Nexperia USA Inc. PLVA656A,215
- Part No.:
- PLVA656A,215
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
PLVA656A,215.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 5.6V 250MW TO236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:56,329
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Product details
Overview
PLVA656A from Nexperia is a low-voltage avalanche regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, designed for precision voltage stabilization at 5.60 V nominal working voltage with ±0.20 V tolerance, 100 Ω dynamic resistance at 250 µA, and 1.1 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 PLVA656A datasheet, PLVA656A pinout, PLVA656A application, or PLVA656A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5.40–5.80 V working voltage range, hard breakdown knee, 0.1 V line regulation (ILO = 50 µA to IHI = 1 mA), and ultra-low noise density (≤1.0 µV/√Hz at 1 kHz).
Technical Context
This device operates as a two-terminal, silicon-based avalanche diode optimized for low-current regulation (250 µA typical test current). Its hard breakdown knee and low dynamic impedance (100 Ω) enable stable voltage reference behavior under varying load conditions without external biasing circuitry.
Thermal performance is defined by Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W (free air) and Rth(j-sp) = 330 K/W, supporting operation up to 150 °C junction temperature. The 1.9 mV/K temperature coefficient ensures predictable drift in ambient-temperature-sensitive designs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Working Voltage (VZ) | 5.40–5.80 V at IZ = 250 µA; provides tight 5.60 V nominal regulation for low-power reference nodes |
| Dynamic Resistance (RZ) | 100 Ω at 1 kHz, 10 % AC superimposed on DC; ensures minimal output voltage variation under small-signal load transients |
| Reverse Current (IR) | 1.1 nA at VR = 50 % VZ; enables ultra-low standby leakage in battery-backed memory circuits |
| Noise Voltage Density (Vn) | ≤1.0 µV/√Hz at f = 1 kHz; supports low-noise analog sensing and precision reference applications |
| Line Regulation (ΔVZ) | 0.1 V over IZ = 50 µA to 1 mA; maintains stable output across wide operating current range |
| Temperature Coefficient (SZ) | 1.9 mV/K; allows accurate thermal drift prediction in industrial temperature ranges |
| Total Power Dissipation | 250 mW at Tamb = 25 °C; limits self-heating in compact SMT layouts on FR4 PCBs |
Pinout & Package
PLVA656A uses the SOT23 (TO-236AB) surface-mount plastic package: 3-pin, single-row, gull-wing leads, 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm body, 0.95 mm height, standard footprint per Fig. 2 (reflow) and Fig. 3 (wave) in datasheet Rev. 4.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anode (A) | Forward-biased terminal; connects to lower-potential node in reverse-bias regulation configuration |
| 2 | Not Connected (n.c.) | Internally unconnected; must remain floating-no PCB trace or solder joint required |
| 3 | Cathode (K) | Regulated output node; connected to supply rail being stabilized in shunt configuration |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hard breakdown knee | Enables sharp, repeatable conduction onset at VZ without soft turn-on ambiguity |
| Low noise density | ≤1.0 µV/√Hz at 1 kHz-reduces interference in sensitive analog reference paths |
| Very low dynamic impedance | 100 Ω at 250 µA-improves regulation accuracy vs. conventional Zeners (≈20× lower) |
| Small voltage tolerance | ±0.20 V at 5.60 V nominal-supports tighter system-level voltage margining |
| Non-repetitive peak power | 30 W for 100 µs pulses-handles transient overvoltage events without failure |
Applications
| CMOS RAM Backup Circuit | Voltage Stabilizer for Low-Power MCU Peripherals |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Maintaining SRAM data integrity during main power loss using a coin-cell battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt regulator providing stable 5.6 V bias to RAM VCC pin while drawing <2 nA standby current. Use Value: Enables >10-year data retention with 100 nA max total system leakage, leveraging 1.1 nA IR at 50 % VZ. |
Use Scenario: Supplying clean, stable voltage to ADC reference input or RTC oscillator in battery-powered IoT node. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise voltage reference source replacing larger, noisier LDOs in signal-chain front-end. Use Value: Delivers ≤1.0 µV/√Hz noise floor and 0.1 V line regulation-critical for 12-bit+ measurement accuracy. |
| Voltage Limiter in Sensor Interface | Smoke Detector Relay Driver Clamp |
|
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller GPIO pins from overvoltage spikes induced by inductive sensor coils. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response shunt clamp limiting input voltage to 5.80 V maximum during transients. Use Value: Hard breakdown knee and 30 W non-repetitive pulse rating suppress 100 µs surges without degradation. |
Use Scenario: Clamping flyback voltage from relay coil in battery-operated smoke alarm control board. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient voltage suppressor placed across relay coil terminals. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 250 mA peak currents and dissipates energy within 250 mW steady-state limit. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-voltage shunt regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BZX84-C5V6 | Higher dynamic resistance (60 Ω min, but typ. 120 Ω); wider VZ tolerance (±5 % = ±0.28 V); 10× higher IR (10 nA at 50 % VZ) | Acceptable where noise and leakage are less critical; not suitable for <5 nA standby systems | Select BZX84-C5V6 only if cost sensitivity outweighs leakage/noise requirements |
| MMBZ5232B | Lower power rating (350 mW); higher tempco (3.5 mV/K); no hard knee-softer breakdown characteristic | Used in general-purpose regulation; unsuitable for precision reference or fast transient clamping | Choose MMBZ5232B for non-critical biasing where thermal drift >2 mV/K is acceptable |
Compared with BZX84-C5V6 and MMBZ5232B, PLVA656A delivers superior low-current regulation stability (100 Ω RZ), lowest leakage (1.1 nA), and sharpest knee-making it optimal for battery-backed memory and precision analog reference nodes where leakage, noise, and knee sharpness are design-critical.
Availability
PLVA656A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for CMOS RAM backup circuits, low-power MCU peripheral stabilization, and sensor interface voltage limiting requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for PLVA656A 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 logic, discrete, and MOSFET solutions, headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands, with manufacturing in Asia and Europe.
The PLVA6xxA series belongs to Nexperia's precision low-voltage regulator diode product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-leakage, low-noise voltage reference and clamping in space-constrained, battery-sensitive applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous reverse power dissipation for PLVA656A at 25 °C?
The total power dissipation is rated at 250 mW when mounted on an FR4 PCB with single-sided copper and standard SOT23 footprint. This limit applies under steady-state DC reverse bias conditions and assumes free-air convection cooling. Exceeding this value risks thermal runaway or permanent parameter shift.
Can PLVA656A be used in place of a standard Zener diode in a 5.6 V reference circuit?
Yes-PLVA656A is functionally compatible as a 5.6 V shunt regulator but offers superior performance: 100 Ω dynamic resistance (vs. 200–500 Ω typical for Zeners), 1.1 nA reverse leakage (vs. 10–100 nA), and hard breakdown knee. No circuit redesign is needed, though layout should maintain thermal relief per Nexperia's SOT23 footprint guidelines.
Is PLVA656A qualified for automotive applications?
No-PLVA656A is explicitly marked as non-automotive qualified in Revision History v.4 (January 2023). It lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and has not undergone automotive-grade stress testing. For automotive use, consult Nexperia's -Q qualified alternatives such as the PZUx series with explicit AEC-Q101 certification.
How does the 2nd pin (n.c.) affect PCB layout and thermal performance?
Pin 2 is internally not connected and must remain un-soldered and un-traced. Including a pad or solder joint degrades thermal resistance and may cause mechanical stress or solder bridging. The datasheet specifies zero thermal contribution from Pin 2; correct omission preserves the specified Rth(j-sp) = 330 K/W and avoids reliability risk.
PLVA656A,215 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- PLVA6xxA
- Package/Case:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 5.6 V
- Tolerance:
- ±4%
- Power - Max:
- 250 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 100 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 1.3 µA @ 5 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 900 mV @ 10 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
PLVA656A,215 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PLVA656A,215 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PLVA656A,215 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for PLVA656A,215 reliable?
The price and inventory of PLVA656A,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PLVA656A,215 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PLVA656A,215?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PLVA656A,215 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PLVA656A,215?
PLVA656A,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PLVA656A,215 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for PLVA656A,215?
For technical support, including PLVA656A,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PLVA656A,215 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PLVA656A,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PLVA656A,215 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that PLVA656A,215 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PLVA656A,215?
All PLVA656A,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PLVA656A,215, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The PLVA656A,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PLVA656A,215:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PLVA656A,215 Tags

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