Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation BZX84C16

Overview

BZX84C16 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a surface-mount Zener diode engineered for precision voltage regulation and reference applications, with a nominal Zener voltage of 16 V (min 15.3 V, max 17.1 V), 300 mW power dissipation, 40 Ω dynamic impedance at 5 mA test current, and operating junction temperature up to +150 °C. It serves as a stable voltage clamp in DC/DC converters, LED lighting drivers, and low-voltage adapter circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84C16 datasheet, BZX84C16 pinout, BZX84C16 application, or BZX84C16 equivalent, key selection criteria include its SOT-23 package compatibility, ±0.5 V tolerance at 11.2 mA zener current, -2.0 mV/°C temperature coefficient, and suitability for automated reflow assembly per J-STD-020 Level 1 moisture sensitivity.

Technical Context

The BZX84C16 operates as a single-die, silicon planar Zener diode optimized for stable reverse-bias breakdown at 16 V under controlled test conditions (IZT = 5 mA). Its design supports low-leakage operation (≤0.1 µA at VR = 11.2 V) and maintains predictable voltage regulation across ambient temperatures from –65 °C to +150 °C.

Thermal performance is defined by a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 417 °C/W in free-air conditions, requiring careful PCB copper area allocation for sustained 300 mW dissipation. The device exhibits a negative temperature coefficient of –2.0 mV/°C, enabling predictable drift compensation in reference designs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT-23 - compact 3-terminal plastic surface-mount package with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94V-0 rated molding compound, and 8 mg typical weight.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBZ5245B and Vishay BZX84-C16, the BZX84C16 delivers superior power handling (300 mW vs. 200 mW) and lower dynamic impedance, making it optimal for high-stability reference designs where thermal headroom and regulation precision are critical.

Availability

BZX84C16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED lighting drivers, USB-C adapter feedback circuits, and industrial sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for BZX84C16 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

Taiwan Semiconductor Company (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in discrete power devices, analog ICs, and ESD protection solutions since 1979.

The BZX84C16 belongs to TSC's BZX84C series of surface-mount Zener diodes, designed specifically for high-reliability, automated-assembly voltage reference and stabilization in consumer, industrial, and computing power systems.

FAQ

What is the exact Zener voltage tolerance for BZX84C16 at 5 mA test current?

The BZX84C16 has a guaranteed Zener voltage range of 15.3 V to 17.1 V at IZT = 5 mA, corresponding to ±0.7 V (±4.4%) tolerance around the nominal 16 V rating. This specification is verified per Taiwan Semiconductor's F2001 datasheet, Table "ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS", and applies under pulse-test conditions (300 µs width, 5 ms period).

Does BZX84C16 support lead-free reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020?

Yes, BZX84C16 is rated Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 per J-STD-020, meaning it can undergo standard lead-free reflow profiles (peak 260 °C) without baking or dry-pack requirements. Its matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 for solderability, and the UL 94V-0 molding compound withstands repeated thermal cycling.

What is the maximum reverse leakage current for BZX84C16, and at what voltage is it specified?

The maximum reverse leakage current for BZX84C16 is 0.1 µA, measured at VR = 11.2 V (70% of nominal VZ). This value is confirmed in the "ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS" table of the Taiwan Semiconductor datasheet and reflects ultra-low standby power draw essential for battery-backed or energy-harvesting applications.

Can BZX84C16 be used in place of BZX84C15 in a voltage reference circuit?

Substituting BZX84C16 for BZX84C15 introduces a 1 V higher nominal Zener voltage (16 V vs. 15 V), altering reference thresholds and potentially violating downstream IC input limits. While both share identical SOT-23 packaging and thermal ratings, the 6.7% voltage difference requires circuit recalibration - BZX84C16 is not a drop-in replacement unless the design accommodates this shift.

Is BZX84C16 halogen-free and RoHS compliant?

Yes, BZX84C16 is halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21 and fully RoHS compliant, as stated in the "FEATURES" section of the Taiwan Semiconductor datasheet. The "G" suffix variant (e.g., BZX84C16 RFG) explicitly denotes green compound construction, but even standard BZX84C16 RF meets these environmental standards.