Nexperia USA Inc. PLVA650A-QR

Overview

PLVA650A-QR from Nexperia is a low-voltage avalanche regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, designed for precision voltage stabilization at 5.00 V nominal working voltage with ±0.20 V tolerance, 700 Ω dynamic resistance at 250 µA, and 0.4 V line regulation (100 µA to 1 mA). It delivers low-noise operation (≤1.0 µV/√Hz at 1 kHz) and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive backup power and voltage limiting circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PLVA650A-QR datasheet, PLVA650A-QR pinout, PLVA650A-QR application, or PLVA650A-QR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5.00 V nominal Zener voltage, ultra-low reverse current (34 nA at 50 % VZ), hard breakdown knee, AEC-Q101 qualification, and SOT23 surface-mount compatibility for space-constrained automotive and CMOS RAM backup designs.

Technical Context

This device operates as a low-current, low-noise voltage reference using controlled avalanche breakdown in silicon, optimized for stable regulation below 5.20 V with minimal temperature drift (0.20 mV/K). Its hard breakdown knee ensures predictable turn-on without soft saturation, critical for precision limiters.

Designed for operation at IZ = 250 µA, it maintains 700 Ω dynamic impedance and supports non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation up to 30 W (100 µs pulse, 150 °C junction), while total continuous power dissipation is limited to 250 mW at 25 °C ambient.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PLVA650A-QR uses the standard SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mount package: 3-lead, 1.9 mm × 1.3 mm footprint, 0.95 mm height, with gull-wing leads for reflow soldering. Thermal resistance junction-to-ambient is 500 K/W (free air), junction-to-solder-point is 330 K/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-voltage avalanche regulator diode applications.

Compared with BZX84-C5V1-Q and PLZ5.1B-Q, PLVA650A-QR provides superior regulation stability (0.4 V line regulation vs ≥1.2 V), lower leakage (34 nA vs ≥100 nA), and verified low-noise performance-making it the only choice for automotive CMOS RAM backup and precision sensor clamping where microamp-level accuracy and long-term reliability are mandatory.

Availability

PLVA650A-QR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, smoke detector relay drivers, and CMOS RAM backup circuits requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 compliance, low-noise voltage reference capability, and SOT23 footprint compatibility.

Supply support for PLVA650A-QR 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.

The PLVA6xxA-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified low-voltage Zener portfolio, engineered specifically for precision voltage stabilization in automotive and industrial systems where low noise, hard breakdown, and microamp-level leakage are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse power dissipation for PLVA650A-QR at 85 °C ambient?

At 85 °C ambient, PLVA650A-QR's total power dissipation must be derated linearly from 250 mW at 25 °C using its 500 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance. The maximum allowable continuous reverse power is 135 mW, calculated as 250 mW × (1 − (85 − 25)/500), ensuring junction temperature remains ≤150 °C.

Can PLVA650A-QR replace a standard 5.1 V Zener in an existing SOT23 footprint?

Yes-PLVA650A-QR shares identical SOT23 (TO-236AB) mechanical dimensions and pinout (Anode–n.c.–Cathode) with standard 5.1 V Zeners. However, its tighter 5.00 V nominal voltage (vs 5.1 V), lower dynamic resistance (700 Ω vs ≥1 kΩ), and AEC-Q101 qualification require validation of system-level regulation accuracy and thermal margin before drop-in substitution.

Why does Pin 2 show 'n.c.' and what happens if it is grounded on PCB?

Pin 2 is internally unconnected and electrically isolated. Grounding it creates a parasitic thermal path that alters junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and may induce leakage currents through mold compound contamination. Per Nexperia's datasheet, Pin 2 must remain unconnected-no solder mask opening, trace, or thermal pad should contact it.

How does PLVA650A-QR's 0.20 mV/K temperature coefficient impact performance in under-hood automotive environments?

Over the −40 °C to +125 °C automotive range, PLVA650A-QR's 0.20 mV/K coefficient causes ≤33 mV total VZ drift (165 K × 0.20 mV/K). This is within its ±0.20 V tolerance band and significantly lower than alternatives (>100 mV drift), ensuring stable regulation for RAM backup and sensor clamping without external compensation.