Nexperia USA Inc. PZU84-B18-QR

Overview

PZU84-B18-QR from Nexperia is a ±2 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 package, rated for 18 V nominal breakdown voltage at I_Z = 5 mA, with differential resistance of 80 Ω (max), junction temperature up to 150 °C, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive power rail stabilization.

For engineers reviewing the PZU84-B18-QR datasheet, PZU84-B18-QR pinout, PZU84-B18-QR application, or PZU84-B18-QR equivalent, this device supports precision voltage reference, overvoltage clamping, and low-current biasing in space-constrained automotive ECUs, sensor signal conditioning circuits, and industrial control modules where stable 18 V regulation under transient load is required.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode with hard knee characteristics optimized for low-current regulation (IZ = 5 mA), delivering stable 18 V output with minimal dynamic impedance drift across ambient temperatures from −55 °C to +150 °C. Its thermal resistance from junction to solder point is 330 K/W, enabling reliable operation on standard FR4 PCBs.

The device features intentional low leakage current (<0.05 μA at VR = 13 V) and low diode capacitance (93 pF at f = 1 MHz, VR = 0 V), supporting noise-sensitive analog front-ends and fast-switching protection circuits without compromising stability or response time.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 plastic surface-mounted package; 3-terminal, 1.9 mm pitch, 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1 mm body; cathode tab thermally connected to pin 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C18-Q and MMSZ5245B-TP, PZU84-B18-QR delivers tighter voltage control (±2 % vs. ±5 %), lower dynamic impedance (80 Ω vs. ≥100 Ω), and certified automotive reliability-making it the sole choice for safety-relevant 18 V reference functions in modern vehicle electronics.

Availability

PZU84-B18-QR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial sensor transmitters, and HVAC actuator power supplies requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for PZU84-B18-QR 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 solutions, with leadership in automotive-grade components and advanced packaging.

The PZU84-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified Zener diode product line, engineered specifically for robust voltage regulation and transient suppression in harsh automotive environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum reverse current specification for PZU84-B18-QR at 13 V?

The maximum reverse current (I_R) for PZU84-B18-QR is 0.05 μA at V_R = 13 V and T_j = 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage supports energy-efficient operation in always-on automotive subsystems, such as door module wake-up detection circuits, where standby current budgets are tightly constrained.

Does PZU84-B18-QR require heatsinking in standard FR4 PCB layouts?

No additional heatsink is required. With R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W and R_th(j-sp) = 330 K/W on standard FR4 (single-sided 70 μm copper), the device safely dissipates its full 250 mW rating at T_amb = 25 °C. Derating begins above 25 °C ambient per the thermal resistance curves in the datasheet.

How does the "hard breakdown knee" benefit circuit design?

The hard breakdown knee ensures rapid, monotonic transition into regulation at precisely 18 V, minimizing voltage overshoot during transient events. This behavior eliminates ambiguity in clamping thresholds-critical for protecting LIN transceivers and ADC inputs from ESD or load-dump spikes without requiring additional hysteresis or filtering.

Is pin 2 (n.c.) electrically isolated or internally tied to substrate?

Pin 2 is fully unconnected-no internal bond wire or die attachment. It must be left floating in layout; grounding or routing signals to it may cause parasitic coupling or thermal imbalance. The SOT23 mechanical outline confirms no internal connection, and Nexperia's package drawings explicitly label it "not connected" with no substrate tie.