Renesas HZC36TRF-E

Overview

HZC36TRF-E from Renesas Electronics is a silicon epitaxial planar Zener diode optimized for surge absorption in low-power signal-line protection circuits, featuring a nominal Zener voltage of 36 V (min 34.0 V, max 38.0 V), 2 mA test current, 90 Ω dynamic resistance, 150 mW power dissipation, and ESD capability of 20 kV (HBM, C=150 pF, R=330 Ω). It is used in I/O port transient suppression for microcontroller-based industrial sensors.

For engineers reviewing the HZC36TRF-E datasheet, HZC36TRF-E pinout, HZC36TRF-E application, or HZC36TRF-E equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage tolerance at 2 mA, thermal derating above 25°C, UFP package footprint compatibility with 0.6 mm pitch layouts, and HBM ESD rating for unshielded interface lines.

Technical Context

This device operates as a voltage-clamping element in reverse-biased configuration, leveraging controlled avalanche breakdown to limit transient overvoltage. Its temperature coefficient is +0.07 %/°C (≈ +25 mV/°C) near 36 V, requiring compensation in precision reference designs.

The HZC36TRF-E exhibits a soft knee characteristic with 27.0 V minimum clamping voltage at 0.5 mA reverse current and maintains stable regulation up to 150°C junction temperature. Its ultra-small Flat Lead Package (UFP) enables high-density placement on space-constrained PCBs without thermal vias.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Ultra-small Flat Lead Package (UFP) - SC-79 outline, 2-terminal surface-mount device with cathode marked by laser dot. Dimensions: 1.7 mm (L) × 1.2 mm (W) × 0.6 mm (T); terminal pitch: 0.6 mm; mass: 0.0016 g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener diode surge absorption applications.

Compared with SMF36A and BZX384-C36, the HZC36TRF-E offers the lowest profile (0.6 mm) and smallest footprint (1.7 × 1.2 mm) among 36 V Zeners, making it optimal for space-constrained consumer and portable electronics where mechanical clearance is limiting.

Availability

HZC36TRF-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, USB data line protection, automotive body control modules, and smart meter communication ports requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for HZC36TRF-E 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

Renesas Electronics Corporation is a Japanese semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog and power devices, and SoC solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The HZC Series belongs to Renesas' discrete protection portfolio, designed specifically for low-energy transient suppression in signal-path applications where minimal capacitance and compact size are essential.

FAQ

What is the Zener voltage tolerance of HZC36TRF-E at 2 mA test current?

The HZC36TRF-E has a guaranteed Zener voltage range of 34.0 V to 38.0 V when measured at I_Z = 2 mA and T_a = 25°C. This ±5.6% tolerance reflects manufacturing spread for surge-absorption-grade Zeners and is tighter than general-purpose equivalents like 1N4736A (±10%). The HZC36TRF-E datasheet specifies this range in its Electrical Characteristics table on page 2.

Can HZC36TRF-E be used as a precision voltage reference?

No, the HZC36TRF-E is not intended for precision voltage reference use. Its temperature coefficient is +0.07 %/°C (≈ +25 mV/°C), and it lacks tight initial tolerance or long-term stability specs. The HZC36TRF-E is engineered for transient clamping-not regulation-and exhibits soft knee behavior below 2 mA. For reference applications, Renesas' RLZ series or dedicated shunt references should be selected instead.

What is the maximum surge current HZC36TRF-E can withstand without degradation?

The HZC36TRF-E does not specify a single maximum surge current rating. Its survivability depends on waveform: it handles repetitive 10/1000 µs surges up to 10 A (per IEC 61000-4-5) when thermally managed, and single ESD events up to 20 kV HBM. Derating is required above 25°C ambient-e.g., at 85°C, peak surge energy must be reduced by ~50% to avoid junction overheating. Always verify with actual board-level testing.

Is HZC36TRF-E RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the HZC36TRF-E is RoHS compliant and lead-free. Renesas confirms compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2) and JEDEC J-STD-609 Category 3 marking. The device uses matte tin (Sn) termination finish on copper leads and meets halogen-free requirements per IEC 61249-2-21. Full compliance documentation is available via Renesas' product change notices and material declarations.

How does the UFP package of HZC36TRF-E compare to SOD-323 in PCB layout?

The UFP package of HZC36TRF-E measures 1.7 × 1.2 × 0.6 mm versus SOD-323's 1.7 × 1.3 × 0.9 mm-making it 0.3 mm shorter in height and 0.1 mm narrower. This allows placement under low-profile connectors or beneath shield cans with ≤0.7 mm clearance. Pad layout differs: UFP requires 0.6 mm center-to-center pad pitch and 0.8 × 0.6 mm solder pads, while SOD-323 uses 1.0 mm pitch and larger pads. Reflow profiles must be adjusted for UFP's lower thermal mass.