Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-C33,215

Overview

BZX84-C33,215 from Nexperia is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 33 V nominal breakdown voltage at I_Z = 2 mA, with 250 mW total power dissipation and 45 Ω maximum differential resistance. It operates across −55 °C to +150 °C ambient range and serves as a precision reference or overvoltage clamp in low-power analog supply rails.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84-C33,215 datasheet, BZX84-C33,215 pinout, BZX84-C33,215 application, or BZX84-C33,215 equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage tolerance (±5 %), thermal resistance (330 K/W junction-to-solder-point), non-repetitive peak reverse current (0.9 A), temperature coefficient (+23.1 mV/K), and SOT23 footprint compatibility with automated PCB assembly.

Technical Context

This device functions as a two-terminal shunt voltage regulator, maintaining stable output voltage by conducting reverse current above its specified Zener breakdown threshold. Its operation relies on controlled avalanche breakdown in silicon, with voltage regulation defined at I_Z = 2 mA and characterized up to 150 °C junction temperature.

Designed for surface-mount use on FR4 PCBs with standard SOT23 footprints, it features a not-connected (n.c.) terminal (Pin 2) to enable mechanical stability without electrical function-distinct from dual-anode or cathode-tied configurations. Thermal performance is specified with R_th(j-sp) = 330 K/W to the cathode solder point, critical for transient power handling.

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 per Figure 11.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBZ5262B,215, BZX84-C33,215 offers 45 Ω vs. 70 Ω differential resistance and 0.9 A vs. 0.5 A peak surge current-critical for precision references and transient clamping. Against BZX84-C33,115, only packaging quantity differs; both share identical electrical behavior and thermal characteristics.

Availability

BZX84-C33,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, portable medical monitors, and automotive body-control modules requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for BZX84-C33,215 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, headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands, with manufacturing in Asia and Europe.

The BZX84 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener diode product line, engineered for low-power voltage regulation and reference applications where compact size, tight tolerance variants, and robust surge handling are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse current this diode can sustain at 33 V?

The BZX84-C33,215 does not specify a maximum continuous reverse current rating. Instead, its safe operating limit is governed by total power dissipation: at 33 V, the maximum continuous Zener current is 7.6 mA (250 mW ÷ 33 V), assuming T_amb ≤ 25 °C and standard FR4 PCB mounting. Derating applies above 25 °C ambient per thermal resistance data.

Can Pin 2 be grounded or left floating in PCB layout?

Pin 2 is explicitly marked "not connected" (n.c.) in the datasheet and must remain electrically unconnected-neither grounded nor tied to any net. It serves only as a mechanical anchor; connecting it risks introducing parasitic capacitance or leakage paths that degrade Zener voltage stability and temperature coefficient performance.

How does the +23.1 mV/K temperature coefficient affect regulation accuracy over temperature?

At 33 V nominal, a +23.1 mV/K coefficient means the Zener voltage increases by ~23.1 mV per Kelvin rise in junction temperature. Over a 125 K range (−55 °C to +70 °C ambient, assuming typical ΔT), this yields ~2.9 V total drift-requiring compensation in high-accuracy references. The coefficient is measured at I_Z = 2 mA and varies slightly with current.

Is this part qualified for automotive applications?

No. Per Nexperia's Revision History (Section 13), the BZX84 series was changed to non-automotive qualification in Rev. 7 (2023). Automotive-grade alternatives-such as the BZX84-Q series-are separately qualified to AEC-Q101 and documented on nexperia.com; BZX84-C33,215 lacks automotive test documentation and is intended for industrial, consumer, and computing applications only.