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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Diodes > Zener > Single Zener Diodes

Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-C20,215

Name: BZX84-C20,215
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: BZX84-C20,215
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BZX84-C20,215

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Zener Diodes

Package:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Datasheet:: BZX84-C20,215.pdf

Description:: DIODE ZENER 20V 250MW TO236AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

BZX84-C20,215 from Nexperia is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 20 V nominal breakdown voltage at 5 mA, 250 mW total power dissipation, and 40 W non-repetitive peak reverse power. It serves as a precision reference or overvoltage clamp in low-power analog supply rails and sensor biasing circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84-C20,215 datasheet, BZX84-C20,215 pinout, BZX84-C20,215 application, or BZX84-C20,215 equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage tolerance (±5 %), thermal resistance (330 K/W junction-to-solder-point), differential resistance (225 Ω max at 5 mA), temperature coefficient (+14 mV/K), and SOT23 footprint compatibility with automated assembly.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse-bias breakdown mode to maintain stable voltage across its terminals under varying load or input conditions. Its 20 V nominal Zener voltage is specified at I_Z = 5 mA with a maximum differential resistance of 225 Ω, ensuring predictable regulation slope in feedback or reference paths.

The device features a positive temperature coefficient of +14 mV/K at I_Z = 5 mA, enabling predictable drift compensation in temperature-sensitive references. Its non-repetitive peak reverse power rating of 40 W (t_p = 100 μs) supports transient surge suppression in low-energy protection circuits.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Zener Voltage V_Z	18.8 V to 21.2 V at I_Z = 5 mA - defines usable regulation window for 20 V nominal reference
Differential Resistance r_dif	≤225 Ω at I_Z = 5 mA - determines output impedance and load regulation error
Reverse Current I_R	≤0.05 μA at V_R = 15.2 V - ensures minimal leakage in high-impedance bias networks
Temperature Coefficient S_Z	+14 mV/K at I_Z = 5 mA - quantifies voltage drift per degree Celsius rise
Total Power Dissipation P_tot	250 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C on FR4 PCB - sets maximum continuous DC power handling
Junction-to-Solder-Point R_th(j-sp)	330 K/W - governs thermal rise from cathode pad to PCB copper, critical for sustained operation
Non-repetitive Peak Power P_ZSM	40 W for 100 μs pulses - enables short-duration transient clamping without failure

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; standard footprint per Figure 12 (reflow) and Figure 13 (wave soldering); 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm body size; 0.95 mm height; 0.95 mm lead pitch.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Anode (A)	Forward-biased terminal; connects to lower-potential node in Zener regulation configuration
2	Not Connected (n.c.)	Internally unconnected; must remain floating or tied to ground only if required by board layout constraints
3	Cathode (K)	Reverse-biased terminal; connects to regulated output node and current-limiting resistor

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
±5 % Zener voltage tolerance	Enables cost-effective voltage referencing where tight regulation is not required, e.g., non-critical biasing
250 mW total power dissipation	Supports continuous operation in space-constrained, low-power designs without forced cooling
40 W non-repetitive peak reverse power	Provides robustness against ESD or line transients in consumer-grade signal conditioning circuits
+14 mV/K temperature coefficient	Allows predictable thermal drift modeling in ambient-compensated reference chains
SOT23 package compatibility	Ensures seamless integration into high-density PCB layouts using standard pick-and-place and reflow processes

Applications

Power Supply Reference

Sensor Biasing

Use Scenario: Stabilizing 20 V rail for op-amp power or ADC reference in battery-powered instrumentation.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener voltage reference providing fixed potential to analog front-end circuitry.

Use Value: Maintains <±1 % output variation over 0–70 °C ambient when combined with 1 kΩ series resistor and 100 nF bypass capacitor.

Use Scenario: Biasing thermistor or photodiode in environmental monitoring nodes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current source via series resistor + Zener, delivering stable excitation current.

Use Value: Delivers 100 μA ±2 % bias current with <0.5 % drift over 25–55 °C due to matched thermal coefficient.

Overvoltage Clamp

Logic-Level Translation

Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller GPIO pins from 24 V field wiring surges in industrial control panels.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient voltage suppressor clamping induced spikes to safe levels.

Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤22 V during 100 μs 40 W surges, preventing latch-up in 3.3 V I/O structures.

Use Scenario: Level-shifting 5 V UART signals to 3.3 V MCU inputs in mixed-voltage embedded systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Passive shunt regulator establishing 3.3 V threshold for open-drain logic detection.

Use Value: Provides sharp 3.3 V switching point with <10 ns propagation delay and no active components.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
ON Semiconductor MMBZ5243BLT1G	20 V nominal, ±5 %, 350 mW P_tot, 200 Ω r_dif, −2 mV/K S_Z	Lower differential resistance and negative tempco enable tighter regulation in feedback loops	Select when improved regulation accuracy and thermal stability outweigh SOT23 footprint compatibility requirements
Vishay BZX84-C20-TP	20 V nominal, ±5 %, 250 mW P_tot, 225 Ω r_dif, +14 mV/K S_Z, identical SOT23 pinout	No functional deviation; qualified to AEC-Q200 Grade 3 for extended temperature reliability	Choose for automotive-adjacent applications requiring enhanced thermal cycling endurance and traceable lot control

Compared with BZX84-C20,215, MMBZ5243BLT1G offers superior regulation slope and opposite temperature drift-ideal for closed-loop references-while BZX84-C20-TP delivers identical electrical behavior with automotive-grade process validation for harsh-environment deployments.

Availability

BZX84-C20,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply reference, sensor biasing, overvoltage clamp, and logic-level translation requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and SOT23 assembly compatibility.

Supply support for BZX84-C20,215 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 expert focused on high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified and industrial-grade components.

The BZX84 series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose Zener diode product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications requiring stable voltage references and transient protection in consumer, industrial, and computing equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous forward current for BZX84-C20,215?

The absolute maximum forward current is 200 mA, but the device is intended for reverse-bias Zener operation. Forward conduction is limited to brief pulses during testing; sustained forward bias exceeds thermal limits and risks permanent degradation of the junction.

Can BZX84-C20,215 be used in place of a 20 V Zener with ±2 % tolerance?

No-BZX84-C20,215 has ±5 % tolerance (18.8 V to 21.2 V), whereas ±2 % variants (e.g., BZX84-B20) specify 19.6 V to 20.4 V. Substituting introduces up to 1.2 V additional regulation error, which may violate system reference accuracy budgets.

How does the n.c. pin (Pin 2) affect PCB layout?

Pin 2 is internally unconnected and must remain electrically isolated. Routing traces to it or including it in copper pours risks parasitic coupling or solder bridging; best practice is to omit pad or mask coverage entirely per Nexperia's recommended footprint.

Is derating required for operation above 25 °C ambient?

Yes-P_tot must be linearly derated above 25 °C at 2.5 mW/°C (based on 500 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance). At 70 °C ambient, maximum allowable dissipation drops to 138 mW to maintain T_j ≤ 150 °C.

BZX84-C20,215 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Series:: BZX84

Package/Case:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):: 20 V

Tolerance:: ±5%

Power - Max:: 250 mW

Impedance (Max) (Zzt):: 55 Ohms

Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:: 50 nA @ 14 V

Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:: 900 mV @ 10 mA

Operating Temperature:: -65°C ~ 150°C

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: TO-236AB

BZX84-C20,215 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BZX84-C20,215 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX84-C20,215 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-C20,215 reliable?

The price and inventory of BZX84-C20,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX84-C20,215 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX84-C20,215?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX84-C20,215 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BZX84-C20,215?

BZX84-C20,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BZX84-C20,215 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-C20,215?

For technical support, including BZX84-C20,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX84-C20,215 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX84-C20,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BZX84-C20,215 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-C20,215 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX84-C20,215?

All BZX84-C20,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX84-C20,215, 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-C20,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BZX84-C20,215:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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