Nexperia USA Inc. PZU84-B15R

Overview

PZU84-B15R from Nexperia is a ±2 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 package, providing precise 15 V regulation at 5 mA with 99 Ω differential resistance and low 0.05 μA reverse leakage at VR = 10 V. It operates across −55 °C to +150 °C ambient and delivers stable reference voltage for power supply feedback loops and overvoltage protection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PZU84-B15R datasheet, PZU84-B15R pinout, PZU84-B15R application, or PZU84-B15R equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage tolerance (±2 %), low dynamic impedance (99 Ω @ 5 mA), thermal resistance (330 K/W junction-to-solder point), and SOT23 footprint compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This Zener diode functions as a two-terminal shunt voltage reference, maintaining regulated output by conducting reverse current above its nominal 15 V breakdown voltage. Its hard breakdown knee and low leakage (<0.05 μA @ VR = 10 V) ensure sharp turn-on and minimal quiescent loss in precision biasing networks.

The device uses silicon planar technology with optimized doping profiles to achieve tight ±2 % VZ tolerance and temperature coefficient of +9.2 mV/K (typical) at 15 V, enabling stable operation across industrial temperature ranges without external compensation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 plastic surface-mount package (2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body, 1.9 mm pin pitch), optimized for automated placement and reflow soldering on standard FR4 PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with PZU84-B15R, BZX84-C15 trades tighter tolerance and lower impedance for lower cost, while MMSZ5245B offers lower dynamic resistance but requires board redesign due to SOD-123 packaging and lacks the hard-knee breakdown critical for reliable clamping.

Availability

PZU84-B15R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switch-mode power supply feedback, microcontroller reset circuits, and industrial sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for PZU84-B15R 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 essential efficiency technologies, delivering high-performance, reliable discrete and logic devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The PZU84 series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose Zener regulator product line, engineered for precision voltage reference and overvoltage protection in space-constrained, thermally demanding applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum reverse current the PZU84-B15R can sustain continuously?

The PZU84-B15R supports a maximum continuous reverse current of 16.7 mA, calculated from its 250 mW total power dissipation rating divided by nominal 15 V Zener voltage (250 mW ÷ 15 V ≈ 16.7 mA). This assumes ambient temperature ≤25 °C on a standard FR4 PCB with single-sided 70 μm copper; derating is required at higher temperatures per its 500 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.

Does the n.c. pin (pin 2) require PCB routing or grounding?

No, pin 2 is internally not connected and must remain electrically floating-no PCB trace, pad, or ground connection is permitted. Routing to ground or any net would violate the device's internal construction and may cause unpredictable behavior or failure. The SOT23 footprint should maintain pin 2 as an isolated land with solder mask defined per Nexperia's recommended wave and reflow footprints.

How does the PZU84-B15R's temperature coefficient affect regulation accuracy over −40 °C to +85 °C?

At 15 V nominal, the PZU84-B15R exhibits a typical temperature coefficient of +9.2 mV/K. Over a 125 K span (−40 °C to +85 °C), this results in approximately ±1.15 V drift (9.2 mV/K × 125 K), or ±7.7 % of nominal VZ. For applications requiring tighter thermal stability, external compensation or selection of a lower-coefficient Zener (e.g., 6.2 V types) is recommended.

Can the PZU84-B15R be used in forward-bias mode as a standard rectifier diode?

Yes-the PZU84-B15R has a rated forward voltage of ≤0.9 V at 10 mA and supports up to 200 mA forward current. It can serve as a low-leakage, low-VF signal-level rectifier or polarity protection diode. However, its 0.9 V VF is higher than Schottky alternatives (e.g., 0.3 V), so it is best suited for low-current, low-power roles where Zener functionality is secondary.