Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-C4V3,235

Overview

BZX84-C4V3,235 from Nexperia is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 4.3 V nominal breakdown voltage at 5 mA, 250 mW total power dissipation, and 3 μA reverse current at 1 V, used for precision low-power voltage reference and overvoltage protection in sensor signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84-C4V3,235 datasheet, BZX84-C4V3,235 pinout, BZX84-C4V3,235 application, or BZX84-C4V3,235 equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage tolerance (±5 %), differential resistance (≤90 Ω), thermal resistance (330 K/W to solder point), and non-repetitive peak reverse power capability (40 W).

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse-biased breakdown mode with a specified 4.3 V nominal working voltage at I_Z = 5 mA, exhibiting a temperature coefficient of −3.5 mV/K and differential resistance ≤90 Ω under test conditions. Its junction-to-solder-point thermal resistance is 330 K/W, enabling stable regulation in compact PCB layouts with standard FR4 mounting.

The device supports transient suppression via non-repetitive 40 W peak reverse power handling (100 μs pulse), while maintaining low reverse leakage (≤3 μA at V_R = 1 V) and forward voltage ≤0.9 V at 10 mA - critical for bidirectional clamping and low-drop reference designs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, and tin-plated copper terminations compatible with reflow and wave soldering per IPC-7095.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBZ5225BS-7-F, BZX84-C4V3,235 offers lower dynamic impedance (90 Ω vs. 100 Ω) for tighter regulation, while BZX84-C4V3,215 provides identical performance in higher-density packaging - making the 235 variant optimal for mid-volume production with balanced reel utilization.

Availability

BZX84-C4V3,235 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, USB port protection circuits, microcontroller reset generation, and automotive body control module supply monitoring requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for BZX84-C4V3,235 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 essential efficiency technologies, delivering high-performance, reliable discrete, logic, and MOSFET solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The BZX84 series belongs to Nexperia's precision Zener diode product line, engineered for low-power voltage regulation and transient suppression in space-constrained, cost-sensitive applications where ±5 % tolerance meets system-level accuracy requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse current this diode can sustain at 4.3 V?

The BZX84-C4V3,235 is not rated for continuous reverse current at its Zener voltage; it is designed for regulated shunt operation at I_Z = 5 mA. Sustained reverse current above 5 mA requires thermal derating per the 250 mW P_tot limit and junction temperature constraints - exceeding 5 mA continuously risks thermal runaway unless board-level heatsinking is implemented.

Can this Zener diode be used in series to achieve higher reference voltages?

Yes, multiple BZX84-C4V3,235 diodes may be connected in series to sum Zener voltages, but total tolerance accumulates (e.g., two units yield 8.6 V ±7.1 %). Differential resistance also adds linearly, degrading regulation accuracy. For >5 V references, single higher-voltage Zeners like BZX84-C10,235 are preferred to maintain stability and minimize component count.

Is the n.c. pin (pin 2) safe to connect to ground or leave floating on the PCB?

Pin 2 is internally not connected and must remain unconnected on the PCB - neither grounded nor tied to any net. Connecting it risks shorting internal die structures or compromising mechanical integrity during reflow. The SOT23 footprint should assign pin 2 to a non-copper area or thermally isolated pad per Nexperia's recommended land pattern.

How does the −3.5 mV/K temperature coefficient affect regulation accuracy over temperature?

At 4.3 V nominal, the −3.5 mV/K coefficient causes ~−0.35 V drift over a 100 K range (−40 °C to +60 °C), resulting in ~8 % relative change. This is acceptable for non-precision functions like overvoltage detection but unsuitable for high-accuracy references; compensation techniques (e.g., complementary diodes or resistor networks) are needed for <±0.5 % stability across full industrial range.