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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Diodes > Zener > Single Zener Diodes

Nexperia USA Inc. PLVA659A,215

Name: PLVA659A,215
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: PLVA659A,215
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: PLVA659A,215

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Zener Diodes

Package:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Datasheet:: PLVA659A,215.pdf

Description:: DIODE ZENER 5.9V 250MW TO236AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

PLVA659A from Nexperia is a low-voltage avalanche regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, designed for precision voltage stabilization at 5.90 V nominal working voltage with ±0.20 V tolerance, 2.40 mV/K temperature coefficient, and ultra-low reverse current of 0.9 nA at 50 % VZ, used in CMOS RAM backup and low-noise voltage limiting circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PLVA659A datasheet, PLVA659A pinout, PLVA659A application, or PLVA659A equivalent, key selection criteria include dynamic impedance (100 Ω at 1 kHz), noise voltage density (≤1.0 µV/√Hz), line regulation (≤0.1 V), thermal resistance (330 K/W junction-to-solder point), and non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation (30 W).

Technical Context

This device operates as a two-terminal shunt voltage reference using controlled avalanche breakdown in silicon, optimized for low-current (10 µA to 1 mA) regulation with hard knee characteristics and minimal noise generation. Its design targets stable biasing where conventional Zener diodes exhibit excessive drift or noise.

The PLVA659A achieves 5.90 V nominal regulation at I_Z = 250 µA, with temperature coefficient of +2.40 mV/K and dynamic resistance of ≤100 Ω under AC superimposition (1 kHz, I_ZAC = 10 % I_ZDC). It is rated for 250 mW total power dissipation at T_amb = 25 °C on FR4 PCB.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Nominal V_Z	5.90 V at I_Z = 250 µA - precise regulation point for 6 V rail stabilization
V_Z Tolerance	±0.20 V (5.70–6.10 V) - tight spread enables consistent system-level voltage margining
Dynamic Resistance R_Z	≤100 Ω at 1 kHz - ensures minimal output voltage variation under AC load transients
Reverse Current I_R	0.9 nA at V_R = 50 % V_Z - ultra-low leakage preserves battery life in backup circuits
Noise Voltage Density V_n	≤1.0 µV/√Hz at 1 kHz - supports low-noise analog sensing and precision reference applications
Temperature Coefficient S_Z	+2.40 mV/K - predictable positive drift allows accurate thermal compensation in fixed-bias networks
Total Power Dissipation P_tot	250 mW at T_amb = 25 °C - defines maximum continuous DC power handling on standard FR4 PCB

Pinout & Package

PLVA659A uses the SOT23 (TO-236AB) surface-mount plastic package: 3-pin, single-row, gull-wing leads, 1.3 mm pitch, 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, rated for reflow and wave soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Anode (A)	Forward-biased terminal; connects to lower-potential node in shunt configuration
2	Not Connected (n.c.)	Internally isolated; must remain unconnected on PCB to avoid parasitic coupling or thermal stress
3	Cathode (K)	Regulated output node; connects to supply rail being stabilized in parallel topology

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Hard breakdown knee	Sharp, well-defined avalanche onset enables reliable turn-on without soft saturation or hysteresis
Low dynamic impedance	~5 % of conventional series - improves regulation stability under varying load currents
Low noise performance	~10 % of conventional series - critical for sensor biasing and precision analog front-ends
Small V_Z tolerances	±0.20 V at 5.90 V - reduces binning requirements and simplifies BOM management
Non-repetitive peak power	30 W at T_j = 150 °C - handles transient overvoltage events without permanent degradation

Applications

CMOS RAM Backup

Voltage Stabilizer

Use Scenario: Maintaining SRAM data integrity during main power loss using coin-cell or supercapacitor backup.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage clamp regulating backup rail at 5.90 V to prevent under-voltage write corruption.

Use Value: 0.9 nA reverse leakage minimizes backup source drain; 2.40 mV/K TC enables predictable hold-up time across industrial temperature range.

Use Scenario: Providing stable reference for microcontroller reset circuitry in portable instrumentation.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal voltage reference establishing clean 5.90 V threshold for POR (Power-On Reset) comparator input.

Use Value: ≤100 Ω dynamic resistance ensures minimal droop during brown-out detection; hard knee prevents false resets during slow-rising V_CC.

Voltage Limiter

Smoke Detector Relay Driver

Use Scenario: Protecting ADC input from ESD-induced overvoltage in battery-powered environmental sensors.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance shunt limiter clamping analog input to 5.90 V ±0.20 V before signal conditioning stage.

Use Value: 1.0 µV/√Hz noise density avoids degrading SNR; 30 W non-repetitive rating absorbs IEC 61000-4-2 contact discharge pulses.

Use Scenario: Biasing optocoupler LED in smoke alarm relay interface to ensure consistent activation threshold.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage source setting constant-current drive for infrared emitter in self-test mode.

Use Value: Tight 5.70–6.10 V tolerance guarantees repeatable relay pull-in voltage; low tempco maintains calibration across -40 to +85 °C operating range.

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	5.6 V nominal, ±5 % tolerance (±0.28 V), higher R_Z (~120 Ω), 2.5 µV/√Hz noise	Looser regulation accuracy and higher noise limit use in precision analog paths	Select when cost sensitivity outweighs need for sub-0.2 V tolerance and ultra-low leakage
PLVA662A	6.20 V nominal, same package/pinout, 2.65 mV/K TC, 0.9 nA I_R at 50 % V_Z	Higher regulation voltage shifts operating point; identical thermal and noise behavior	Choose for systems requiring 6.2 V stabilization while retaining PLVA659A's low-noise, low-leakage architecture

Compared with BZX84-C5V6 and PLVA662A, PLVA659A delivers tighter V_Z tolerance (±0.20 V vs ±0.28 V), lower noise (1.0 vs 2.5 µV/√Hz), and matched 0.9 nA leakage-making it optimal for battery-backed memory and high-fidelity sensor biasing where regulation precision and long-term stability are critical.

Availability

PLVA659A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for CMOS RAM backup circuits, low-noise voltage stabilizers, and precision voltage limiters requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle continuity support.

Supply support for PLVA659A 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 delivering high-performance logic, discrete, and MOSFET solutions with focus on efficiency, reliability, and miniaturization for consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.

The PLVA6xxA series is part of Nexperia's precision analog portfolio, engineered specifically for low-current, low-noise shunt regulation in space-constrained and battery-sensitive applications such as memory backup and sensor signal conditioning.

FAQ

What is the recommended operating current range for stable regulation?

The PLVA659A achieves specified regulation performance between 10 µA and 1 mA, with nominal V_Z defined at 250 µA. Operation below 10 µA increases sensitivity to temperature drift and noise; above 1 mA risks exceeding thermal limits on standard FR4 PCB due to its 250 mW P_tot rating.

Can PLVA659A replace standard Zener diodes in existing designs?

Yes, provided the target application requires ≤5.90 V regulation, benefits from ultra-low leakage (<1 nA), and operates within 10 µA–1 mA current range. Pin-compatible with SOT23 Zeners, but its hard knee and low R_Z may reduce need for external series resistance in some bias networks.

How does the 2.40 mV/K temperature coefficient affect long-term stability?

The +2.40 mV/K coefficient means V_Z increases by 2.4 mV per °C rise in junction temperature. Over –40 °C to +85 °C ambient (assuming ΔT_j–amb ≈ 30 K), this yields ~72 mV total shift-predictable and compensatable in fixed-resistor bias networks, unlike erratic drift in older Zener types.

Is PLVA659A qualified for automotive applications?

No. Per Nexperia's revision history (Rev. 4, Jan 2023), the PLVA6xxA series is explicitly designated non-automotive qualified. Automotive alternatives require explicit "-Q" suffix parts, which undergo AEC-Q101 stress testing and PPAP documentation not applicable to PLVA659A.

PLVA659A,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):: 5.9 V

Tolerance:: ±3%

Power - Max:: 250 mW

Impedance (Max) (Zzt):: 100 Ohms

Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:: 1 µA @ 5.3 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

PLVA659A,215 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for PLVA659A,215 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PLVA659A,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 PLVA659A,215 reliable?

The price and inventory of PLVA659A,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PLVA659A,215 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for PLVA659A,215?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PLVA659A,215 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for PLVA659A,215?

PLVA659A,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your PLVA659A,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 PLVA659A,215?

For technical support, including PLVA659A,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PLVA659A,215 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that PLVA659A,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All PLVA659A,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 PLVA659A,215 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of PLVA659A,215?

All PLVA659A,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PLVA659A,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 PLVA659A,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for PLVA659A,215:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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