Nexperia USA Inc. PZU84-C16R

Overview

PZU84-C16R from Nexperia is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 package, rated for 16 V nominal breakdown voltage (15.37 V to 17.09 V), 250 mW total power dissipation, and 0.5 μA reverse current at 12 V, used for precision low-power voltage reference and overvoltage protection in sensor signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PZU84-C16R datasheet, PZU84-C16R pinout, PZU84-C16R application, or PZU84-C16R equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage tolerance, differential resistance at 5 mA (≤80 Ω), temperature coefficient (±12 mV/K), junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (500 K/W), and SOT23 footprint compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse-biased breakdown mode to maintain stable voltage across its terminals under varying load and supply conditions. It exhibits a hard breakdown knee and low leakage current typical of the PZU84-C series, optimized for general regulation functions rather than fast switching.

Its thermal resistance (R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W) and maximum junction temperature (150 °C) define safe continuous operation limits on FR4 PCBs with standard copper thickness. The device's 16 V nominal Zener voltage falls within the E24 range and is specified at I_Z = 5 mA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 plastic surface-mounted package; 3-terminal, 1.9 mm pitch, 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body; anode and cathode terminals only - terminal 2 is not connected.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C16 and MMSZ5245B, PZU84-C16R delivers tighter regulation (lower r_dif, lower I_R) and superior thermal performance (500 K/W R_th(j-a)) in identical SOT23 packaging-making it optimal for precision analog monitoring where long-term stability matters.

Availability

PZU84-C16R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for sensor interface circuits, low-power voltage monitors, EEPROM write-enable logic, and analog front-end protection requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for PZU84-C16R 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 manufacturer headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands, specializing in high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The PZU84 series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose Zener regulator portfolio, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications needing stable voltage references without active circuitry.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed Zener voltage range for PZU84-C16R at 5 mA test current?

The guaranteed Zener voltage range is 15.37 V to 17.09 V at I_Z = 5 mA and T_j = 25 °C, corresponding to the ±5 % tolerance band around the nominal 16 V rating. This range remains valid across the full operating junction temperature range (−55 °C to +150 °C), though voltage drift follows the specified ±12 mV/K temperature coefficient.

Can PZU84-C16R be used in parallel for higher power dissipation?

No-PZU84-C16R must not be operated in parallel due to mismatched Zener voltage and dynamic resistance characteristics, which cause current hogging and thermal runaway. Its 250 mW rating assumes single-device mounting on FR4 with standard 70 μm copper; higher power demands require heat-sinking or alternative packages like SOD-123 or DO-35.

Is terminal 2 internally connected, and what happens if it is soldered to PCB?

Terminal 2 is explicitly marked "not connected" (n.c.) in the official pinning diagram and has no internal bond wire. Soldering it to PCB copper creates a floating metal stub that may induce parasitic capacitance or mechanical stress but does not affect electrical function-however, best practice is to leave it unconnected per Nexperia's layout guidance.

How does the 0.05 μA reverse leakage at 12 V impact battery life in always-on monitoring circuits?

At 0.05 μA leakage, PZU84-C16R draws just 0.43 C per year (365 days × 24 h × 3600 s × 50 nA), consuming less than 0.0005 % of a typical 100 mAh coin-cell capacity annually-making it suitable for decade-long deployments in IoT sensor nodes where ultra-low standby current is critical.