onsemi BZX84C16_D87Z

Overview

BZX84C16_D87Z from ON Semiconductor (formerly Fairchild) is a 16 V, ±5% tolerance Zener diode in SOT-23 package, rated for 250 mW power dissipation at 25°C ambient, with 40 Ω dynamic impedance at 5 mA test current and 11.2 V reverse breakdown voltage at 50 µA leakage. It provides precision voltage regulation in low-power biasing and reference circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84C16_D87Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 16 V nominal Zener voltage, ±5% tolerance, 40 Ω Zener impedance at 5 mA, 105 pF capacitance at 0 V, and temperature coefficient of +10.4 mV/°C - all critical for stable reference design in portable and industrial electronics.

Technical Context

This device operates as a two-terminal voltage reference diode, conducting in reverse breakdown to maintain a stable voltage across its terminals under controlled current. Its Zener voltage is specified at three test currents (1 mA, 5 mA, 20 mA), with lowest impedance (40 Ω) measured at 5 mA - indicating optimal regulation performance near that bias point.

The BZX84C16_D87Z exhibits a positive temperature coefficient (+10.4 mV/°C), meaning its Zener voltage increases with junction temperature - a key consideration for thermal drift compensation in analog references. Its 105 pF junction capacitance at 0 V reverse bias limits high-frequency noise filtering capability but suits DC and low-frequency stabilization roles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT-23 (TO-236AB), surface-mount, 3-terminal case with anode, cathode, and dummy lead (pin 3 not internally connected). Standard marking "Y5" identifies BZX84C16 variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBZ5245BS-7-F and 1SMA5925BT3G, the BZX84C16_D87Z offers balanced 250 mW power handling and 40 Ω impedance in the industry-standard SOT-23 footprint - making it optimal for space-constrained, moderate-power reference designs where thermal management is limited.

Availability

BZX84C16_D87Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable power management, industrial sensor signal conditioning, automotive body control modules, and IoT edge node voltage supervision requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for BZX84C16_D87Z 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

ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor supplier delivering energy-efficient, intelligent power and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.

The BZX84 series belongs to ON Semiconductor's general-purpose Zener diode product line, engineered for cost-effective, reliable voltage regulation and transient protection in high-volume consumer and industrial electronics.

FAQ

What is the nominal Zener voltage and tolerance of the BZX84C16_D87Z?

The BZX84C16_D87Z has a nominal Zener voltage of 16 V with a tolerance of ±5%, meaning its actual breakdown voltage falls between 15.2 V and 17.2 V at 5 mA test current and 25°C ambient temperature. This tolerance is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table of the official ON Semiconductor datasheet Rev. 1.10, and applies directly to the BZX84C16_D87Z variant marked "Y5".

What is the Zener impedance of the BZX84C16_D87Z and why does it matter?

The BZX84C16_D87Z exhibits a Zener impedance (Z_Z) of 40 Ω when tested at 5 mA, as specified in the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics table. This value indicates how much the output voltage changes per unit change in current - a lower Z_Z means better regulation. For the BZX84C16_D87Z, 40 Ω ensures minimal voltage shift (<40 mV) under ±1 mA load variation, critical for stable reference performance in analog circuits.

Can the BZX84C16_D87Z be used for overvoltage protection?

Yes, the BZX84C16_D87Z can serve as a basic overvoltage clamp, leveraging its 17.2 V maximum Zener voltage (V_ZMAX) and 250 mA repetitive peak forward current rating. However, it is not optimized for fast transients like ESD or lightning surges. For robust protection, the BZX84C16_D87Z is best applied in low-energy, slow-rising overvoltage scenarios - such as supply rail supervision - rather than primary TVS duty. Its behavior in the BZX84C16_D87Z datasheet confirms suitability for clamping up to 250 mA pulses.

What is the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_JA) of the BZX84C16_D87Z?

According to the Absolute Maximum Ratings table in the ON Semiconductor BZX84C3V3–C33 datasheet Rev. 1.10, the BZX84C16_D87Z has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_JA) of 465°C/W when mounted on a standard FR-4 PCB (76.2 mm × 114.3 mm). This value determines how much the junction temperature rises above ambient per milliwatt of dissipated power - for example, at 250 mW, ΔT_J ≈ 116°C - so thermal design must ensure T_J stays ≤150°C.

Is the BZX84C16_D87Z compatible with reflow soldering processes?

Yes, the BZX84C16_D87Z in SOT-23 package is qualified for standard Pb-free reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020. Its maximum peak reflow temperature is 260°C for ≤30 seconds, consistent with IPC-A-610 Class 2/3 requirements. The device's plastic package and internal construction support full compatibility with automated assembly lines, and the BZX84C16_D87Z datasheet explicitly states compliance with moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 1 - meaning floor life is unlimited under dry storage conditions.