Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation BZX85C12
- Part No.:
- BZX85C12
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
BZX85C12.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 12V 1.3W DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,276
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Product details
Overview
BZX85C12 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a 1.3W, ±5% tolerance, DO-41 packaged Zener diode with nominal zener voltage 12V (11.4–12.7V range), tested at 9mA, and 350Ω dynamic impedance at IZT - used for low-voltage stabilization and precision voltage reference in DC/DC converters and lighting circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BZX85C12 datasheet, BZX85C12 pinout, BZX85C12 application, or BZX85C12 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 12V nominal zener voltage, 1.3W power rating, DO-41 package compatibility, junction temperature limit of +200°C, and cathode-band polarity marking for reliable board-level integration.
Technical Context
The BZX85C12 operates as a single-die, hermetically sealed glass Zener diode optimized for stable reverse-bias voltage regulation under DC or pulsed conditions (10ms test pulse). Its design supports precise voltage clamping in low-power analog and power-supply feedback paths.
It features a maximum zener impedance of 350Ω at 9mA test current and leakage current ≤0.5µA at 9.1V reverse bias, enabling tight regulation in voltage-reference and overvoltage-protection circuits where thermal stability up to +200°C is required.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VZ (Nominal) | 12 V - precise DC voltage reference point for feedback or clamping |
| VZ Range | 11.4–12.7 V - ±5% tolerance ensures predictable regulation across production lots |
| PD | 1.3 W - maximum continuous power dissipation at 25°C ambient |
| ZZT | 350 Ω - dynamic impedance at 9 mA, determines regulation sensitivity to current variation |
| TJ Max | +200 °C - high junction temperature rating supports operation in thermally demanding environments |
| IR @ VR | ≤0.5 µA at 9.1 V - low leakage preserves accuracy in high-impedance reference nodes |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-41 - axial-leaded, hermetically sealed glass package with pure tin-plated leads (J-STD-002 solderable), cathode indicated by band, weight ≈242 mg.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal / reference ground node in shunt regulator | Connected to lower-potential side; enables reverse-bias operation when cathode is held at higher potential |
| Cathode | Zener breakdown terminal / regulated output node | Marked with band; connected to input supply in shunt configuration to clamp voltage at VZ |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ±5% VZ tolerance | Ensures consistent voltage reference performance without post-manufacturing trimming |
| Hermetically sealed glass case | Provides long-term reliability and moisture resistance in industrial and outdoor environments |
| DO-41 mechanical standardization | Enables drop-in replacement and compatibility with legacy through-hole assembly processes |
| RoHS-compliant construction | Meets global environmental compliance requirements for commercial and industrial PCBs |
Applications
| Low-Voltage Stabilizers | On-Board DC/DC Converters |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing stable bias voltage for op-amps or microcontroller reset circuits in battery-powered devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference regulating supply rail against load and line variations. Use Value: Delivers 12V reference with ≤0.5µA leakage and 350Ω impedance, minimizing error in precision analog stages. | Use Scenario: Setting feedback voltage in isolated flyback or buck converter secondary-side regulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener clamp defining output voltage setpoint in optocoupler-coupled feedback loops. Use Value: Maintains regulation accuracy across -65°C to +200°C junction range, supporting wide-temperature industrial converters. |
| Lighting Applications | Adapters |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage protection and reference in LED driver constant-current control circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage clamp protecting driver IC inputs during transient surges. Use Value: 1.3W power rating absorbs short-duration transients without degradation; glass seal prevents humidity-induced drift. | Use Scenario: Input voltage regulation in wall-mounted AC/DC adapter secondary-side circuitry. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt regulator establishing stable auxiliary supply for control ICs. Use Value: DO-41 package allows manual rework and automated insertion; ±5% tolerance simplifies BOM consolidation across adapter models. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4742A | Same 12V nominal, but ±5% tolerance, 1W power rating, DO-41 package | Lower power handling limits use in sustained 1.3W dissipation scenarios | Select only if thermal margin permits reduced derating or intermittent duty |
| MMBZ5242B | SMD SOT-23 package, 12V, ±5%, 0.35W - not pin-compatible | Requires PCB redesign; suited for space-constrained, high-volume automated assembly | Choose for miniaturized designs where DO-41 footprint is unacceptable |
Compared with 1N4742A and MMBZ5242B, the BZX85C12 offers higher 1.3W power capability in the industry-standard DO-41 through-hole package, making it optimal for robust, serviceable, and thermally demanding linear regulation tasks where SMT is impractical or legacy compatibility is required.
Availability
BZX85C12 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for low-voltage stabilizers, on-board DC/DC converters, and lighting applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant through-hole Zener diodes.
Supply support for BZX85C12 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, rectifiers, Zener diodes, and TVS components for industrial and consumer markets.
The BZX85C12 belongs to TSC's BZX85C series of general-purpose Zener diodes, engineered for cost-effective, high-reliability voltage regulation in power supply, adapter, and lighting systems operating across extended temperature ranges.
FAQ
What is the nominal zener voltage and tolerance of the BZX85C12?
The BZX85C12 has a nominal zener voltage of 12 V with a tolerance of ±5%, corresponding to a guaranteed range of 11.4 V to 12.7 V at 25°C when tested with a 9 mA zener test current. This tolerance is standardized across the BZX85C series and verified per Taiwan Semiconductor's H2301 specification revision.
What is the maximum power dissipation rating for the BZX85C12?
The BZX85C12 is rated for a maximum power dissipation of 1.3 W at 25°C ambient temperature. Derating is required above 25°C per the device's thermal resistance (RθJA = 130°C/W), and the absolute maximum junction temperature remains +200°C - critical for thermal design in enclosed or high-ambient environments.
What package type does the BZX85C12 use, and how is polarity identified?
The BZX85C12 uses the DO-41 axial-leaded package with hermetically sealed glass construction. Polarity is identified by a visible cathode band on the glass body; the banded end is the cathode, and the unmarked end is the anode - essential for correct orientation in shunt regulator configurations.
What is the zener impedance of the BZX85C12, and why does it matter?
The BZX85C12 has a maximum zener impedance (ZZT) of 350 Ω at the 9 mA test current (IZT). This value reflects how tightly the diode maintains its zener voltage under varying current loads; lower impedance yields better regulation stability, especially in feedback and reference applications where supply ripple or load changes occur.
Is the BZX85C12 RoHS compliant and suitable for industrial temperature operation?
Yes, the BZX85C12 is RoHS compliant and rated for junction temperatures from –65°C to +200°C. Its hermetically sealed glass construction and wide operating range make it suitable for industrial, automotive under-hood (non-safety-critical), and outdoor lighting applications where reliability under thermal stress is required.
BZX85C12 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 12 V
- Tolerance:
- ±5%
- Power - Max:
- 1.3 W
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 9 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 500 nA @ 9.1 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.2 V @ 10 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 200°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
BZX85C12 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZX85C12 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZX85C12 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for BZX85C12 reliable?
The price and inventory of BZX85C12 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZX85C12 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZX85C12?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZX85C12 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZX85C12?
BZX85C12 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZX85C12 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BZX85C12?
For technical support, including BZX85C12 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZX85C12 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZX85C12 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZX85C12 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BZX85C12 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZX85C12?
All BZX85C12 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZX85C12, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The BZX85C12 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZX85C12:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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