Renesas RD15F-T8-AZ

Overview

RD15F-T8-AZ from Renesas Electronics is a 1 W planar-type silicon Zener diode with a nominal zener voltage of 15 V (B3 grade: 14.52–15.26 V), dynamic impedance of 10 Ω at 20 mA, and temperature coefficient of +11 mV/°C. It features DO-41 glass-sealed DHD (Double Heatsink Diode) packaging and is rated for surge reverse power up to 400 W (t = 10 μs). It is used in precision voltage reference and overvoltage protection circuits in industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the RD15F-T8-AZ datasheet, RD15F-T8-AZ pinout, RD15F-T8-AZ application, or RD15F-T8-AZ equivalent, key selection criteria include zener voltage tolerance (±3.5% for B3 grade), thermal resistance (150 °C/W at t = 1 s), junction temperature limit (175 °C), and compliance with JEDEC DO-41 mechanical standards.

Technical Context

This device operates as a two-terminal voltage-regulating element relying on controlled reverse breakdown. Its planar junction structure ensures stable zener characteristics and low leakage, with specified reverse current ≤10 μA at VR = 12 V. The DO-41 package provides axial lead mounting and standardized heatsinking via PCB copper area.

The RD15F-T8-AZ belongs to the RD2.0F–RD82F family, where "T8" denotes tape-and-reel packaging per EIA-481-D standard and "AZ" indicates RoHS-compliant plating (lead-free, matte tin). Its zener voltage temperature coefficient (+11 mV/°C) confirms positive TC behavior typical of >5 V Zeners, enabling predictable drift compensation in bias networks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

RD15F-T8-AZ uses a DO-41 axial-leaded glass package (JEDEC standard), with cathode indicated by a black band. The device has two terminals: anode and cathode - no internal circuitry or additional pins.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with RD15F-T8-AZ, 1N4744A offers broader availability but sacrifices 1.5% V_Z tolerance and RoHS compliance; BZX85C15 trades 0.2 mV/°C lower TC and 5 Ω higher Z_Z for +0.3 W power headroom - making RD15F-T8-AZ optimal for precision, RoHS-mandated industrial designs.

Availability

RD15F-T8-AZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, sensor interface modules, and RS-485 communication hardware requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant procurement.

Supply support for RD15F-T8-AZ 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

Renesas Electronics Corporation is a global semiconductor leader specializing in microcontrollers, analog, power, and timing solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

RD15F-T8-AZ belongs to the RD2.0F–RD82F Zener diode product line, designed specifically for high-reliability voltage regulation and transient suppression in industrial-grade power systems where stability, thermal robustness, and JEDEC-standard packaging are critical.

FAQ

What is the exact zener voltage range for RD15F-T8-AZ?

The RD15F-T8-AZ has a guaranteed zener voltage range of 14.52 V to 15.26 V at I_Z = 20 mA, corresponding to the B3 voltage classification per Renesas datasheet D13936EJ5V0DS. This 3.5% tolerance band is tighter than the standard B grade (±5%) and is confirmed in Table on page 3 of the official document. RD15F-T8-AZ maintains this specification across its qualified operating temperature range.

Does RD15F-T8-AZ support lead-free soldering processes?

Yes, RD15F-T8-AZ features "AZ" suffix coding, which denotes RoHS-compliant matte tin plating per Renesas specification. It meets J-STD-006B solderability requirements and is qualified for reflow profiles up to 260°C peak temperature (per JEDEC J-STD-020). RD15F-T8-AZ exhibits no dewetting or leaching during standard lead-free assembly, ensuring reliable intermetallic formation.

What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous 1 W operation of RD15F-T8-AZ?

RD15F-T8-AZ can dissipate 1 W continuously only at T_A ≤ 25°C, as shown in Figure 1 of the datasheet. Above 25°C, power must be linearly derated: at 75°C ambient, maximum power drops to 0.6 W. This limitation arises from the device's 150 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and 175°C maximum junction temperature. RD15F-T8-AZ requires adequate PCB copper area (≥20 mm²) to achieve rated performance.

How does the +11 mV/°C temperature coefficient of RD15F-T8-AZ affect circuit stability?

The +11 mV/°C zener voltage temperature coefficient means RD15F-T8-AZ's regulated voltage increases by 11 mV per degree Celsius rise in junction temperature. In a 15 V reference, this yields ~0.073%/°C drift - acceptable for non-critical biasing but requires compensation (e.g., with NTC thermistors or complementary negative-TC devices) in precision references. RD15F-T8-AZ's predictable TC enables first-order correction in analog front-ends.

Is RD15F-T8-AZ suitable for surge protection in automotive environments?

RD15F-T8-AZ is rated for 400 W surge reverse power at t = 10 μs (Figure 7), making it suitable for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 and Pulse 2a transients. However, it is not AEC-Q101 qualified and lacks automotive-specific screening. For production automotive use, RD15F-T8-AZ should be validated per system-level test requirements; Renesas classifies it as "Standard" grade, intended for industrial equipment-not safety-critical vehicle subsystems.