Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84-C5V1/DG/B3R

Overview

BZX84-C5V1/DG/B3R from Nexperia is a 5.1 V ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 250 mW total power dissipation at 25 °C ambient, with 480 Ω max differential resistance at 5 mA and 2 µA max reverse current at 3.8 V. It serves as a precision reference or low-power shunt regulator in voltage stabilization circuits for microcontroller I/O protection and sensor biasing.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84-C5V1/DG/B3R datasheet, BZX84-C5V1/DG/B3R pinout, BZX84-C5V1/DG/B3R application, or BZX84-C5V1/DG/B3R equivalent, key selection criteria include its ±5 % tolerance, 5.1 V nominal Zener voltage at 5 mA, non-repetitive peak reverse power capability of 40 W, thermal resistance of 500 K/W junction-to-ambient, and SOT23-compatible footprint for space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This device operates in reverse breakdown mode to maintain stable DC voltage across its cathode-anode terminals under varying load or supply conditions. Its Zener voltage is specified at 5.1 V with ±5 % tolerance (4.8 V to 5.4 V), measured at 5 mA test current, and exhibits a temperature coefficient of −2.7 mV/K to +1.2 mV/K over 25–150 °C.

The diode features a maximum differential resistance of 480 Ω at 5 mA, enabling predictable regulation slope, and supports non-repetitive surge currents up to 6.0 A (100 µs pulse). Its 330 K/W junction-to-solder-point thermal resistance facilitates heat transfer through the cathode pad during transient operation.

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 standard FR4 reflow soldering land pattern (0.6 mm pad width, 0.5 mm spacing).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBZ5222BS, BZX84-C5V1/DG/B3R offers higher surge power (40 W vs. 25 W) and greater continuous dissipation (250 mW vs. 225 mW), while Vishay's BZX84-C5V1-TP matches all electrical and mechanical parameters-making it ideal for seamless qualification in high-reliability manufacturing.

Availability

BZX84-C5V1/DG/B3R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microcontroller I/O protection, sensor bias reference, and power supply pre-regulation requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and SOT23 footprint compatibility.

Supply support for BZX84-C5V1/DG/B3R 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 high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified and industrial-grade components.

The BZX84 series belongs to Nexperia's voltage regulator diode product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications requiring stable DC references and robust transient suppression in consumer, industrial, and computing systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous Zener current for BZX84-C5V1/DG/B3R at 70 °C ambient?

At 70 °C ambient, derating applies: P_tot drops linearly from 250 mW at 25 °C to 0 mW at 150 °C. At 70 °C, allowable power is 187.5 mW. With V_Z ≈ 5.1 V, max continuous current is ~36.8 mA - calculated as 187.5 mW ÷ 5.1 V, assuming negligible forward drop and stable regulation.

Can BZX84-C5V1/DG/B3R replace a 5.6 V Zener in a 5 V rail clamp circuit?

No - its 5.1 V nominal Zener voltage (4.8–5.4 V range) is specifically designed for clamping near 5 V logic levels. Using it in place of a 5.6 V part would reduce clamping threshold by ~0.5 V, potentially allowing damaging overvoltage on downstream 5 V components before conduction begins.

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

Pin 2 is internally not connected; it exists solely for mechanical symmetry and SOT23 standardization. On PCB layout, it may be left unconnected or tied to ground for improved thermal conduction or EMI shielding - but must never be routed to active circuitry, as no internal bond wire connects to it.

How does the −2.7 mV/K to +1.2 mV/K temperature coefficient affect long-term voltage stability?

This coefficient means V_Z drifts by up to ±12.8 mV over a 50 °C rise (e.g., 25 °C to 75 °C), translating to ±0.25 % change relative to 5.1 V. For applications requiring <0.1 % stability, external compensation or higher-precision references (e.g., bandgap-based) are recommended.