Nexperia USA Inc. PLVA668A,215

Overview

PLVA668A from Nexperia is a low-voltage avalanche regulator diode in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, designed for precision voltage stabilization at 6.80 V nominal Zener voltage with ±0.20 V tolerance at I_Z = 250 µA, 100 Ω dynamic resistance, and 0.8 nA reverse current at 50 % V_Z, used in CMOS RAM backup circuits and low-noise voltage limiters.

For engineers reviewing the PLVA668A datasheet, PLVA668A pinout, PLVA668A application, or PLVA668A equivalent, key selection criteria include low-noise operation (1.0 µV/√Hz), hard breakdown knee, line regulation ≤0.1 V across 10 µA–1 mA, and thermal resistance of 500 K/W in free air.

Technical Context

This device operates as a low-current, low-noise Zener-type voltage reference using avalanche breakdown in silicon, optimized for stable regulation below 7 V with minimal temperature coefficient (3.40 mV/K). It exhibits hard knee characteristics and low dynamic impedance-100 Ω at 250 µA DC bias with 1 kHz AC superimposition.

Designed for surface-mount use on FR4 PCBs, it delivers 250 mW total power dissipation at 25 °C ambient and withstands non-repetitive peak reverse power up to 30 W at 150 °C junction temperature, supporting transient-suppression roles in low-power analog rails.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads, 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm footprint, 0.45 mm profile, and standard reflow-compatible solder lands per Fig. 2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C6V8 and MMBZ5237B, PLVA668A offers superior low-current regulation fidelity-its 100 Ω R_Z, 0.8 nA IR, and 1.0 µV/√Hz noise make it uniquely suited for battery-critical and precision analog roles where alternatives compromise on leakage, noise, or knee sharpness.

Availability

PLVA668A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for CMOS RAM backup circuits, low-noise voltage reference buffers, and smoke detector relay drivers requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term continuity and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for PLVA668A 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, headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands, with manufacturing in Asia and Europe.

The PLVA6xxA series belongs to Nexperia's precision low-voltage Zener regulator portfolio, engineered specifically for ultra-low-leakage, low-noise stabilization in battery-powered and safety-critical analog subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum reverse voltage the PLVA668A can safely clamp without degradation?

The PLVA668A is rated for non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation of 30 W at T_j = 150 °C with 100 µs pulse width and 10 % duty cycle. Its absolute maximum reverse voltage is limited by P_ZSM and thermal constraints-not a fixed V_R value-so safe clamping requires limiting peak current to avoid exceeding 30 W instantaneous power or 150 °C junction temperature.

Does the PLVA668A require a series resistor in all applications?

Yes-a current-limiting resistor is mandatory to set operating current within the 10 µA to 1 mA range where V_Z is specified and R_Z remains stable. Without it, excessive current causes thermal runaway or exceeds the 250 mW total power dissipation limit, risking permanent parametric shift or failure.

How does the 3.40 mV/K temperature coefficient affect accuracy over –40 °C to +85 °C?

Over that range, ΔT = 125 K yields a total V_Z drift of +425 mV (3.40 mV/K × 125 K), shifting nominal 6.80 V to ~7.225 V at +85 °C. This must be accounted for in system-level tolerance budgets; it is predictable and linear, enabling software or hardware compensation if required.

Can Pin 2 (n.c.) be grounded or left floating on the PCB?

Pin 2 is internally not connected and must remain unconnected-neither grounded nor tied to any net. Routing traces or solder pads to it risks mechanical stress or unintended coupling; the recommended footprint (Fig. 2) omits copper at Pin 2 location to prevent solder bridging or parasitic capacitance.