Nexperia USA Inc. PLVA650A/ZLR

Overview

PLVA650A 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, and 34 nA reverse current at 50 % VZ. It serves as a low-noise, low-power reference in CMOS RAM backup and voltage limiter circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PLVA650A datasheet, PLVA650A pinout, PLVA650A application, or PLVA650A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0.4 V line regulation (ILO = 100 µA to IHI = 1 mA), 0.20 mV/K temperature coefficient, 250 mW total power dissipation, and hard breakdown knee for stable low-current regulation.

Technical Context

This device operates as an avalanche-mode Zener-type regulator optimized for low-current (<1 mA), low-noise applications where conventional Zeners exhibit excessive noise and soft knee behavior. Its 1 kHz noise voltage density is capped at 1.0 µV/√Hz, and it achieves hard breakdown due to controlled doping profile and junction geometry.

The PLVA650A maintains regulation across -65 °C to +150 °C ambient, with thermal resistance from junction to ambient of 500 K/W on FR4 PCB. Its non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation reaches 30 W at 150 °C, enabling transient overvoltage clamping in safety-critical signal paths.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) surface-mount plastic package with 3 leads, 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm body, 0.45 mm lead pitch, and standard footprint per Fig. 2 (reflow soldering).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C5V1 and MMSZ5222B, the PLVA650A delivers tighter voltage tolerance (±4 % vs ±5 %), lower leakage (34 nA vs ≥100 nA), and superior low-current regulation fidelity-making it uniquely suited for precision, ultra-low-power shunt reference roles.

Availability

PLVA650A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for CMOS RAM backup circuits, low-noise precision ADC references, and smoke detector relay drivers requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for PLVA650A 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, logic, and MOSFET solutions, with manufacturing rooted in process innovation and automotive-grade quality systems.

The PLVA6xxA series was developed specifically for low-power, low-noise voltage regulation in space-constrained portable and battery-operated equipment-emphasizing stability at microampere bias currents and minimal thermal drift.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse voltage the PLVA650A can regulate without degradation?

The PLVA650A is rated for continuous operation up to its nominal working voltage of 5.00 V (4.80–5.20 V range). Exceeding 5.20 V continuously risks thermal runaway due to increased power dissipation beyond 250 mW at ambient temperatures above 25 °C. Absolute maximum reverse voltage is not specified; operation must remain within the working voltage window defined in Table 7.

Can PLVA650A replace standard 5.1 V Zener diodes in existing designs?

Direct replacement is possible only if the existing design operates below 1 mA and requires ≤0.4 V line regulation, ≤700 Ω dynamic resistance, and ≤34 nA leakage. Designs relying on higher bias currents (>5 mA) or tolerating >100 nA leakage will experience degraded regulation accuracy or increased standby power consumption.

Does PLVA650A require a series resistor in shunt regulator configurations?

Yes-a series current-limiting resistor is mandatory to set the operating current between 100 µA and 1 mA, per its specified line regulation test conditions. The resistor value is calculated as (V_IN − V_Z) / I_Z, where I_Z is selected to meet regulation and power dissipation constraints on both the diode and resistor.

Is PLVA650A qualified for automotive applications?

No. Per Revision History (Table 10), this part is explicitly designated non-automotive qualified. Nexperia offers separate -Q qualified variants (e.g., PLVA650AQ) for automotive use; the PLVA650A lacks AEC-Q101 qualification, extended temperature validation, and automotive-specific reliability testing.