Nexperia USA Inc. PDZ13B-QX

Overview

PDZ13B-QX from Nexperia is a single silicon Zener diode designed for low-power voltage regulation in automotive and industrial SMD applications. It delivers a nominal Zener voltage of 13.2 V (min 12.91 V, max 13.49 V) at I_Z = 5 mA, with ±2 % tolerance, 80 Ω maximum differential resistance, and 0.1 μA reverse current at V_R = 10 V - enabling precise clamping in power supply feedback loops and overvoltage protection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PDZ13B-QX datasheet, PDZ13B-QX pinout, PDZ13B-QX application, or PDZ13B-QX equivalent, this device is evaluated for AEC-Q101-compliant automotive systems requiring stable 13 V reference generation, ESD-tolerant voltage clamping, and high-temperature operation up to +150 °C junction temperature.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode with hard knee characteristics and low leakage, optimized for stable DC voltage reference and transient suppression. Its thermal resistance R_th(j-a) is 340 K/W on FR4 PCB, supporting reliable derating above 25 °C ambient.

The device exhibits a positive temperature coefficient of +9.4 mV/K at I_Z = 5 mA, ensuring predictable voltage drift across temperature - critical for analog sensing and regulator feedback paths where thermal stability directly impacts system accuracy.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PDZ13B-QX is housed in a SOD323 (SC-76) surface-mount plastic package measuring 1.8 mm × 1.35 mm × 0.95 mm, with cathode marked by a bar on the top surface. The package supports reflow and wave soldering per IPC-7095 guidelines and is rated for automated assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C13 and MMSZ5242B, PDZ13B-QX offers tighter voltage tolerance, lower dynamic impedance, and AEC-Q101 validation - making it the sole option for automotive-grade 13 V reference and clamping where long-term parametric stability and reliability are non-negotiable.

Availability

PDZ13B-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power management, industrial sensor interfaces, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for PDZ13B-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 high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and advanced packaging technologies.

PDZ13B-QX belongs to the PDZ-B-Q series of AEC-Q101-qualified Zener diodes engineered specifically for automotive voltage regulation, ESD protection, and precision reference applications demanding ±2 % tolerance and hard-knee breakdown behavior.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse current the PDZ13B-QX can handle before degradation?

The PDZ13B-QX has a non-repetitive peak reverse current (I_ZSM) rating of 2.5 A for 100 µs square-wave pulses at 25 °C ambient. For continuous operation, its maximum reverse current is limited by power dissipation: at 13.2 V Zener voltage, sustained current must remain below ~30 mA to stay within the 400 mW total power limit at 25 °C ambient - derating required above that temperature per the 340 K/W thermal resistance.

Does PDZ13B-QX support reflow soldering, and what profile is recommended?

Yes, PDZ13B-QX is qualified for lead-free reflow soldering per J-STD-020. Nexperia specifies a maximum peak temperature of 260 °C for 30 seconds, with ramp-up rate ≤3 °C/s and ramp-down rate ≤6 °C/s. The recommended footprint uses 0.6 mm × 0.5 mm solder pads spaced 1.15 mm center-to-center, matching the SOD323 outline in Figure 9 of the datasheet.

How does the +9.4 mV/K temperature coefficient affect circuit performance in a 13 V reference design?

At +9.4 mV/K, the Zener voltage increases by approximately +1.13 V over a 120 K span (−40 °C to +80 °C). In a 13.2 V reference, this yields a total shift of ±0.6 % across that range - acceptable for most automotive power monitoring but requires compensation in high-accuracy ADC references. The coefficient is linear and repeatable, enabling software-based correction if needed.

Can PDZ13B-QX be used in series or parallel configurations for higher voltage or current capability?

Series connection is viable for higher voltage clamping (e.g., two PDZ13B-QX yield ~26.4 V), but mismatched Zener voltages cause uneven stress - derating each device to ≤200 mW is advised. Parallel use is not recommended due to negative resistance slope and thermal runaway risk; discrete current-sharing resistors would negate the low-leakage advantage and increase board area.