onsemi BZX84C3V6_D87Z

Overview

BZX84C3V6_D87Z from ON Semiconductor (formerly Fairchild) 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 provides precision voltage regulation in low-power biasing and reference circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84C3V6_D87Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include zener voltage tolerance, thermal resistance (R_JA = 465°C/W), junction temperature range (–55°C to +150°C), and compatibility with FR-4 PCB mounting per JEDEC MO-203.

Technical Context

This device operates as a silicon planar epitaxial Zener diode optimized for stable voltage reference and overvoltage protection in space-constrained designs. Its 3.6 V nominal breakdown voltage is specified at I_Z = 5.0 mA, with tight 5% tolerance (C-grade) and temperature coefficient of –3.5 mV/°C.

The BZX84C3V6_D87Z exhibits low forward voltage (≤0.9 V at 10 mA), 450 pF capacitance at 0 V reverse bias (1 MHz), and supports repetitive peak working current up to 250 mA. Junction-to-lead thermal resistance is 220°C/W, enabling reliable operation under pulsed conditions when properly heatsinked via cathode lead.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT-23 (JEDEC MO-203AA), surface-mount, 3-terminal plastic case with cathode marked by band.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBZ5226BS-7-F and BZX84-C3V6,115, the BZX84C3V6_D87Z offers identical voltage regulation performance and thermal behavior on FR-4 boards, but its 250 mW limit and 465°C/W R_JA require stricter ambient temperature control in high-density layouts.

Availability

BZX84C3V6_D87Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply reference, overvoltage clamp, and low-power bias network applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for BZX84C3V6_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 manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The BZX84 series was designed as a general-purpose, low-cost Zener diode family for voltage regulation and protection in space-constrained PCBs, emphasizing SOT-23 compatibility and broad parametric coverage from 3.3 V to 33 V.

FAQ

What is the exact Zener voltage range for BZX84C3V6_D87Z at 5 mA test current?

The BZX84C3V6_D87Z has a guaranteed Zener voltage range of 3.4 V to 3.8 V when tested at I_Z = 5.0 mA and T_A = 25°C, per its ±5% C-grade tolerance. This range remains valid across the full operating junction temperature span (–55°C to +150°C), with predictable drift governed by its –3.5 mV/°C temperature coefficient. The BZX84C3V6_D87Z datasheet specifies no additional binning beyond this tolerance band.

Can BZX84C3V6_D87Z be used in place of BZX84C3V3 for 3.3 V reference applications?

No - the BZX84C3V6_D87Z is not a substitute for BZX84C3V3 in 3.3 V reference designs. Its minimum Zener voltage is 3.4 V, exceeding the 3.1–3.5 V range of BZX84C3V3. Using BZX84C3V6_D87Z would raise the regulated rail by at least 0.3 V, potentially violating downstream IC voltage tolerances. The BZX84C3V6_D87Z must be selected only where 3.6 V nominal regulation is explicitly required.

What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous 250 mW operation of BZX84C3V6_D87Z?

The BZX84C3V6_D87Z is rated for 250 mW dissipation only at T_A = 25°C. Due to its R_JA of 465°C/W, power must be linearly derated above 25°C: maximum P_D = 250 mW × [1 – (T_A – 25)/125]. Full derating occurs at T_A = 150°C, where P_D = 0 mW. For reliable 250 mW operation, ambient must remain ≤25°C; at 75°C, max P_D drops to 150 mW. The BZX84C3V6_D87Z thermal model assumes FR-4 board mounting per JEDEC standards.

Does BZX84C3V6_D87Z support bidirectional ESD protection?

No - the BZX84C3V6_D87Z is a unidirectional Zener diode optimized for reverse-bias regulation. It conducts significantly only when cathode is biased ≥3.4 V above anode. In forward bias, it behaves as a standard silicon diode (V_F ≤ 0.9 V at 10 mA), offering no symmetric clamping. For bidirectional ESD protection, dedicated TVS diodes such as PESD5V0S1BA should be used instead of BZX84C3V6_D87Z.

Is the cathode terminal of BZX84C3V6_D87Z electrically connected to the exposed pad or case?

No - the BZX84C3V6_D87Z in SOT-23 package has no exposed thermal pad. Its cathode terminal connects solely to Pin 2 (center lead) and is internally bonded to the die's p-type region. Thermal transfer occurs through the cathode lead to the PCB copper, with junction-to-lead resistance specified as 220°C/W. There is no metal case or thermal slug; mechanical mounting relies entirely on solder joint integrity to the cathode pad. This applies strictly to the BZX84C3V6_D87Z variant.