Diodes Incorporated BZX84C5V1-7

Overview

BZX84C5V1-7 from Diodes Incorporated is a 350 mW surface-mount Zener diode with nominal zener voltage 5.1 V ±0.3 V at 5 mA test current, 60 Ω dynamic impedance at 5 mA, and -2.7 mV/°C temperature coefficient. It operates from -65 °C to +150 °C and is used for precision voltage regulation and overvoltage protection in low-power analog sensor interfaces and microcontroller reference circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84C5V1-7 datasheet, BZX84C5V1-7 pinout, BZX84C5V1-7 application, or BZX84C5V1-7 equivalent, key selection criteria include zener voltage tolerance (±5.9%), thermal coefficient stability, SOT23 package compatibility with automated placement, and compliance with AEC-Q101 for automotive-grade reliability.

Technical Context

This device uses planar die construction to ensure stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage across temperature. Its 5.1 V zener voltage is specified at 5 mA test current, with 480 Ω maximum impedance at knee current (1 mA) and 2 µA maximum reverse current at 2 V.

The SOT23 package delivers 357 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance under free-air conditions, enabling reliable operation up to 150 °C junction temperature. The -2.7 mV/°C temperature coefficient indicates predictable voltage drift with ambient changes, critical for reference stability in unregulated supply rails.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 - three-terminal surface-mount plastic package with matte tin-plated alloy 42 leadframe, UL 94V-0 rated molding compound, and moisture sensitivity level 1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBZ5221BS-7-F, BZX84C5V1-7 offers 3.5× higher power margin and AEC-Q101 qualification but trades off 3.5× higher impedance; versus 1N4733A, it enables miniaturization and automated assembly while reducing thermal derating complexity on dense PCBs.

Availability

BZX84C5V1-7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial sensor signal conditioning, and portable medical device power management requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for BZX84C5V1-7 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design centers across Asia and manufacturing in China and Taiwan.

The BZX84 series belongs to Diodes' precision Zener diode product line, engineered specifically for voltage regulation, reference, and protection in space-constrained, high-reliability applications including automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse voltage this Zener can handle before breakdown?

The BZX84C5V1-7 has a nominal zener voltage of 5.1 V with a guaranteed range of 4.8 V to 5.4 V at 5 mA test current. It begins controlled breakdown at the lower end of that range and maintains regulation up to its 350 mW power limit. Sustained reverse voltage below 4.8 V results in negligible conduction (<2 µA at 2 V).

Is this part suitable for automotive applications?

Yes - BZX84C5V1-7 is explicitly qualified to AEC-Q101 standards, tested for high-temperature operation up to +150 °C, and manufactured with green, halogen-free materials compliant with RoHS 3. It is approved for use in engine control units, infotainment systems, and ADAS sensor modules.

How does the -2.7 mV/°C temperature coefficient affect circuit performance?

This coefficient means the zener voltage decreases by 2.7 mV per degree Celsius rise in junction temperature. Over a 100 °C range (−40 °C to +60 °C), total drift is approximately ±270 mV - a 5.3% shift from 5.1 V. Designers compensate using temperature-stable resistor dividers or select adjacent voltage grades for tighter net drift.

Can this Zener be used in parallel for higher power handling?

No - Zener diodes exhibit manufacturing variations in breakdown voltage, causing current hogging when paralleled. Even matched units from the same reel show >5% V_Z spread, leading to thermal runaway. For higher power, use a single higher-rated device like the 1N5338B (15 V, 5 W) or implement active regulation with a transistor pass element.