onsemi BZX84C3V6

Overview

BZX84C3V6 from Fairchild Semiconductor is a 3.6 V ±5% Zener diode in SOT-23 package, rated for 250 mW power dissipation at 25°C ambient, with 90 Ω dynamic impedance at 5 mA test current and 5.0 μA maximum reverse leakage at 1.0 V. It serves as a precision voltage reference or overvoltage clamp in low-power analog signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84C3V6 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its tight 5% tolerance, low 90 Ω Zener impedance at 5 mA, stable temperature coefficient of –3.5 mV/°C, and compatibility with standard SOT-23 PCB footprints for space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The BZX84C3V6 operates as a silicon planar Zener diode optimized for voltage regulation and reference functions in DC bias networks. Its breakdown mechanism is predominantly Zener-dominated below 5.6 V, delivering predictable, low-noise clamping with minimal voltage drift across temperature.

It is characterized at three test currents (1 mA, 5 mA, 20 mA) to support design flexibility in low-current sensing and higher-current shunt regulation. Reverse leakage remains ≤5.0 μA up to 1.0 V, ensuring minimal quiescent current draw in battery-powered applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23 surface-mount package with cathode-marked lead configuration: Pin 1 = Anode, Pin 2 = Cathode, Pin 3 = Anode (dual-anode construction per Fairchild internal layout). Thermal resistance R_θJA = 465°C/W enables operation up to +150°C junction temperature.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBZ5226BS-7-F and 1SMA5913BT3G, the BZX84C3V6 uniquely balances SOT-23 miniaturization, 250 mW capability, and –3.5 mV/°C tempco-making it optimal for compact, temperature-aware 3.3 V system rails where footprint and thermal trade-offs must be tightly controlled.

Availability

BZX84C3V6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microcontroller I/O protection, ADC reference stabilization, and low-power sensor biasing requiring stable component supply across automotive infotainment, industrial PLC modules, and portable medical devices.

Supply support for BZX84C3V6 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

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The BZX84 series belongs to Fairchild's general-purpose Zener diode product line, designed for cost-effective voltage regulation and transient suppression in consumer, computing, and industrial electronics.

FAQ

What is the nominal Zener voltage and tolerance of the BZX84C3V6?

The BZX84C3V6 has a nominal Zener voltage of 3.6 V with a tolerance of ±5%, meaning its actual breakdown voltage falls between 3.4 V and 3.8 V when tested at 5 mA. This specification is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table of the Fairchild BZX84C3V3–BZX84C33 datasheet Rev. 1.10. The "C" suffix explicitly denotes the 5% tolerance grade, and the BZX84C3V6 is fully characterized across temperature and current conditions in that document.

Does the BZX84C3V6 have a specified forward voltage?

Yes, the BZX84C3V6 has a maximum forward voltage (V_F) of 0.9 V at 10 mA forward current, as stated in the datasheet's "VF Forward Voltage" note. This parameter applies across the entire BZX84 series and is relevant for applications where the device may conduct in forward bias, such as bidirectional ESD protection or dual-clamp configurations. The value is measured under standardized conditions and does not vary by voltage grade within the family.

What is the Zener impedance of the BZX84C3V6 and why does it matter?

The BZX84C3V6 has a maximum Zener impedance (Z_Z) of 90 Ω at 5 mA test current. This value reflects the dynamic resistance across the breakdown region and directly impacts regulation stability: lower Z_Z means smaller output voltage shifts under varying load current. For example, a ±1 mA change in Zener current causes only ±90 mV variation - critical for precision biasing in analog sensor interfaces where the BZX84C3V6 is commonly deployed.

Can the BZX84C3V6 be used in place of the BZX84C3V3 or BZX84C3V9?

No - the BZX84C3V6 is not a drop-in replacement for BZX84C3V3 (3.3 V) or BZX84C3V9 (3.9 V), as each variant has distinct Zener voltage ratings, temperature coefficients, and impedance profiles. While all share the same SOT-23 package and 5% tolerance, substituting them alters the regulation point by ±0.3 V minimum, which can disrupt circuit functionality in voltage-sensitive applications like ADC references or LDO feedback networks where the BZX84C3V6 is specifically selected.

What is the maximum reverse leakage current for the BZX84C3V6 and at what voltage is it specified?

The BZX84C3V6 has a maximum reverse leakage current (I_R) of 5.0 μA at a reverse voltage (V_R) of 1.0 V, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. This parameter is consistent across the 3.3 V to 3.9 V variants in the BZX84C series and is critical for ultra-low-power applications - for instance, in battery-backed real-time clock biasing, where sub-μA leakage preserves months of shelf life. The value is measured at T_A = 25°C and remains valid per datasheet conditions.