Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-C5V1,215

Overview

BZX84-C5V1,215 from Nexperia is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 5.1 V nominal breakdown at 5 mA, with 480 Ω max differential resistance and 2 μA reverse current at 3.8 V. It delivers stable reference voltage in low-power linear regulators and overvoltage protection circuits for microcontroller I/O rail clamping.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84-C5V1,215 datasheet, BZX84-C5V1,215 pinout, BZX84-C5V1,215 application, or BZX84-C5V1,215 equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage tolerance (±5 %), thermal resistance (330 K/W to solder point), non-repetitive surge capability (6.0 A peak), temperature coefficient (+1.2 mV/K), and SOT23 footprint compatibility with automated PCB assembly.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse-biased breakdown mode to maintain a stable reference voltage across its cathode-anode terminals. Its regulation performance is defined by differential resistance (480 Ω max at 5 mA), temperature coefficient (+1.2 mV/K), and low leakage (2 μA at VR = 3.8 V).

The device supports transient suppression via non-repetitive 100 μs surges up to 6.0 A (40 W peak), while steady-state dissipation is limited to 250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C on FR4 PCB. Junction-to-solder-point thermal resistance is 330 K/W, enabling reliable operation in compact consumer and industrial PCB layouts.

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 gull-wing lead form compatible with reflow and wave soldering per Figures 12–13 of the datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C5V1,215, MMBZ5221BS-7-F offers looser regulation (600 Ω vs 480 Ω r_dif) and opposite temperature drift, while BZX84-C5V1-E3-08 is electrically identical-making it ideal for second-source assurance without design revision.

Availability

BZX84-C5V1,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microcontroller I/O protection, low-power voltage reference, and DC-DC feedback clamp applications requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and SOT23 footprint reliability.

Supply support for BZX84-C5V1,215 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 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 regulator portfolio, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding stable voltage references and robust transient protection without active circuitry.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous power dissipation for BZX84-C5V1,215 at 70 °C ambient?

At 70 °C ambient, the device must be derated from its 250 mW rating at 25 °C using the 500 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance. Derating yields approximately 138 mW maximum continuous dissipation-calculated as 250 mW × (1 − (70 − 25)/150), respecting the 150 °C max junction temperature limit.

Can BZX84-C5V1,215 replace a 5.0 V Zener in an existing design?

Yes, provided the application tolerates 4.80–5.40 V regulation range and 2 μA leakage at 3.8 V. Its 5.1 V nominal value falls within typical 5.0 V design margins, and the ±5 % tolerance aligns with standard industrial reference requirements-no circuit modification is needed for most clamping or supervisory uses.

Why does Pin 2 show 'n.c.' and how should it be handled on the PCB?

Pin 2 is internally not connected and serves only as mechanical support in the SOT23 mold compound. It must remain unconnected on the PCB-no trace, pad, or solder mask opening is required. Routing or grounding this pin risks mechanical stress or unintended parasitic coupling in high-frequency layouts.

How does the +1.2 mV/K temperature coefficient affect long-term voltage accuracy?

Over a 100 °C junction temperature swing (25 °C to 125 °C), the coefficient causes +120 mV drift-approximately +2.4 % of nominal 5.1 V. This is acceptable for non-precision functions like power-good detection but requires compensation (e.g., matched NTC thermistor) in analog measurement references demanding <0.5 % total error.