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Nexperia USA Inc. PZTA14/ZLF
- Part No.:
- PZTA14/ZLF
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Datasheet:
-
PZTA14/ZLF.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN DARL 30V 0.5A SOT-223
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:6,625
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Product details
Overview
PZTA14 from Nexperia is an NPN Darlington transistor in SOT223 (SC-73) package, designed for high-input-impedance pre-amplifier stages. It delivers DC current gain (hFE) of 10,000–20,000 at IC = 10–100 mA, supports 500 mA continuous collector current, and operates up to 30 V VCE, enabling robust signal amplification in low-voltage analog front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the PZTA14 datasheet, PZTA14 pinout, PZTA14 application, or PZTA14 equivalent, key selection considerations include its Darlington architecture for ultra-high hFE, dual-collector thermal design in SOT223, VCE(sat) ≤ 1.5 V at IC = 100 mA/ IB = 0.1 mA, and non-automotive qualification per latest revision.
Technical Context
The PZTA14 implements a monolithic NPN Darlington pair with integrated base-emitter resistor network absent - requiring external base drive control. Its high hFE enables microampere-level base current to switch 100+ mA loads, reducing driver-stage loading in sensor interface and relay-driver circuits.
Thermal performance is defined by Rth(j-sp) = 19 K/W to solder point and Rth(j-a) = 100 K/W on 1 cm² single-sided copper PCB, confirming suitability for thermally constrained SMD applications where discrete heatsinking is impractical.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 30 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage under open-base condition; defines rail compatibility in ≤24 V systems. |
| IC (continuous) | 500 mA - Continuous load-handling capability without derating at Tamb ≤ 25 °C; supports medium-power switching. |
| hFE | 10,000–20,000 - Ultra-high DC current gain at IC = 10–100 mA; reduces base drive requirements in high-impedance nodes. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤1.5 V @ IC=100 mA, IB=0.1 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss and self-heating during conduction. |
| Rth(j-sp) | 19 K/W - Junction-to-solder-point thermal resistance confirms effective heat transfer to PCB copper pour via collector pad. |
| fT | 125 MHz - Transition frequency limits usable bandwidth to audio and low-speed digital switching (<10 MHz practical). |
Pinout & Package
Package: SC-73 (SOT223) - 4-lead surface-mount plastic package with extended collector tab for enhanced thermal dissipation (6.5 mm × 3.5 mm × 1.65 mm body; 2.3 mm lead pitch).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control input node; requires current-limited drive due to Darlington structure's high hFE. |
| 2 | Collector (C) | Main output current path; electrically connected to Pin 4 and thermal pad for PCB heat sinking. |
| 3 | Emiter (E) | Reference/output return node; common emitter configuration used in most amplifier and switch applications. |
| 4 | Collector (C) | Dual-collector configuration improves thermal reliability and current sharing; must be tied to same net as Pin 2. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-high DC current gain | hFE ≥ 10,000 at IC = 10 mA - Enables direct drive from microcontroller GPIOs without additional buffer stages. |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ 1.5 V at rated IC/IB - Reduces conduction loss and thermal stress in linear and switching modes. |
| Dual-collector thermal design | Pins 2 & 4 both connect to collector and thermal pad - Doubles copper attachment area for improved PCB heat extraction. |
| High breakdown voltage | VCBO = 30 V - Supports operation across industrial 24 V rails with margin against transients. |
Applications
| Audio Pre-amplifier Stage | Industrial Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Amplifying low-level signals from piezoelectric sensors or electret microphones before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-gain, low-noise NPN Darlington configured as common-emitter amplifier with emitter degeneration. Use Value: 10,000+ hFE allows >40 dB voltage gain with minimal base current draw, preserving source impedance integrity. |
Use Scenario: Buffering and level-shifting analog outputs from temperature or pressure transducers into PLC input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear-mode current amplifier isolating sensitive sensor circuitry from noisy industrial backplanes. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) and stable hFE over temperature ensure accurate current-source replication without gain drift. |
| Relay Driver Circuit | LED Array Switch |
|
Use Scenario: Driving 24 V DC coil relays in building automation controllers where MCU GPIOs lack sufficient sink/source current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-transistor Darlington switch replacing multi-stage BJT/MOSFET solutions. Use Value: 500 mA IC rating and dual-collector thermal path enable reliable 100% duty-cycle relay actuation without heatsink. |
Use Scenario: Controlling 12 V LED strips or signage arrays in retail display systems with PWM dimming. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-current constant-current switch operating in saturation mode with fast turn-off aided by low Cre (3 pF). Use Value: 125 MHz fT and 3 pF feedback capacitance support clean 1–5 kHz PWM edges without ringing or shoot-through. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN Darlington transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD127 | Higher VCEO (80 V), lower hFE (1000–4000), TO-252 package | Better suited for higher-voltage industrial controls; larger footprint and higher thermal mass | Select when >30 V rail tolerance or higher surge immunity is required; not drop-in due to package and gain mismatch |
| BC817-40 | Standard NPN (not Darlington), hFE = 250–630, same SOT223 package | Lacks Darlington gain; requires ~20× more base current for same collector load | Choose only if ultra-low base drive is unnecessary and cost reduction outweighs gain penalty |
Compared with MJD127 and BC817-40, the PZTA14 uniquely balances ultra-high gain, SOT223 thermal efficiency, and 30 V operation - making it optimal for space-constrained, low-drive pre-amplifier and relay-driver designs where gain and thermal performance are prioritized over voltage headroom or cost-per-unit.
Availability
PZTA14 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio pre-amplifiers, industrial sensor interfaces, and relay driver circuits requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term SMT manufacturability.
Supply support for PZTA14 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 logic, discrete, and MOSFET components, headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands.
The PZTA14 belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered specifically for high-gain, medium-current SMD applications in industrial and consumer equipment where thermal efficiency and gain stability are critical.
FAQ
Is the PZTA14 automotive-qualified?
No. Per the October 2025 datasheet revision history, the PZTA14 is explicitly marked as non-automotive qualified. It lacks AEC-Q101 testing and automotive-grade process controls. For automotive use, Nexperia offers the PZTA14-Q series - a separate, qualified variant with distinct part numbering and qualification documentation.
What is the function of Pin 4 on the PZTA14?
Pin 4 is a second collector terminal, electrically identical to Pin 2 and internally bonded to the same die region. It serves to increase solder-pad contact area for thermal conduction and mechanical reliability - both pins must be connected to the same collector net and thermal copper pour on the PCB.
Can the PZTA14 replace a standard NPN transistor like BC547 in a circuit?
Only with circuit redesign. The PZTA14's Darlington structure yields ~100× higher hFE and ~0.7 V higher VBE(on) (~2 V vs. ~0.7 V). Direct substitution would cause severe bias shift, potential saturation failure, or oscillation. Base resistor values and operating points must be recalculated for Darlington characteristics.
What is the maximum allowable PCB copper area for thermal performance?
The datasheet specifies Rth(j-a) = 100 K/W for a 1 cm² single-sided copper pad. Increasing copper area beyond this provides diminishing returns; however, doubling the pad to 2 cm² typically improves Rth(j-a) by ~15–20%. Thermal vias under the collector pad further reduce Rth(j-sp) but require multilayer board design.
PZTA14/ZLF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN - Darlington
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 500 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 30 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1.5V @ 100µA, 100mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 20000 @ 100mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 1.25 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 125MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-223
PZTA14/ZLF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PZTA14/ZLF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PZTA14/ZLF 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 PZTA14/ZLF reliable?
The price and inventory of PZTA14/ZLF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PZTA14/ZLF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PZTA14/ZLF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PZTA14/ZLF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PZTA14/ZLF?
PZTA14/ZLF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PZTA14/ZLF 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 PZTA14/ZLF?
For technical support, including PZTA14/ZLF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PZTA14/ZLF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PZTA14/ZLF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PZTA14/ZLF 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 PZTA14/ZLF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PZTA14/ZLF?
All PZTA14/ZLF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PZTA14/ZLF, 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 PZTA14/ZLF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PZTA14/ZLF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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