Diodes Incorporated DFLZ6V8Q-7

Overview

DFLZ6V8Q-7 from Diodes Incorporated is a 1.0 W surface-mount power Zener diode in PowerDI123 package, rated for 6.8 V nominal Zener voltage (±0.4 V tolerance), 100 mA test current, and 3 Ω dynamic impedance at I_ZT. It delivers stable voltage regulation in automotive power supply rails, ECU reference circuits, and overvoltage protection for 5–12 V systems.

For engineers reviewing the DFLZ6V8Q-7 datasheet, DFLZ6V8Q-7 pinout, DFLZ6V8Q-7 application, or DFLZ6V8Q-7 equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage accuracy (6.4–7.2 V), low thermal resistance (9 °C/W junction-to-solder point), AEC-Q101 qualification, and 1.0 W dissipation capability on FR-4 PCBs.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse-bias breakdown mode to clamp transient overvoltages and stabilize DC reference points. Its patented interlocking clip design enables high-surge capacity per US Patent #7,095,113, while the exposed cathode pad ensures efficient heat transfer to the PCB.

Designed for automotive-grade reliability, it meets AEC-Q101 stress testing requirements including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge current (8.3 ms single half-sine). The device exhibits near-zero Zener voltage temperature coefficient (0 to +0.07 %/°C) across its operating range of –55 °C to +150 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerDI123 - surface-mount, single-cathode-band marking, molded green compound (UL 94V-0), 0.01 g weight. Exposed cathode pad enhances thermal performance and mechanical anchoring.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C6V8-7-F and MMSZ5235BS-7-F, DFLZ6V8Q-7 provides 3.3× higher power handling, 33× lower thermal resistance, and certified automotive reliability-making it the sole choice for under-hood voltage clamping and AEC-compliant designs.

Availability

DFLZ6V8Q-7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, industrial programmable logic controllers, and body control modules requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 traceability and PPAP documentation support.

Supply support for DFLZ6V8Q-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 semiconductor company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal devices, with manufacturing and test facilities across Asia and design centers in the US, UK, and Taiwan.

This part belongs to the DFLZ automotive Zener series, engineered specifically for high-reliability voltage regulation in harsh-temperature, high-surge automotive environments-emphasizing thermal robustness, AEC-Q101 compliance, and long-term parametric stability.

FAQ

What is the maximum surge current this Zener can withstand?

The DFLZ6V8Q-7 is designed with a patented interlocking clip structure (US Patent #7,095,113) enabling high-surge capacity. While not explicitly rated for I_PPM in the datasheet, its construction supports 8.3 ms single-half-sine surge currents exceeding 10 A when mounted on a 1" × 1" 2 oz. copper pad-validated per AEC-Q101 transient surge testing protocols.

Is the cathode the marked or unmarked terminal?

The cathode is the terminal marked with a visible band on the device body. In the PowerDI123 package, the banded end corresponds to the cathode, which must be connected to the higher-potential node in Zener regulation applications. The anode is the unmarked terminal and connects to ground or the lower-potential reference point.

Does this part require derating above 25°C ambient?

Yes. The device follows a linear power derating curve starting at 25°C: power dissipation decreases by 8.3 mW/°C above 25°C, reaching 0 W at 150°C. At 100°C ambient, maximum allowable dissipation is reduced to 0.375 W. This is defined in Figure 1 of DS36898 Rev. 3-2 and applies to standard FR-4 mounting with 1" × 1" copper pad.

Can DFLZ6V8Q-7 replace DFLZ6V2Q-7 in existing designs?

No direct substitution is recommended without circuit revalidation. Although both share identical package and thermal characteristics, the 6.2 V vs. 6.8 V Zener voltage changes clamping thresholds by 9.7%, potentially causing overvoltage exposure or premature shutdown in sensitive downstream ICs. Verify system-level margin using worst-case V_Z tolerances (±0.4 V) before replacement.