Nexperia USA Inc. PDZ3.6BF

Overview

PDZ3.6BF from Nexperia is a single silicon Zener diode designed for low-power voltage regulation in space-constrained SMD applications, with a nominal Zener voltage of 3.60 V at 5 mA, ±2 % tolerance, 90 Ω maximum differential resistance at 5 mA, 5 μA maximum reverse current at 1.0 V, and −2.4 mV/K temperature coefficient. It operates within a 200 mA continuous forward current limit and dissipates up to 400 mW on FR4 PCB.

For engineers reviewing the PDZ3.6BF datasheet, PDZ3.6BF pinout, PDZ3.6BF application, or PDZ3.6BF equivalent, this device is selected for precision low-voltage reference stabilization, ESD-protected bias networks, and compact overvoltage clamping where thermal resistance (R_th(j-a) = 340 K/W) and small-footprint SOD323 packaging are critical.

Technical Context

This Zener diode functions as a two-terminal shunt voltage regulator, maintaining stable reverse-biased breakdown across its cathode–anode terminals. Its hard breakdown knee and low leakage (≤5 μA at VR = 1.0 V) support reliable threshold detection in low-current bias rails.

Designed for surface-mount use on standard FR4 PCBs, it leverages a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 340 K/W and junction-to-solder-point resistance of 130 K/W, enabling predictable power derating above 25 °C ambient per Figure 1 in the datasheet.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PDZ3.6BF is housed in a SOD323 (SC-76) plastic surface-mount package measuring 1.8 mm × 1.35 mm × 0.95 mm, with gull-wing leads and cathode indicated by a marking bar on the top surface.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX384-B3V6 and MMSZ4685, PDZ3.6BF delivers tighter voltage tolerance (±2 %), lower leakage (5 μA vs. 10 μA), and superior thermal resistance (340 K/W vs. ~400 K/W typical for SOD123), making it optimal for precision 3.3 V system protection and reference stabilization.

Availability

PDZ3.6BF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB interface protection, microcontroller reset generation, low-power sensor biasing, and ADC reference stabilization requiring stable component supply across high-mix, low-volume production runs.

Supply support for PDZ3.6BF 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 leading Dutch semiconductor manufacturer specializing in high-performance, energy-efficient logic, discrete, and MOSFET devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

PDZ3.6BF belongs to the PDZ-B series of low-power Zener diodes engineered for general-purpose voltage regulation in compact SMD designs, emphasizing tight tolerance, low leakage, and robust thermal performance on standard PCBs.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse current the PDZ3.6BF can handle without degradation?

The PDZ3.6BF is rated for non-repetitive peak reverse current (I_ZSM) of 8.0 A at t_p = 100 µs, but its continuous reverse current capability is governed by power dissipation limits. At 25 °C ambient on FR4, it sustains up to ~111 mA continuously (400 mW ÷ 3.6 V), derating linearly above that temperature per the 340 K/W R_th(j-a).

How does the −2.4 mV/K temperature coefficient affect circuit performance over −40 °C to +125 °C?

Over that range, the Zener voltage shifts approximately −2.4 mV per Kelvin, resulting in a total drift of −396 mV (−2.4 × 165 K). However, since the coefficient is specified at I_Z = 5 mA and varies with current, actual drift in real circuits remains below ±30 mV when operated near nominal test conditions, as confirmed in Figures 3–4 of the datasheet.

Can PDZ3.6BF be used in series with another Zener to achieve higher clamping voltage?

Yes - stacking PDZ3.6BF diodes anode-to-cathode achieves additive breakdown voltages (e.g., two in series yield ~7.2 V), but thermal coupling and mismatched tempcos cause uneven voltage sharing. For stable multi-Zener strings, matched lots and equal-series resistors are required; dedicated higher-voltage Zeners like PDZ7.5B are preferred for simplicity and predictability.

Is the SOD323 footprint compatible with automated reflow soldering per IPC-J-STD-020?

Yes - Nexperia specifies a reflow footprint (Figure 9) with 0.6 mm solder lands, 0.5 mm solder paste openings, and 1.65 mm pad pitch, fully compliant with IPC-J-STD-020D for moisture sensitivity level 1. The 0.95 mm height and gull-wing lead geometry ensure reliable tombstoning-free placement and wetting during standard Pb-free reflow profiles.