onsemi BZX84C5V6

Overview

BZX84C5V6 from ON Semiconductor (formerly Fairchild) is a 5.6 V ±5% tolerance surface-mount Zener diode in SOT-23 package, rated for 250 mW power dissipation at 25°C ambient, with 40 Ω dynamic impedance at 5 mA test current and 1 µA maximum reverse leakage at 2.0 V. It provides precision voltage regulation in low-power biasing and reference circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84C5V6 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 5.6 V nominal Zener voltage, tight ±5% tolerance, low 40 Ω impedance at 5 mA, 1 µA IR at VR = 2.0 V, and SOT-23 thermal performance with R_JA = 465°C/W.

Technical Context

The BZX84C5V6 operates as a silicon planar epitaxial Zener diode optimized for stable voltage reference and overvoltage protection in space-constrained PCB layouts. Its design targets DC bias networks, analog sensor excitation, and microcontroller reset threshold generation where low quiescent current and predictable knee behavior are required.

It exhibits a negative temperature coefficient of –2.0 mV/°C at 5 mA, enabling predictable drift compensation in temperature-sensitive references. The device is characterized across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range and supports repetitive peak working currents up to 250 mA under pulsed conditions per manufacturer guidance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT-23 (TO-236AB), 3-terminal plastic surface-mount package with cathode-marked lead. Standard footprint compatible with automated placement and reflow soldering.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84C5V6, MMBZ5232BS-7-F offers improved power margin and lower impedance at higher test current, while 1SMA5919BT3G provides significantly higher surge capacity and lower Z_Z in a larger package-both serve distinct trade-offs in size, power, and impedance versus the BZX84C5V6's optimized SOT-23 balance.

Availability

BZX84C5V6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microcontroller reset circuits, ADC reference buffers, LED bias networks, and I/O overvoltage clamps requiring stable component supply and full traceability.

Supply support for BZX84C5V6 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 supplier delivering energy-efficient, intelligent power and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.

The BZX84C5V6 belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy Zener diode portfolio, designed specifically for compact, cost-sensitive voltage reference and protection functions in consumer, computing, and industrial control systems.

FAQ

What is the nominal Zener voltage and tolerance of the BZX84C5V6?

The BZX84C5V6 has a nominal Zener voltage of 5.6 V with a guaranteed tolerance of ±5%, meaning its actual breakdown voltage falls between 5.2 V and 6.0 V when tested at 5 mA. This specification is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table of the official ON Semiconductor datasheet Rev. 1.10. The BZX84C5V6 maintains this tolerance across its full operating temperature range of –55°C to +150°C.

What is the maximum power dissipation rating for the BZX84C5V6 under standard conditions?

The BZX84C5V6 is rated for 250 mW power dissipation at an ambient temperature of 25°C when mounted on a standard FR-4 PCB (76.2 mm × 114.3 mm). This rating assumes natural convection cooling and is derived from its junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 465°C/W. Derating is required above 25°C ambient per the datasheet's thermal curve. The BZX84C5V6 must not exceed this limit to ensure reliability and avoid thermal runaway.

Does the BZX84C5V6 have a specified Zener impedance, and what does it mean for circuit design?

Yes, the BZX84C5V6 has a maximum Zener impedance (Z_Z) of 40 Ω when tested at 5 mA. This value quantifies how much the output voltage changes in response to small variations in current-lower Z_Z means better regulation. In practice, a 40 Ω Z_Z implies that a ±1 mA load change causes approximately ±40 mV output shift. Designers use this parameter to size series resistors and estimate regulation error in BZX84C5V6-based reference circuits.

What is the reverse leakage current specification for the BZX84C5V6, and at what voltage is it measured?

The BZX84C5V6 specifies a maximum reverse leakage current (I_R) of 1 µA at a reverse voltage (V_R) of 2.0 V. This parameter is critical for high-impedance applications such as voltage dividers feeding comparator inputs or microcontroller ADC references. At 2.0 V-well below its 5.2 V minimum Zener voltage-the BZX84C5V6 remains effectively non-conductive, minimizing error contributions. This value is verified per the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics table.

Is the BZX84C5V6 available in tape-and-reel packaging for automated assembly?

Yes, the BZX84C5V6 is supplied in EIA-481-compliant tape-and-reel packaging suitable for high-speed pick-and-place equipment. Standard reels contain 3,000 units per reel, with carrier tape pitch of 4 mm and pocket depth optimized for SOT-23 devices. This packaging format ensures consistent orientation (cathode mark aligned), static protection, and compatibility with industry-standard SMT lines. Aetrix Electronics stocks BZX84C5V6 in full tape-and-reel configuration for production deployment.