BZX55C13 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BZX55C13 is a Zener diode rated at 13 V nominal voltage with 500 mW maximum power dissipation in a DO-35 through-hole package. Manufactured by onsemi, this component is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete product status, locating equivalent or substitute parts from active product lines is necessary to support ongoing maintenance, repair, and new design requirements where this specification remains applicable.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	13 V
Power - Max	500 mW
Tolerance	±6%
Impedance (Max)	26 Ohms
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	100 nA @ 10 V
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1.3 V @ 100 mA
Operating Temperature Range	-65°C ~ 200°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BZX55C13 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Zener Voltage (Vz): Must be 13 V nominal
Power Rating: Must be 500 mW maximum
Package Type: Must be DO-35 through-hole axial configuration
Operating Temperature Range: Must support -65°C to 200°C
Voltage Tolerance: Acceptable range ±5% to ±6%
Mounting Configuration: Through-hole only

The BZX79C13-T50A meets all substitution criteria as an active product from onsemi with identical voltage and power specifications, compatible package geometry, and equivalent thermal operating range.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BZX55C13	BZX79C13-T50A	Compatibility
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	13 V	13 V	Identical
Power - Max	500 mW	500 mW	Identical
Tolerance	±6%	±5%	Compatible (tighter tolerance)
Impedance (Max)	26 Ohms	30 Ohms	Compatible
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	100 nA @ 10 V	100 nA @ 8 V	Compatible
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1.3 V @ 100 mA	1.5 V @ 100 mA	Compatible
Operating Temperature Range	-65°C ~ 200°C	-65°C ~ 200°C	Identical
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Identical
Package / Case	DO-35	DO-35	Identical
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Substitute is active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The BZX79C13-T50A is the direct substitute for the BZX55C13. Selection is based on the following factors:

Product Status: The BZX79C13-T50A is an active product from onsemi, ensuring ongoing availability and supply chain continuity compared to the obsolete BZX55C13.

Electrical Equivalence: Both devices share identical nominal zener voltage (13 V) and maximum power dissipation (500 mW). The BZX79C13-T50A features a tighter voltage tolerance (±5% versus ±6%), which represents an improvement in specification precision.

Thermal Performance: Operating temperature range is identical across both parts (-65°C to 200°C), confirming thermal compatibility in all application environments.

Package Compatibility: Both components use the DO-35 through-hole axial package, enabling direct mechanical and electrical substitution without circuit board redesign or rework.

Compliance Status: The BZX79C13-T50A carries ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic components.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BZX79C13-T50A be used as a direct replacement for the BZX55C13 in existing circuits?

A: Yes. Both devices have identical zener voltage (13 V), power rating (500 mW), and DO-35 package configuration. The BZX79C13-T50A can be substituted directly without circuit modification.

Q: What is the difference in impedance between these parts?

A: The BZX55C13 has a maximum impedance of 26 Ohms, while the BZX79C13-T50A has a maximum impedance of 30 Ohms. This 4 Ohm difference is within acceptable tolerance for most circuit applications and does not prevent substitution.

Q: Does the tighter tolerance of the BZX79C13-T50A (±5% vs ±6%) affect compatibility?

A: No. A tighter tolerance represents improved performance and is fully compatible with circuits designed for the ±6% tolerance specification of the BZX55C13.

Q: Are there any differences in forward voltage characteristics?

A: The BZX55C13 specifies 1.3 V maximum forward voltage at 100 mA, while the BZX79C13-T50A specifies 1.5 V at the same current. This 0.2 V difference is within acceptable operating margins for standard zener diode applications and does not prevent substitution.

Q: What is the reverse leakage current difference?

A: The BZX55C13 specifies 100 nA at 10 V reverse voltage, while the BZX79C13-T50A specifies 100 nA at 8 V. Both maintain equivalent leakage characteristics and are functionally compatible.

Q: Is the packaging identical between these parts?

A: Yes. Both components use the DO-35 through-hole axial package (DO-204AH designation). No mechanical or board-level changes are required for substitution.

Q: Why is the BZX55C13 obsolete?

A: The BZX55C13 is classified as obsolete by onsemi. The BZX79C13-T50A is the active equivalent from the same manufacturer and should be used for new designs and ongoing supply requirements.

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