 5 mA, a +9.2 mV/K coefficient means the Zener voltage increases by 9.2 mV per °C rise in junction temperature. Over a 100 °C junction range (25–125 °C), this introduces up to +0.92 V drift - requiring thermal design to limit ΔT or system-level calibration if sub-1 % absolute accuracy is needed.