Diodes Incorporated DDZ9681-7

Overview

DDZ9681-7 from Diodes Incorporated is a surface-mount low-current Zener diode in SOD123 package, rated for 2.4 V nominal zener voltage (min 2.28 V, max 2.52 V) at 50 µA test current, with 500 mW power dissipation on FR-4 PCB at TL = +75°C and 2 µA maximum reverse leakage at VR = 1 V. It serves as a precision voltage reference or clamp in low-power portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the DDZ9681-7 datasheet, DDZ9681-7 pinout, DDZ9681-7 application, or DDZ9681-7 equivalent, this device is selected for battery-powered systems requiring stable low-bias voltage regulation, minimal leakage, and automated assembly compatibility - especially where thermal resistance (RθJA = 340 °C/W) and tight zener tolerance (±5%) are design-critical.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode with a specified test current of 50 µA, enabling accurate voltage stabilization under ultra-low bias conditions. Its 2.4 V nominal zener voltage places it in the low-voltage reference range where temperature coefficient is near zero crossing (≈ –0.02 %/°C per Fig. 17), minimizing drift across ambient temperature.

The SOD123 package provides standardized surface-mount compatibility with cathode band polarity marking, matte tin annealed terminals, and JEDEC Level 1 moisture sensitivity. Thermal performance is defined relative to junction-to-ambient (340 °C/W) and junction-to-lead (150 °C/W) resistances under controlled PCB pad layout per Diodes Incorporated's recommended footprint.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOD123 - surface-mount plastic case (UL 94V-0), 0.01 g weight, cathode indicated by band marking. Dimensions: L = 0.25–0.40 mm, D = 1.40–1.70 mm, E = 2.55–2.85 mm (per DS30410 Rev. 17-2, p.7).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-current Zener reference applications.

Compared with BZX84-C2V4 and MMSZ4676, DDZ9681-7 balances low-leakage operation, SOD123 compactness, and cost-effectiveness for general-purpose 2.4 V clamping - offering optimal trade-off between manufacturability, thermal performance, and qualification coverage (including AEC-Q101 variants).

Availability

DDZ9681-7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable power management, USB-C interface protection, industrial sensor signal conditioning, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle support.

Supply support for DDZ9681-7 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, manufacturing, and sales operations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

The DDZ9678–DDZ9717 series was developed specifically for low-power, low-bias Zener reference applications in space-constrained and battery-sensitive designs - emphasizing tight voltage tolerance, ultra-low leakage, and automated assembly readiness.

FAQ

What is the maximum reverse voltage (V_R) that DDZ9681-7 can withstand before breakdown?

DDZ9681-7 is not characterized for a fixed "maximum reverse voltage" prior to breakdown - it is designed to operate in controlled reverse breakdown. Its specified reverse leakage (I_R ≤ 2 µA) is measured at V_R = 1 V, and breakdown begins near its nominal zener voltage of 2.4 V. Operation above 3.0 V is not recommended without verifying power derating and thermal margin per Figure 1.

Is DDZ9681-7 suitable for use in automotive applications?

Yes - the automotive-qualified variant DDZ9681Q-7 is AEC-Q101 qualified, PPAP capable, and manufactured in IATF 16949 certified facilities. The standard DDZ9681-7 is not automotive-qualified, though its construction and SOD123 package meet many mechanical and environmental requirements used in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems.

Does DDZ9681-7 have a specified zener impedance (Z_ZT) value?

Yes - Figure 11 shows typical zener impedance ≈100 Ω at I_ZT = 50 µA and T_J = 25°C for DDZ9681. This value increases significantly at lower currents and decreases slightly at higher currents, directly impacting regulation accuracy in dynamic load conditions.

Can DDZ9681-7 be used in parallel for higher power handling?

No - Zener diodes exhibit negative temperature coefficients below ~5 V and positive above, causing current hogging and thermal runaway when paralleled. For higher power, use a single higher-rated device (e.g., DDZ9692-7 at 6.8 V, 500 mW) or implement active regulation instead of parallel Zeners.