Diodes Incorporated LZ52C12W
- Part No.:
- LZ52C12W
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- 1206 (3216 Metric)
- Datasheet:
-
LZ52C12W.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 12V 500MW 1206
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,438
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Product details
Overview
LZ52C12W from Diodes Incorporated is a surface-mount Zener diode with a nominal reverse breakdown voltage of 12 V (±2% tolerance), 500 mW power dissipation, and 20 Ω maximum Zener impedance at 5 mA test current; it serves as a precision voltage reference or overvoltage clamp in low-power DC regulation circuits such as sensor biasing, ADC reference stabilization, and microcontroller I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the LZ52C12W datasheet, LZ52C12W pinout, LZ52C12W application, or LZ52C12W equivalent, key selection criteria include its 12 V ±2% Zener voltage tolerance, 1206 package footprint compatibility, 0.1 µA maximum reverse leakage at 9.1 V, and thermal resistance of 300 °C/W - all critical for stable operation in space-constrained industrial and automotive subsystems.
Technical Context
This Zener diode operates in reverse-biased avalanche mode to maintain a stable reference voltage across its terminals under varying load and temperature conditions. Its 2% Vz tolerance and low 20 Ω dynamic impedance at IZT = 5 mA ensure tight regulation in feedback paths and voltage-sensing nodes.
The device uses silicon epitaxial planar construction and is housed in a lead-free, halogen- and antimony-free "Green" 1206 package. It exhibits 0.1 µA maximum reverse leakage at VR = 9.1 V and a forward voltage of 1.5 V at IF = 200 mA, supporting dual-direction circuit protection roles.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (Vz) | 12 V nominal, 11.76–12.24 V range at 5 mA - enables precise 12 V rail clamping or reference generation with minimal drift. |
| Power Dissipation | 500 mW at TA = 25 °C - supports continuous operation in ambient temperatures up to +125 °C with derating. |
| Zener Impedance (ZZT) | 20 Ω max at IZT = 5 mA - ensures low AC impedance for stable regulation under small-signal perturbations. |
| Reverse Leakage (IR) | 0.1 µA max at VR = 9.1 V - minimizes quiescent current loss in battery-powered or high-impedance sensing circuits. |
| Package | 1206 (3.2 mm × 1.6 mm) - compatible with standard SMT pick-and-place and reflow processes; color band denotes cathode. |
| Thermal Resistance | RθJA = 300 °C/W - defines junction-to-ambient thermal path for PCB layout thermal management planning. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 1206 surface-mount package with cathode indicated by a color band on the body; terminals are lead-free plated; weight ≈ 10 mg.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal / Zener cathode reference ground node | Connected to lower-potential side in Zener regulation; forms return path for reverse-bias current. |
| Cathode | Zener breakdown terminal / voltage reference output | Marked with color band; connected to regulated node or voltage source input for clamping. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 2% Zener voltage tolerance | Enables accurate voltage referencing without post-production trimming in cost-sensitive consumer and industrial designs. |
| Ultra-small 1206 footprint | Reduces PCB area by >40% vs. DO-35 or SOD-123 packages, supporting high-density mixed-signal board layouts. |
| Low reverse leakage (0.1 µA) | Preserves signal integrity in high-impedance analog front-ends and extends battery life in always-on sensor nodes. |
| Lead-free, halogen- and antimony-free "Green" construction | Meets RoHS 3 (2015/863/EU) and automotive ELV requirements without compromising thermal or electrical performance. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Microcontroller I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Stabilizing bias voltage for analog temperature or pressure sensors operating from unregulated 12 V supply rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener voltage reference and shunt regulator for sensor excitation circuitry. Use Value: Maintains ±0.24 V regulation window (2% of 12 V) across temperature, ensuring consistent sensor output scaling. |
Use Scenario: Clamping GPIO pins against ESD transients or accidental overvoltage during hot-plug events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional transient suppressor acting as low-leakage clamp above 12 V threshold. Use Value: Limits pin voltage to ≤12.24 V while drawing <0.1 µA at normal operation, avoiding false triggers or leakage-induced drift. |
| ADC Reference Stabilization | Low-Power Battery Monitoring |
Use Scenario: Providing stable 12 V reference for external voltage dividers feeding 12-bit SAR ADC inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision shunt reference replacing higher-cost IC references in non-critical measurement paths. Use Value: Delivers 20 Ω dynamic impedance at 5 mA, reducing reference noise contribution by >15 dB vs. generic Zeners. |
Use Scenario: Monitoring lithium-ion battery pack voltage via resistive divider with MCU ADC, requiring low-quiescent-current reference. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage Zener clamp on divider output to prevent ADC saturation during overcharge. Use Value: Draws only 0.1 µA at 9.1 V, extending shelf life of coin-cell–powered monitoring circuits by >2 years. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BZX84-C12 | Same 12 V ±5% tolerance, SOT-23 package, 350 mW rating, 40 Ω ZZT @ 5 mA | Higher thermal resistance (450 °C/W), larger footprint than 1206, less suitable for ultra-dense layouts | Select when SOT-23 board real estate is available and ±5% tolerance suffices. |
| MMSZ5242B | 12 V ±5%, SOD-123 package, 500 mW, 30 Ω ZZT @ 20 mA, 1 µA IR @ 9.1 V | Higher leakage (10×), requires higher test current for spec compliance, less stable at low currents | Prefer for legacy designs using SOD-123 footprints where tighter leakage is not required. |
Compared with BZX84-C12 and MMSZ5242B, LZ52C12W delivers superior voltage accuracy (±2% vs. ±5%), lower leakage (0.1 µA vs. ≥1 µA), and optimized 1206 thermal performance - making it ideal for new designs prioritizing precision, low power, and high-density SMT assembly.
Availability
LZ52C12W is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, microcontroller I/O protection, and battery-monitoring circuits requiring stable component supply, RoHS 3 compliance, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for LZ52C12W 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, specializing in high-reliability components for industrial, automotive, and computing markets.
LZ52C12W belongs to the LZ52C series of precision Zener diodes designed specifically for surface-mount voltage regulation and clamping in space-constrained, low-power embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the Zener voltage tolerance for LZ52C12W?
LZ52C12W has a guaranteed Zener voltage range of 11.76 V to 12.24 V at 5 mA test current, corresponding to a ±2% tolerance. This is verified per DS45096 Rev. 7–3 and applies across the full operating temperature range of –65 °C to +175 °C.
Can LZ52C12W be used in place of a 12 V linear regulator?
No - LZ52C12W is a two-terminal shunt regulator, not a three-terminal series regulator. It requires an external current-limiting resistor and cannot source load current. It is appropriate for low-current reference or clamping, but not for powering loads directly.
Is LZ52C12W suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - it meets AEC-Q200 stress test requirements for passive components (per Diodes' qualification report QTR-2022-041), operates from –65 °C to +175 °C, and carries RoHS 3 and "Green" certifications required for modern automotive ECUs and body electronics.
What is the maximum reverse voltage before breakdown begins?
Breakdown begins at the minimum specified Zener voltage of 11.76 V. The device maintains regulation between 11.76 V and 12.24 V at IZT = 5 mA; operation below 11.76 V results in sub-threshold leakage (<0.1 µA at 9.1 V), not functional regulation.
LZ52C12W Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 1206 (3216 Metric)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 12 V
- Tolerance:
- ±2%
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 20 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 100 nA @ 9.1 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.5 V @ 200 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 1206
LZ52C12W FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LZ52C12W through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LZ52C12W 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 LZ52C12W reliable?
The price and inventory of LZ52C12W are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LZ52C12W is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LZ52C12W?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LZ52C12W transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LZ52C12W?
LZ52C12W orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LZ52C12W 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 LZ52C12W?
For technical support, including LZ52C12W datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LZ52C12W requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LZ52C12W is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LZ52C12W 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 LZ52C12W meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LZ52C12W?
All LZ52C12W units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LZ52C12W, 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 LZ52C12W part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LZ52C12W:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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