Nexperia USA Inc. HPZR-C21-QX

Overview

HPZR-C21-QX from Nexperia is a high-power Zener voltage regulator diode in CFP3 (SOD123W) package, rated for 5.5 W total power dissipation at 75 °C solder point temperature, with nominal 21 V working voltage (20.0–22.1 V at I_Z = 1 mA), ±5 % tolerance, and 30 kV ESD rating per IEC 61000-4-2 (contact discharge). It serves as a precision voltage reference and overvoltage clamp in automotive power rails.

For engineers reviewing the HPZR-C21-QX datasheet, HPZR-C21-QX pinout, HPZR-C21-QX application, or HPZR-C21-QX equivalent, this device is selected for stable low-current regulation in harsh environments where AEC-Q101 qualification, thermal robustness up to 175 °C junction temperature, and high ESD immunity are mandatory design requirements.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode with tightly controlled V_Z and low differential resistance (R_Z = 18 Ω at I_Z = 20 mA), enabling accurate voltage stabilization under varying load conditions. Its thermal design supports DC power dissipation up to 5500 mW when mounted with zero lead length at T_sp = 75 °C.

The device features a single-junction silicon structure optimized for automotive-grade reliability, qualified per AEC-Q101, and exhibits non-repetitive peak power capability of 800 W for ≤100 µs pulses - critical for transient suppression in 12 V/24 V vehicle systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The HPZR-C21-QX uses a 2-terminal CFP3 (SOD123W) surface-mount plastic package measuring 2.6 mm × 1.7 mm × 1.0 mm, with flat leads and low-profile construction optimized for automated reflow assembly on FR4 PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C20LT1G and MMSZ5248B-TP, HPZR-C21-QX delivers 11× higher power handling, automotive-grade reliability, and superior ESD robustness - making it the sole viable choice for 21 V regulation in safety-critical vehicle subsystems.

Availability

HPZR-C21-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, ADAS camera power conditioning, infotainment system reference generation, and lighting driver overvoltage protection requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for HPZR-C21-QX 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 essential efficiency technologies, delivering high-performance, reliable discrete and logic devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The HPZR-Q series belongs to Nexperia's automotive-qualified Zener regulator portfolio, engineered specifically for high-reliability voltage reference and transient suppression in 12 V/24 V vehicle electrical systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous power dissipation for HPZR-C21-QX at 25 °C ambient?

At T_amb ≤ 25 °C on an FR4 PCB with single-sided copper and 1 cm² cathode pad, HPZR-C21-QX supports 1154 mW continuous DC power dissipation. This value drops linearly with rising ambient temperature, reaching 5500 mW only when measured at T_sp = 75 °C with zero lead length - a condition requiring direct thermal coupling to heatsink or copper plane.

How does the 30 kV ESD rating apply to real-world PCB layout?

The 30 kV rating is measured at the cathode soldering point per IEC 61000-4-2 contact discharge, meaning the cathode pad must be routed with minimum trace inductance and avoid sharp corners or vias near the device. Layout best practice requires direct connection to chassis ground or low-impedance ground plane within 2 mm of the cathode pad to preserve ESD performance.

Can HPZR-C21-QX replace a 24 V Zener in existing designs?

No - HPZR-C21-QX has a nominal 21 V working voltage (20.0–22.1 V), not 24 V. Substituting it for a 24 V Zener would cause premature conduction and potential over-regulation. For 24 V systems, HPZR-C24-Q is the correct variant (marked 'MA' per Table 4), with V_Z = 22.8–25.2 V at I_Z = 1 mA.

Is HPZR-C21-QX compatible with lead-free reflow profiles?

Yes - the CFP3 (SOD123W) package is qualified for standard JEDEC J-STD-020 lead-free reflow, with peak temperature up to 260 °C. The recommended stencil thickness is 0.1 mm, and the footprint matches Figure 11 in the datasheet, using 1.1 mm × 1.1 mm solder lands with 1.2 mm × 1.4 mm solder resist openings.