Nexperia USA Inc. PLVA656A-QR

Overview

PLVA656A-QR from Nexperia is a low-voltage avalanche regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, designed for precision voltage stabilization at 5.6 V nominal working voltage with ±0.2 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 automotive CMOS RAM backup and voltage limiter circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PLVA656A-QR datasheet, PLVA656A-QR pinout, PLVA656A-QR application, or PLVA656A-QR equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications including Zener voltage accuracy, ultra-low IR, hard breakdown knee, AEC-Q101 qualification, and SOT23 terminal mapping - all critical for automotive-grade analog design and low-current biasing.

Technical Context

This device operates as an avalanche-mode Zener diode optimized for low-current regulation (50 µA to 1 mA), delivering stable 5.6 V reference with minimal line regulation (0.1 V over IZ range) and temperature coefficient of +1.90 mV/K. Its hard breakdown knee ensures predictable turn-on without soft saturation.

Engineered for automotive environments, it features AEC-Q101 qualification, 150 °C max junction temperature, and 30 W non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation at 150 °C. Thermal resistance from junction to ambient is 500 K/W on FR4 PCB.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 (TO-236AB), surface-mount plastic package with 3 leads, 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm footprint, 0.45 mm profile.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C5V6-Q and MMSZ5232B-Q, PLVA656A-QR delivers superior leakage control (1.1 nA vs. ≥50 nA), tighter voltage tolerance (±0.2 V vs. ±5 %), and automotive qualification - making it the sole choice for AEC-compliant, multi-year battery-backed systems requiring sub-µA standby current.

Availability

PLVA656A-QR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive telematics, smoke detector safety systems, precision sensor signal chains, and battery-backed memory retention requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for PLVA656A-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.

The PLVA6xxA-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified low-voltage Zener portfolio, engineered specifically for automotive and industrial applications demanding ultra-low leakage, low noise, and stable regulation below 7 V.

FAQ

What is the maximum reverse voltage that PLVA656A-QR can safely clamp in repetitive operation?

The PLVA656A-QR is rated for continuous reverse operation up to its nominal Zener voltage of 5.6 V. For repetitive transient suppression, it must be used within its specified 250 mW total power dissipation limit at 25 °C ambient. The 30 W non-repetitive rating applies only to single pulses ≤100 µs - sustained clamping above 5.6 V will exceed thermal limits and cause failure.

Can PLVA656A-QR replace standard 5.6 V Zeners like BZX55-C5V6 in existing designs?

Yes, PLVA656A-QR is a direct SOT23 drop-in replacement for BZX55-C5V6 in terms of footprint and polarity, but offers tighter voltage tolerance (±0.2 V vs. ±5 %), lower dynamic resistance (100 Ω vs. ~500 Ω), and AEC-Q101 qualification. No circuit redesign is needed, though its ultra-low leakage may reduce bias network loading in some cases.

Is Pin 2 truly unconnected, and what happens if it is accidentally soldered to ground?

Yes, Pin 2 is internally unconnected per Nexperia's official pinning diagram and package outline. Soldering it to ground creates a parasitic path that may induce leakage current, shift Zener voltage due to substrate coupling, or compromise AEC-Q101 reliability testing. It must remain electrically isolated and unpopulated on PCB layout.

How does the +1.90 mV/K temperature coefficient affect long-term voltage stability in automotive under-hood environments?

Over a −40 °C to +125 °C junction temperature range, the coefficient causes a total drift of approximately ±315 mV from nominal 5.60 V - i.e., regulation shifts from ~5.285 V to ~5.915 V. This is fully characterized and accounted for in automotive reference designs using calibrated compensation or closed-loop feedback where absolute accuracy is critical.