Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-C3V3,215

Overview

BZX84-C3V3,215 from Nexperia is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, designed for low-power precision voltage reference and overvoltage protection in signal conditioning and power rail stabilization circuits. It delivers 3.3 V nominal Zener voltage at 5 mA, with 95 Ω max differential resistance, 5 µA max reverse current at 1 V, and 250 mW total power dissipation at 25 °C ambient.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84-C3V3,215 datasheet, BZX84-C3V3,215 pinout, BZX84-C3V3,215 application, or BZX84-C3V3,215 equivalent, this page provides verified circuit role, thermal resistance (330 K/W to solder point), non-repetitive peak reverse power (40 W), temperature coefficient (−3.5 to 0.0 mV/K), and SOT23 terminal mapping for direct PCB layout integration.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode to maintain stable voltage across load variations and supply fluctuations. Its 3.10 V to 3.50 V working voltage range at I_Z = 5 mA ensures predictable clamping behavior under defined bias conditions, while the −3.5 to 0.0 mV/K temperature coefficient enables predictable drift compensation in temperature-sensitive references.

The device features a 500 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance in free air and 330 K/W to solder point, supporting reliable operation up to 150 °C junction temperature. With 40 W non-repetitive peak reverse power handling (100 µs pulse), it withstands transient surges without degradation when used with appropriate series limiting resistors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 (TO-236AB), 3-lead surface-mount plastic package with 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm footprint and 0.45 mm profile; optimized for reflow and wave soldering per IPC-7351B.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBZ5226BS-7-F, BZX84-C3V3,215 offers lower dynamic impedance for improved reference stability; compared with BZX84-C3V3-E3-08, it trades 50 mW power headroom for Nexperia's qualified industrial reliability and tighter thermal resistance control (330 vs. 350 K/W).

Availability

BZX84-C3V3,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microcontroller I/O protection, low-voltage reference generation, and power rail clamp applications requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for BZX84-C3V3,215 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 manufacturing certified to ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and ISO 14001 standards.

The BZX84 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener regulator portfolio, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding repeatable breakdown characteristics and robust surge immunity in consumer, industrial, and computing systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous Zener current for BZX84-C3V3,215 at 70 °C ambient?

At 70 °C ambient, derating applies: P_tot = 250 mW × (1 − (70 − 25)/125) = 140 mW. With V_Z ≈ 3.3 V, max continuous I_Z = 140 mW / 3.3 V ≈ 42 mA. This assumes adequate PCB copper area for thermal conduction; actual current must be limited by series resistor to avoid exceeding junction temperature limits.

Can BZX84-C3V3,215 replace BZX84-B3V3 in an existing design?

Yes, but with trade-offs: BZX84-C3V3,215 has ±5 % tolerance (3.10–3.50 V) versus BZX84-B3V3's ±2 % (3.23–3.37 V). If the application relies on tight voltage matching (e.g., ADC reference), recalibration may be needed. Differential resistance is nearly identical (95 Ω vs. 95 Ω), so regulation stiffness remains unchanged.

Is pin 2 truly unconnected, or can it be used as a heatsink pad?

Pin 2 is internally not connected (n.c.) per Nexperia's official pinning diagram and package drawings. It must remain electrically floating-no solder mask opening, no copper pour, and no routing. Using it as a heatsink pad risks shorting internal die structures and violates JEDEC SOT23 mechanical specifications.

How does the −3.5 to 0.0 mV/K temperature coefficient affect long-term reference stability?

Over −40 to +125 °C, the coefficient causes up to 0.58 V shift (165 K × 3.5 mV/K) in worst-case negative drift. However, since BZX84-C3V3,215 exhibits zero or positive drift above ~2.7 V, actual shift is typically <0.1 V in the 3.3 V variant-verified in Fig. 6 of the datasheet-making it suitable for non-critical references where ±3 % absolute accuracy suffices.