Diodes Incorporated LZ52C5V6W

Overview

LZ52C5V6W from Diodes Incorporated is a surface-mount Zener diode with nominal reverse breakdown voltage of 5.6 V, ±2% tolerance, 500 mW power dissipation, and ultra-small 1206 package. It delivers stable voltage reference and overvoltage protection in low-power analog circuits, power supply feedback loops, and I/O clamp applications.

For engineers reviewing the LZ52C5V6W datasheet, LZ52C5V6W pinout, LZ52C5V6W application, or LZ52C5V6W equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage accuracy (5.48–5.72 V at 5 mA), low dynamic impedance (30 Ω at 5 mA), minimal reverse leakage (0.1 µA at 1.0 V), and RoHS-compliant lead-free plating.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse-biased breakdown mode to regulate or clamp voltage at a precise DC level. Its silicon epitaxial planar construction ensures tight voltage tolerance and low leakage across -65°C to +175°C operating range.

Designed for surface-mount assembly, it uses a unidirectional polarity configuration with cathode indicated by a color band. Thermal resistance is 300°C/W junction-to-ambient, limiting continuous power dissipation to 500 mW at 25°C ambient.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 1206 surface-mount ceramic-body diode with cathode denoted by color band. Terminals are non-polarized metallization; anode and cathode are defined by marking orientation only.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX584-C5V6 and MMSZ5232B, LZ52C5V6W offers superior voltage accuracy (±2% vs. ±5%), identical 500 mW rating, and larger 1206 thermal mass-making it optimal for production-grade power management and industrial signal conditioning where long-term stability matters.

Availability

LZ52C5V6W is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply feedback, IO voltage clamping, sensor signal conditioning, and reference voltage generation requiring stable component supply and full traceability.

Supply support for LZ52C5V6W 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, serving industrial, computing, consumer, and communications markets.

This part belongs to the LZ52C series of surface-mount Zener diodes, designed specifically for high-accuracy, low-leakage voltage regulation and protection in compact, RoHS-compliant SMT applications.

FAQ

What is the Zener test current and why does it matter?

The specified Zener voltage of 5.48–5.72 V is measured at a test current of 5 mA. This current establishes the operating point where dynamic impedance and voltage tolerance are guaranteed. Operating significantly below 5 mA increases sensitivity to leakage and temperature drift; exceeding it risks thermal overload unless derated per the 300°C/W R_θJA.

Is LZ52C5V6W suitable for bidirectional ESD protection?

No-it is a unidirectional Zener diode optimized for reverse-bias regulation. While its forward voltage is 1.5 V at 200 mA, it lacks symmetric clamping characteristics or specified ESD ratings (e.g., IEC 61000-4-2). For true bidirectional protection, dedicated TVS diodes such as D3V3M1U2LP should be used instead.

How does the 1206 package affect thermal performance?

The 1206 package provides a thermal resistance of 300°C/W junction-to-ambient, allowing full 500 mW dissipation only at 25°C ambient. At 70°C board temperature, derating reduces usable power to ~330 mW. Its 3.2 × 1.6 mm footprint balances manufacturability, thermal mass, and PCB area efficiency better than smaller SOD-123 or larger DO-214AC packages.

Does LZ52C5V6W require external current limiting in series?

Yes-Zener diodes must always be used with a series current-limiting resistor to prevent thermal runaway. The resistor value is calculated using (V_IN – V_Z) / I_Z, where I_Z is chosen within the 1–20 mA range to ensure stable regulation while staying below P_TOT limits. No internal current limiting is provided.