Nexperia USA Inc. PZU84-C3V3R

Overview

PZU84-C3V3R from Nexperia is a ±2 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOT23 package, providing precise 3.3 V regulation at 5 mA with 95 Ω differential resistance and −3.5 mV/K temperature coefficient. It delivers low leakage (≤5 μA at VR = 1.0 V), hard breakdown knee, and operates across −55 °C to +150 °C ambient for power rail stabilization in compact DC-DC feedback paths.

For engineers reviewing the PZU84-C3V3R datasheet, PZU84-C3V3R pinout, PZU84-C3V3R application, or PZU84-C3V3R equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage tolerance, dynamic impedance at nominal test current, thermal resistance (Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W), reverse leakage at specified VR, and SOT23 footprint compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown mode to clamp or regulate voltage with sharp knee characteristics and minimal voltage drift over temperature. Its design targets stable reference generation in low-power analog circuits where precision and low quiescent current are critical.

It features two distinct performance tiers: the C-series (e.g., PZU84-C3V3R) emphasizes very low leakage and hard breakdown for regulation accuracy, while B-series variants trade slightly higher leakage for optimized switching noise reduction per AN90031.

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 FR4 PCBs with single-sided 70 μm copper.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BZX84-C3V3 and MMSZ4685, PZU84-C3V3R offers tighter ±2 % tolerance and full −55 °C to +150 °C operation - making it uniquely suitable for industrial feedback references requiring both precision and thermal robustness without derating.

Availability

PZU84-C3V3R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply feedback loops, overvoltage clamping circuits, and low-power reference sources requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for PZU84-C3V3R 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 delivering high-performance, reliable discrete, logic, and MOSFET devices with focus on efficiency, reliability, and miniaturization.

The PZU84 series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose Zener regulator portfolio, engineered specifically for stable voltage reference and clamping in space-constrained, thermally demanding industrial and consumer power management applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous Zener current for PZU84-C3V3R at 25 °C ambient?

The absolute maximum forward current is 200 mA, but continuous Zener operation is limited by power dissipation. At 25 °C ambient on a standard FR4 PCB, the 250 mW total power rating permits up to ~75 mA average Zener current (250 mW ÷ 3.3 V ≈ 75.8 mA), assuming negligible forward conduction losses.

Does PZU84-C3V3R support wave soldering, and what footprint is recommended?

Yes, PZU84-C3V3R is qualified for both reflow and wave soldering. Nexperia specifies a dedicated wave soldering footprint (Fig. 11) with 1.4 mm × 2.2 mm solder lands and 2.6 mm transport direction clearance to ensure reliable wetting and avoid tombstoning during automated assembly.

How does the "C" suffix in PZU84-C3V3R differ functionally from "B"-series variants like PZU84-B3V3?

The "C" suffix denotes the ±2 % tolerance grade with very low leakage (<5 μA) and hard breakdown knee, optimized for precision regulation. In contrast, "B"-series parts (e.g., PZU84-B3V3) offer ±5 % tolerance and intentionally higher leakage to improve high-frequency noise suppression and switching speed, per application note AN90031.

Can PZU84-C3V3R be used in series or parallel configurations for higher voltage or current capability?

No - Zener diodes exhibit manufacturing spread in V_Z and temperature coefficient, causing current hogging in parallel and unpredictable stacking in series. The datasheet specifies single-device operation only; for higher voltage/current needs, discrete resistor-Zener combinations or integrated regulators are recommended.