Nexperia USA Inc. PZU15BA,115

Overview

PZU15BA,115 from Nexperia is a general-purpose Zener voltage regulator diode in SOD323 (SC-76) package, designed for precision voltage reference and overvoltage protection in low-power analog circuits. It delivers a nominal 15 V Zener voltage with ±2 % tolerance (B2 series), 80 Ω maximum differential resistance at I_Z = 5 mA, ≤15 nA reverse current at I_Z = 0.5 mA, and operates up to 150 °C junction temperature - commonly used in power supply feedback loops and sensor biasing networks.

For engineers reviewing the PZU15BA,115 datasheet, PZU15BA,115 pinout, PZU15BA,115 application, or PZU15BA,115 equivalent, key selection criteria include its tight 15 V regulation tolerance, low leakage at sub-mA bias currents, hard breakdown knee for stable clamping, thermal resistance of 255 K/W (junction-to-solder point), and compatibility with standard reflow soldering footprints for high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse-biased breakdown mode to maintain a stable reference voltage across its terminals under varying load and temperature conditions. Its B2 tolerance grade ensures ±2 % accuracy at 15 V, and intentional minor leakage rise improves switching speed and noise immunity per AN90031.

The device exhibits a temperature coefficient of +2 mV/K at 15 V and I_Z = 5 mA, enabling predictable drift compensation in temperature-sensitive references. Its 80 Ω dynamic impedance at 5 mA supports stable regulation even with moderate current variations in feedback paths.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOD323 (SC-76) plastic surface-mount package with cathode marked by a bar on the body; optimized for automated assembly and thermal performance on FR4 PCBs with single-sided copper.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C15,215, PZU15BA,115 offers tighter tolerance and lower leakage for precision references; versus MMSZ5245B-7-F, it trades some impedance performance for smaller size and guaranteed ±2 % accuracy - making it optimal for space-constrained, high-stability analog nodes.

Availability

PZU15BA,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply feedback references, sensor biasing networks, overvoltage clamp protection, and ADC input protection circuits requiring stable component supply across industrial, test equipment, and embedded control designs.

Supply support for PZU15BA,115 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 and industrial-grade components.

The PZUxBA series targets general-purpose Zener regulation in compact SMD formats, emphasizing tight tolerances, low leakage, and robust thermal performance for analog signal conditioning and protection in cost-sensitive, space-constrained systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous reverse current the PZU15BA,115 can sustain without degradation?

The device supports up to 200 mA forward current per Absolute Maximum Ratings, but for Zener operation, continuous reverse current is limited by power dissipation: at 25 °C ambient on FR4 PCB, 320 mW / 15 V ≈ 21.3 mA maximum steady-state Zener current. Exceeding this risks thermal runaway unless heatsinking or derating is applied.

Does the PZU15BA,115 require a series current-limiting resistor in all applications?

Yes - a series resistor is mandatory to limit Zener current within safe operating limits. For example, with a 24 V supply and target 10 mA Zener current, a (24 V − 15 V) / 10 mA = 900 Ω resistor is required. Omission risks catastrophic failure due to uncontrolled power dissipation.

How does the +2 mV/K temperature coefficient affect long-term voltage stability?

At 15 V nominal, +2 mV/K translates to +30 mV drift over a 15 K ambient rise (e.g., 25 °C to 40 °C). This 0.2 % change is negligible in many applications but must be compensated in metrology-grade references using matched NTC networks or dual-Zener configurations.

Can the PZU15BA,115 be used in place of a 15 V linear regulator like the LM78L15?

No - it is a two-terminal shunt regulator, not a three-terminal series regulator. It cannot source load current; instead, it sinks excess current to maintain voltage. It replaces IC references only in low-current, high-impedance nodes (e.g., feedback dividers), never as a standalone 15 V power source.