Nexperia USA Inc. PLVA659A-QR

Overview

PLVA659A-QR 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 0.9 nA reverse current at 50 % V_Z, used in automotive-grade CMOS RAM backup and smoke detector relay circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PLVA659A-QR datasheet, PLVA659A-QR pinout, PLVA659A-QR application, or PLVA659A-QR equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications including dynamic resistance (≤100 Ω), noise voltage density (≤1.0 µV/√Hz), line regulation (≤0.1 V), AEC-Q101 qualification status, and thermal resistance (330 K/W junction-to-solder point).

Technical Context

This device operates as a two-terminal shunt voltage reference using controlled avalanche breakdown in silicon, optimized for low-current regulation (IZ = 250 µA typical) with hard knee characteristics and minimal dynamic impedance. Its design targets stable biasing in ultra-low-power analog and memory retention circuits where noise and thermal drift must be tightly constrained.

The PLVA659A-QR exhibits a nominal Zener voltage of 5.90 V at 250 µA, with temperature coefficient of +2.40 mV/K and reverse current as low as 0.9 nA at 50 % V_Z, enabling high-impedance node stabilization without loading sensitive circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PLVA659A-QR uses the SOT23 (TO-236AB) surface-mount plastic package: 3-pin, single-ended, anode-cathode configuration with Pin 1 = Anode (A), Pin 2 = Not Connected (n.c.), Pin 3 = Cathode (K). The package measures 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm and is qualified for reflow and wave soldering per JEDEC standards.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C5V6-Q and PLVA662A-Q, the PLVA659A-QR uniquely balances 5.9 V regulation, sub-nA leakage, and automotive qualification-making it optimal for long-life, low-power, safety-critical backup and sensing nodes where voltage precision and thermal stability are non-negotiable.

Availability

PLVA659A-QR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive smoke detector relays, CMOS RAM backup circuits, and low-noise analog sensor bias applications requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 compliance and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for PLVA659A-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 energy-efficient solutions.

The PLVA6xxA-Q series belongs to Nexperia's automotive-grade low-voltage Zener regulator product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-leakage, low-noise voltage stabilization in battery-backed memory and safety-critical sensor subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation for PLVA659A-QR?

The PLVA659A-QR supports up to 30 W non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation at T_j = 150 °C with t_p = 100 µs pulse width and 10 % duty cycle. This rating enables robust transient suppression in automotive load-dump scenarios without permanent degradation.

Does PLVA659A-QR require external current-limiting resistors in typical applications?

Yes-like all shunt regulators, PLVA659A-QR requires a series current-limiting resistor to set the operating I_Z. For nominal 5.9 V regulation at 250 µA, a 12 kΩ resistor is typical when biased from a 9 V source, ensuring stable operation within its 250 mW total power limit.

How does the temperature coefficient affect regulation accuracy over automotive temperature ranges?

With a +2.40 mV/K temperature coefficient, PLVA659A-QR's V_Z increases by approximately 360 mV from −40 °C to +125 °C. System designers must account for this linear drift in precision applications-e.g., a 5.90 V nominal becomes 6.26 V at +125 °C, remaining within ±6.3 % total variation.

Is PLVA659A-QR compatible with lead-free reflow soldering processes?

Yes-PLVA659A-QR is qualified for lead-free reflow soldering per J-STD-020, with a maximum peak temperature of 260 °C. Its SOT23 package uses standard footprint dimensions (2.9 mm × 1.3 mm) and thermal pad layout compatible with industry-standard stencil designs and conveyorized reflow profiles.