Comprehensive range of Zener diodes for precise voltage reference

Nexperia has released what it claims to be the industry’s first range of A-selection Zener diodes. With a tolerance of only ±1%, the BZT52H-A (SOD123F) and BZX384-A (SOD323) series offer a higher precision voltage reference in comparison to the B (±2%) and C (±5%) variants. Matching the growing demands of portable/wearable, mobile, automotive and industrial applications and meeting the increasing regulatory demands, the two series are also provided as Q-portfolio devices.

“Nexperia’s A-selection Zener diode range covers every application from 1.8 V to 75 V while providing a precise voltage reference with the lowest possible tolerance,” says Paula Stümer, product manager at Nexperia. “By replacing B- or C-selection devices with pad compatible A-selection Zener devices, engineers can go to the limits of the MOSFET, if applied to limit voltage for the gate-source path or drain-gate path, or choose from a wider variety of suitable MOSFETs.”

The diodes provide a nominal working voltage range of 1.8V to 75V (E24 range). They offer a non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation of ≤40W, total power dissipation ≤250mW and low differential thermal resistance. The low tolerance gives a higher precision voltage, which is particular important for test and measurement applications and allows engineers to substitute more costly voltages reference devices. Instead of shielding the MOSFET directly, a more cost-efficient option is to link a Zener diode in parallel to the drain-gate path. Once the Zener breaks through, the MOSFET switches on to stop the drain-source from going into an avalanche breakdown.

The device is also offered as Q-portfolio devices, satisfying the AEC-Q101 and ISO/TS16949 automotive quality standards. The focus of these standards is to meet the Stress Test Qualification and quality management system demands of automotive OEMs. However, customer needs continue to evolve, and more non-automotive applications necessitate extra quality-related services, such as PPAP and extended longevity. Another differentiator between the standard and Q-portfolio products is the PCN period, which is extended from 90 days, according to JEDEC requirements, to 180 days. Also, all parts are supported with a minimum longevity of ten years and have a shelf-life of more than two years.