Nexperia USA Inc. BZX84J-C20,115

Overview

BZX84J-C20,115 from Nexperia is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOD323F (SC-90) package, rated for 20 V nominal Zener voltage at 5 mA test current, 550 mW total power dissipation, and AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use. It provides stable reference voltage in low-power biasing, overvoltage clamping, and voltage regulation circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX84J-C20,115 datasheet, BZX84J-C20,115 pinout, BZX84J-C20,115 application, or BZX84J-C20,115 equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage tolerance (±5 %), differential resistance (≤225 Ω at IZ = 5 mA), non-repetitive peak reverse power (40 W), thermal resistance (230 K/W), and automotive qualification status.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown to maintain a stable 20 V reference under controlled current conditions. Its differential resistance of ≤225 Ω at 5 mA ensures minimal voltage variation with load changes, while its temperature coefficient of +14.4 mV/K (typical at IZ = 5 mA) defines predictable drift behavior across operating temperature.

The device supports pulsed operation up to 40 W (tp = 100 μs, square wave, Tj = 25 °C prior to surge) and exhibits low reverse leakage (≤0.05 μA at VR = 18.8 V), enabling reliable clamping in transient suppression and precision reference applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOD323F (SC-90) surface-mount plastic package: ultra-compact 2.3 mm × 1.35 mm footprint, 0.65 mm height, flat lead configuration optimized for high-density PCB layouts and automated assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84J-C20,115, the BZX84-C20,115 lacks automotive qualification but matches electrical specs, while MMSZ5248B-7-F offers tighter rdiff at the cost of larger size and no AEC-Q101 compliance-making the J-series optimal for new automotive or space-constrained industrial designs requiring certified reliability.

Availability

BZX84J-C20,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer power adapter feedback loops, and medical portable device biasing requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for BZX84J-C20,115 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 logic, analog, and discrete devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and efficient manufacturing.

The BZX84J series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified Zener diode product line, engineered specifically for robust voltage regulation and transient protection in harsh automotive and industrial environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous forward current for BZX84J-C20,115?

The absolute maximum forward current is 250 mA per limiting values table. However, forward conduction is not the intended operating mode; the device is designed for reverse-bias Zener regulation. Continuous forward operation above 100 mA risks exceeding junction temperature limits due to VF ≈ 1.1 V at 100 mA, leading to thermal runaway if not actively cooled.

How does the ±5 % tolerance affect regulation accuracy in a 24 V system?

At 20 V nominal, ±5 % tolerance means actual Zener voltage falls between 18.8 V and 21.2 V. In a 24 V system used for overvoltage clamping, this ensures triggering occurs no earlier than 18.8 V and no later than 21.2 V-providing safe margin below 24 V while avoiding premature shutdown during normal transients.

Can BZX84J-C20,115 replace BZX84-C20,115 in an existing design?

Yes, pin-to-pin and electrically identical, but BZX84J-C20,115 adds AEC-Q101 qualification and improved non-repetitive surge capability (40 W vs. unspecified for non-J variant). No layout or schematic change is needed, though automotive applications benefit from the enhanced reliability validation and thermal robustness.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient, and how does it impact PCB layout?

Rth(j-a) is 230 K/W when mounted on FR4 with single-sided 1 cm² cathode pad. This requires careful copper area allocation: reducing pad size increases thermal resistance, risking junction overheating at >300 mW dissipation. For sustained 550 mW operation, thermal vias or multi-layer copper pours are recommended to maintain Tj ≤ 150 °C.