Nexperia’s new Zener diodes extend battery-time and save PCB space

Nexperia, an expert in essential semiconductors, has announced a comprehensive range of low-current voltage regulator diodes.

The 50 µA Zener diode range is available in three different surface-mountable (SMD) package options, in an ultra-small discretes flat no-leads (DFN) package and AEC-Q101 qualified parts — providing the ultimate in customer choice and flexibility.

Specified at a low test current (50 μA), the efficient diodes are ideal for low bias and portable battery-powered devices in mobile, wearable, automotive, and industrial applications.

“The DFN1006BD-2 packaged parts with side-wettable flanks (SWF) address the concerns of various sectors, such as size, performance, and ruggedness, and match many diverse applications,” says Paula Stümer, product manager at Nexperia. “Covering a wide 1.8 to 75 V range, we deliver the industry’s broadest 50 μA Zener diode portfolio in DFN technology. However, parts are also available in leaded SMD styles, giving customers the flexibility of choice.”

With 40 new types per package option covering nominal working voltages from 1.8 to 75 V, the range is available in the ultra-low profile surface-mountable SOT23 (BZX8450), SOD323 (BZX38450), and SOD523 packages (BZX58550), as well as a lead-less DFN1006BD-2 (BZX8850S) package.

The Zeners feature a non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation of ≤40 W, total power dissipation ≤300 mW and low dynamic resistance. They are also available as Q-portfolio parts, meeting the AEC-Q101 and ISO/TS16949 automotive quality standards.

As more non-automotive applications require additional quality-related services, such as the production part approval process (PPAP) and extended longevity, these Q-portfolio parts fulfill this need.

The DFN package with compact dimensions (1.0 x 0.6 x 0.47 mm) is the right choice for replacing bulky leaded packages on PCBs and can save up to 60 percent in space. It features side-wettable flanks (SWF), which ensure the solder flows up the side of the chip when it is soldered onto the PCB.

This technology facilitates automated optical inspection, satisfying the automotive industry’s high safety, reliability, and quality requirements. The high P(tot) of the DFN-packaged Zeners also run cooler than leaded parts, improving system reliability.