Renesas RD20F-T8-AZ
- Part No.:
- RD20F-T8-AZ
- Manufacturer:
- Renesas
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
RD20F-T8-AZ.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER
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Inventory:5,000
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Product details
Overview
RD20F-T8-AZ from Renesas Electronics is a 1 W planar silicon zener diode with nominal zener voltage of 20 V (B3 grade: 19.59–20.84 V), dynamic impedance of 14 Ω at 20 mA, and temperature coefficient of +15 mV/°C. It features DO-41 glass-sealed DHD (Double Heatsink Diode) packaging, operates up to 175°C junction temperature, and is used for precision voltage regulation and surge absorption in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the RD20F-T8-AZ datasheet, RD20F-T8-AZ pinout, RD20F-T8-AZ application, or RD20F-T8-AZ equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, JEDEC DO-41 terminal mapping, thermal derating curves, real-world clipping/limiter use cases, and two validated alternative zeners with voltage tolerance and impedance trade-offs.
Technical Context
This device is a single-junction, planar-diffused zener diode optimized for stable reverse-biased operation at 20 V. Its DO-41 package provides double heatsink thermal path via axial leads and glass body, enabling 1 W continuous dissipation at 25°C ambient with defined derating above 50°C.
The RD20F-T8-AZ exhibits a positive temperature coefficient (+15 mV/°C typical), indicating increasing VZ with temperature-critical for biasing circuits requiring thermal stability. Its 14 Ω dynamic impedance at IZ = 20 mA ensures low output impedance in shunt regulator configurations.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 19.59–20.84 V (B3 grade, tested at 40 ms after power-on; defines regulation window under load) |
| Power Dissipation (P) | 1.0 W at TA = 25°C; derates linearly to zero at 150°C ambient per Figure 1 |
| Dynamic Impedance (ZZ) | 14 Ω max at IZ = 20 mA; determines output voltage ripple sensitivity in shunt regulators |
| Reverse Current (IR) | ≤10 μA at VR = 15 V; ensures low leakage in standby or high-impedance sensing nodes |
| Junction Temperature (Tj) | −65 to +175°C; supports operation in industrial environments without forced cooling |
| Surge Reverse Power (PRSM) | 400 W for t = 10 μs (non-repetitive); enables transient overvoltage clamping in input protection stages |
| Thermal Resistance (Rth) | 150°C/W (transient, t = 1 s); informs PCB copper area requirements for thermal management |
Pinout & Package
RD20F-T8-AZ uses JEDEC DO-41 glass-encapsulated axial package with cathode indicated by black band. Leads are tinned copper-clad steel, suitable for wave or hand soldering. Package dimensions: Ø3.0 mm max body diameter, 25 mm min lead length, 5 mm max overall length.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal / reference ground node in shunt configuration | Connected to system ground or lower-potential rail; carries forward current up to 200 mA |
| Cathode | Zener breakdown terminal / regulated output node | Connected to voltage source via series resistor; maintains stable 20 V across load when reverse-biased |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| E24-standardized voltage grading | B3 tolerance (±3.2% at 20 V) enables interchangeability within standard resistor/zener design libraries |
| Planar-type glass seal | Hermetic DO-41 construction ensures long-term reliability in humid or chemically aggressive industrial enclosures |
| Double Heatsink Diode (DHD) structure | Enhanced thermal path reduces junction-to-ambient resistance by ~25% vs. standard DO-41, supporting higher sustained power |
| Positive temperature coefficient | +15 mV/°C allows predictable VZ drift compensation in temperature-critical bias networks |
| 10 μs surge rating | Withstands 400 W transients-sufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surge immunity in AC/DC front-ends |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Regulation | Overvoltage Protection Clamping |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Stabilizing 24 V DC bus in programmable logic controller (PLC) backplane power distribution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt regulator maintaining precise 20 V reference for analog sensor signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: 14 Ω ZZ limits output variation to <±15 mV under 50 mA load step, ensuring ADC reference stability. |
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O pins from ESD and lightning-induced surges on RS-485 communication lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting clamp diverting >1 kV transients away from sensitive interface ICs. Use Value: 400 W/10 μs surge rating absorbs IEC 61000-4-2 contact discharge energy without degradation. |
| Waveform Limiting in Signal Conditioning | Constant-Current Bias Generation |
Use Scenario: Constraining op-amp output swing to ±20 V in audio preamplifier test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional limiter using two RD20F-T8-AZ diodes in anti-parallel configuration. Use Value: Matched B3-grade VZ tolerance ensures symmetrical clipping thresholds within ±0.25 V. |
Use Scenario: Setting bias current for laser diode driver in fiber-optic transceiver modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener-based current source delivering 20 mA with <1% drift over −40 to +85°C. Use Value: +15 mV/°C γZ enables predictable current scaling with temperature, simplifying calibration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar zener regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4744A (ON Semiconductor) | 20 V nominal, ±5% tolerance (wider than RD20F-T8-AZ B3), 22 Ω ZZ at 25 mA, DO-41 package | Higher impedance increases output ripple; wider tolerance reduces precision in multi-rail systems | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs regulation accuracy; verify thermal margin due to higher ZZ loss |
| BZX85C20 (Nexperia) | 20 V nominal, ±5% tolerance, 30 Ω ZZ at 5 mA, DO-41, 1.3 W rating | Lower test current (5 mA vs. 20 mA) yields higher apparent ZZ; higher P rating requires larger heatsinking | Prefer for low-current biasing where 5 mA operation suffices; avoid in 20 mA+ shunt regulator roles |
Compared with RD20F-T8-AZ, the 1N4744A offers broader availability but sacrifices 1.5× higher dynamic impedance and looser voltage tolerance, while the BZX85C20 trades off test-current relevance and thermal efficiency for slightly higher power headroom-neither is pin-compatible nor drop-in, but both serve as functional alternatives in non-critical regulation roles.
Availability
RD20F-T8-AZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply regulation, overvoltage protection clamping, and waveform limiting applications requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for RD20F-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 formed in 2010 through the merger of NEC Electronics and Renesas Technology, specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and power devices for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.
The RD20F-T8-AZ belongs to Renesas' legacy "RD" series of planar zener diodes, designed specifically for high-reliability voltage reference and transient suppression in industrial control and power conversion systems.
FAQ
What is the exact zener voltage range for RD20F-T8-AZ?
The RD20F-T8-AZ is specified as B3 grade, with a guaranteed zener voltage range of 19.59 V to 20.84 V at 20 mA test current and 40 ms post-power-on stabilization. This ±3.2% tolerance is tighter than standard ±5% zeners, making RD20F-T8-AZ suitable for applications demanding precise voltage references without trimming.
Does RD20F-T8-AZ have a positive or negative temperature coefficient?
RD20F-T8-AZ has a positive temperature coefficient of +15 mV/°C (typical), meaning its zener voltage increases with rising junction temperature. This behavior is confirmed in Figure 4 of the datasheet and is critical when designing temperature-compensated bias networks or selecting complementary devices for thermal drift cancellation.
What is the maximum surge power RD20F-T8-AZ can withstand?
RD20F-T8-AZ is rated for 400 W of non-repetitive surge reverse power at a pulse width of 10 μs (Figure 7). This capability enables robust transient voltage suppression in AC line inputs or communication port protection, provided the average power remains within the 1 W continuous limit and thermal recovery time is observed between events.
Is RD20F-T8-AZ compatible with automated PCB assembly processes?
Yes, RD20F-T8-AZ uses JEDEC DO-41 packaging with tinned axial leads fully compatible with wave soldering, selective soldering, and hand assembly. Its glass body withstands standard reflow profile thermal excursions when mounted off-board or used in hybrid assemblies, per Renesas' recommended process guidelines in Document No. D13936EJ5V0DS.
How does the DHD (Double Heatsink Diode) structure improve thermal performance of RD20F-T8-AZ?
The DHD structure in RD20F-T8-AZ enhances heat conduction from the silicon die through both axial leads and the glass body interface, reducing transient thermal impedance to 150°C/W at 1 s (Figure 8). This allows RD20F-T8-AZ to sustain higher average power in compact layouts compared to conventional DO-41 zeners, especially in natural-convection environments.
RD20F-T8-AZ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Renesas
- Series:
- *
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- -
- Tolerance:
- -
- Power - Max:
- -
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- -
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- -
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
RD20F-T8-AZ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for RD20F-T8-AZ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for RD20F-T8-AZ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for RD20F-T8-AZ reliable?
The price and inventory of RD20F-T8-AZ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for RD20F-T8-AZ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for RD20F-T8-AZ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for RD20F-T8-AZ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for RD20F-T8-AZ?
RD20F-T8-AZ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your RD20F-T8-AZ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for RD20F-T8-AZ?
For technical support, including RD20F-T8-AZ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your RD20F-T8-AZ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that RD20F-T8-AZ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All RD20F-T8-AZ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that RD20F-T8-AZ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of RD20F-T8-AZ?
All RD20F-T8-AZ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with RD20F-T8-AZ, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The RD20F-T8-AZ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for RD20F-T8-AZ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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