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

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division PLZ20A-G3/H

Name: PLZ20A-G3/H
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: PLZ20A-G3/H
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: PLZ20A-G3/H

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: Single Zener Diodes

Package:: DO-219AC

Datasheet:: PLZ20A-G3/H.pdf

Description:: DIODE ZENER 20V 500MW DO219AC

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Product details

Overview

PLZ20A-G3/H from Vishay Semiconductors is a silicon planar Zener diode in the MicroSMF (DO-219AC) package, rated for 500 mW power dissipation at 85 °C ambient, with nominal zener voltage 18.02–18.96 V at 10 mA test current, dynamic resistance ≤15 Ω, and reverse clamping voltage 3.43 V at 28 A peak pulse current. It serves as a precision voltage reference and transient voltage suppressor in automotive sensor signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PLZ20A-G3/H datasheet, PLZ20A-G3/H pinout, PLZ20A-G3/H application, or PLZ20A-G3/H equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal behavior under FR4 mounting, ESD immunity ≥30 kV (IEC 61000-4-2), surge capability per IEC 61000-4-5, and AEC-Q101 qualification status - all critical for automotive-grade power rail protection and analog reference design.

Technical Context

The PLZ20A-G3/H operates as a single-element, cathode-anode configured Zener diode optimized for stable voltage regulation and fast transient suppression. Its low-profile MicroSMF package enables high-density PCB layouts while maintaining thermal resistance of 130 K/W junction-to-ambient on standard FR4 (50 mm × 50 mm × 1.6 mm).

It delivers 3.43 V reverse clamping at 28 A (8/20 μs waveform), exhibits ≤0.2 μA reverse leakage at rated VR, and achieves ≤15 Ω dynamic impedance at 10 mA - enabling tight tolerance regulation in feedback loops and robust overvoltage protection in 12 V/24 V automotive subsystems.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Zener Voltage (V_Z)	18.02–18.96 V at I_ZT = 10 mA - defines precise regulation point for 18 V rail stabilization
Power Dissipation (P_tot)	500 mW at T_amb = 85 °C - supports continuous operation in engine bay environments
Dynamic Resistance (Z_Z)	≤15 Ω at I_ZT = 10 mA - ensures minimal voltage deviation under load transients
Peak Pulse Current (I_PPM)	28 A (8/20 μs, IEC 61000-4-5) - withstands automotive load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses
Reverse Clamping Voltage (V_C)	3.43 V at I_PPM = 28 A - limits downstream IC stress during surge events
ESD Immunity	≥30 kV contact/air discharge (IEC 61000-4-2) - protects against human-body-model and system-level ESD
Thermal Resistance (R_thJA)	130 K/W on FR4 (50 mm × 50 mm × 1.6 mm) - enables accurate junction temperature estimation for reliability analysis

Pinout & Package

MicroSMF (DO-219AC) surface-mount package: 1.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 0.6 mm body, cathode bar marked on top surface, solder land footprint optimized for wave and reflow per J-STD-020 and IEC 61760-1.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Current sink terminal during reverse bias	Connected to ground or low-impedance return path to establish reference node
Cathode	Current source terminal during reverse bias	Connected to protected rail or regulated node; marking bar identifies this terminal

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive applications including powertrain and chassis control modules
Low-profile MicroSMF package	Enables <1.0 mm board height in space-constrained ADAS camera modules and ECUs
High-temperature soldering tolerance	Withstands 260 °C / 10 s at terminals - compatible with lead-free reflow profiles
Ultra-low leakage current	≤0.2 μA at rated VR - preserves battery life in always-on vehicle networks
Excellent long-term stability	Guaranteed parameter drift <±2% over 1000 h at rated conditions - ensures calibration integrity

Applications

Automotive Sensor Interface	Industrial PLC Input Protection
Use Scenario: Protecting analog outputs of pressure and temperature sensors in 12 V vehicle networks exposed to ISO 7637-2 transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener clamp placed across sensor supply rail to limit overvoltage before it reaches ADC input stages. Use Value: 3.43 V clamping voltage prevents damage to 3.3 V or 5 V sensor interface ICs during 28 A surge events.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers subject to field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff device shunting transient energy away from optocoupler input LED and series resistor. Use Value: 28 A peak pulse rating absorbs IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges without degradation.
Automotive Body Control Module	Medical Diagnostic Equipment Power Rails
Use Scenario: Stabilizing 18 V auxiliary supply for LIN transceivers and window motor drivers in BCMs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage reference for LDO feedback network and overvoltage monitor comparator. Use Value: 18.02–18.96 V range with ≤15 Ω Z_Z maintains ±1% regulation under load steps up to 50 mA.	Use Scenario: Protecting isolated DC-DC converter outputs powering sensitive analog front-ends in portable ultrasound devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-side clamp suppressing coupling noise from primary-side switching transients. Use Value: ≥30 kV ESD immunity prevents latch-up in low-power microcontrollers during clinical handling.

Automotive Sensor Interface

Industrial PLC Input Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting analog outputs of pressure and temperature sensors in 12 V vehicle networks exposed to ISO 7637-2 transients.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener clamp placed across sensor supply rail to limit overvoltage before it reaches ADC input stages.

Use Value: 3.43 V clamping voltage prevents damage to 3.3 V or 5 V sensor interface ICs during 28 A surge events.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers subject to field-wiring induced surges.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff device shunting transient energy away from optocoupler input LED and series resistor.

Use Value: 28 A peak pulse rating absorbs IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges without degradation.

Automotive Body Control Module

Medical Diagnostic Equipment Power Rails

Use Scenario: Stabilizing 18 V auxiliary supply for LIN transceivers and window motor drivers in BCMs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage reference for LDO feedback network and overvoltage monitor comparator.

Use Value: 18.02–18.96 V range with ≤15 Ω Z_Z maintains ±1% regulation under load steps up to 50 mA.

Use Scenario: Protecting isolated DC-DC converter outputs powering sensitive analog front-ends in portable ultrasound devices.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-side clamp suppressing coupling noise from primary-side switching transients.

Use Value: ≥30 kV ESD immunity prevents latch-up in low-power microcontrollers during clinical handling.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener diode applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BZX84-C18LT1G	Higher dynamic resistance (≤40 Ω), lower surge rating (12 A), SOT-23 package (larger footprint)	Limited to non-automotive industrial use due to lack of AEC-Q101 qualification	Select when cost sensitivity outweighs surge performance and automotive compliance requirements
SMBJ18A	TVS diode (not Zener), higher clamping voltage (29.2 V), 100 W peak power, DO-214AA package	Designed for bulk transient suppression, not precision voltage regulation	Choose only for primary-level surge protection where regulation accuracy is secondary to energy absorption

Compared with BZX84-C18LT1G and SMBJ18A, the PLZ20A-G3/H uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, 18 V Zener regulation accuracy, 28 A surge capability, and ultra-small MicroSMF packaging - making it the only option suitable for space-constrained, safety-critical automotive voltage reference and clamping roles.

Availability

PLZ20A-G3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial control systems, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for PLZ20A-G3/H 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

Vishay Semiconductors is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.

The PLZ Series targets automotive-grade Zener regulation and transient suppression, designed specifically to meet AEC-Q101 requirements while delivering low-profile packaging and high surge robustness for next-generation ECU and ADAS subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum ambient temperature at which PLZ20A-G3/H can dissipate its full 500 mW rating?

The PLZ20A-G3/H is rated for 500 mW power dissipation when mounted on a standard FR4 board (50 mm × 50 mm × 1.6 mm) at an ambient temperature of 85 °C. Above this temperature, derating applies per Figure 3 in the datasheet - for example, at 100 °C ambient, maximum allowable power drops to approximately 340 mW. This thermal behavior is critical for engine compartment deployments where PLZ20A-G3/H must maintain regulation integrity.

Is PLZ20A-G3/H qualified to AEC-Q101, and what does the "/H" suffix indicate?

Yes, PLZ20A-G3/H is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed by Vishay's documentation stating "Base P/N-HG3" denotes AEC-Q101 qualification, and the "/H" suffix in PLZ20A-G3/H explicitly indicates the AEC-Q101 qualified version. This makes PLZ20A-G3/H suitable for automotive applications requiring validated reliability, unlike the industrial-grade "-G3" variant without "/H".

What is the reverse clamping voltage of PLZ20A-G3/H at its rated peak pulse current?

The PLZ20A-G3/H has a reverse clamping voltage (V_C) of 3.43 V at its rated peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 28 A, tested per IEC 61000-4-5 with an 8/20 μs waveform. This low clamping voltage ensures downstream 3.3 V or 5 V ICs remain within safe operating limits during surge events - a key advantage over higher-V_C alternatives like SMBJ18A.

How does the MicroSMF (DO-219AC) package of PLZ20A-G3/H compare to traditional SOD-123 in size and thermal performance?

The MicroSMF package measures 1.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 0.6 mm - ~40% smaller footprint than SOD-123 - while achieving R_thJA = 130 K/W on FR4, comparable to larger packages due to optimized thermal pad design. This allows PLZ20A-G3/H to deliver identical 500 mW power handling in tighter layouts, such as camera module flex PCBs where board space is constrained.

Can PLZ20A-G3/H be used as a replacement for a standard 18 V Zener in non-automotive applications?

Yes, PLZ20A-G3/H functions as a high-performance 18 V Zener diode in any application requiring low leakage (<0.2 μA), tight voltage tolerance (±3%), and low dynamic resistance (≤15 Ω). Its RoHS-compliant, green construction and reflow compatibility make it suitable for industrial and medical designs - though users should verify that its 28 A surge rating and 3.43 V clamping behavior align with system-level protection goals, as these exceed typical general-purpose Zener specs.

PLZ20A-G3/H Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Series:: PLZ

Package/Case:: DO-219AC

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):: 20 V

Tolerance:: ±3%

Power - Max:: 500 mW

Impedance (Max) (Zzt):: 28 Ohms

Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:: 200 nA @ 15 V

Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:: 900 mV @ 10 mA

Operating Temperature:: 150°C

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: DO-219AC (microSMF)

PLZ20A-G3/H FAQ

1.How can I place an order for PLZ20A-G3/H through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PLZ20A-G3/H 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 PLZ20A-G3/H reliable?

The price and inventory of PLZ20A-G3/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PLZ20A-G3/H is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for PLZ20A-G3/H?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PLZ20A-G3/H transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for PLZ20A-G3/H?

PLZ20A-G3/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your PLZ20A-G3/H 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 PLZ20A-G3/H?

For technical support, including PLZ20A-G3/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PLZ20A-G3/H requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that PLZ20A-G3/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All PLZ20A-G3/H 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 PLZ20A-G3/H meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of PLZ20A-G3/H?

All PLZ20A-G3/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PLZ20A-G3/H, 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 PLZ20A-G3/H part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for PLZ20A-G3/H:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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