BZX55C16 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BZX55C16 is a 16 V, 500 mW Zener diode manufactured by onsemi in a DO-35 through-hole axial package. This component is classified as obsolete, indicating discontinued production and limited availability. The part operates across a temperature range of -65°C to 200°C with ±6% voltage tolerance and is suitable for voltage regulation and protection applications in electronic circuits.

Substitute parts are necessary due to the obsolete status of the BZX55C16. Alternative components with equivalent or superior electrical characteristics and active production status provide design continuity and ensure long-term component availability for new designs and production runs.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Zener (Nominal)	16	V
Tolerance	±6%	—
Power - Maximum	500	mW
Impedance (Maximum)	40	Ohms
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	100 nA @ 12 V	—
Voltage - Forward (Maximum) @ If	1.3 V @ 100 mA	—
Operating Temperature Range	-65°C to 200°C	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	DO-35, DO-204AH, Axial	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BZX55C16 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Zener voltage: 16 V (nominal)
Mounting type: Through hole
Package compatibility: DO-35, DO-41, or axial configurations
Operating temperature range: Minimum -65°C to 200°C or compatible subset
Voltage tolerance: ±5% or ±6%

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Power dissipation rating: Equal to or greater than 500 mW
Impedance characteristics: Maximum 40 Ohms or lower
Reverse leakage current: Acceptable for application requirements
Forward voltage drop: Consistent with circuit design parameters

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on power rating alignment:

Category A (500 mW - 1.5 W): Parts with power ratings between 500 mW and 1.5 W provide direct or near-direct substitution for the original 500 mW specification. These include BZX79C16-T50A, 1N5930BP-TP, and 1EZ16D5-TP.

Category B (Higher Power Rating): Parts with power ratings exceeding 1.5 W (BZX85C16, 1N5072, 1N5930B3P-TP) offer enhanced thermal performance and are suitable for applications requiring higher power dissipation margins or thermal headroom.

All substitute parts maintain the 16 V nominal Zener voltage and through-hole mounting configuration required for direct circuit replacement.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Vz (Nominal)	Tolerance	Power (Max)	Zzt (Max)	Vf (Max) @ If	Temp Range	Package	Status
BZX55C16	onsemi	16 V	±6%	500 mW	40 Ω	1.3 V @ 100 mA	-65°C to 200°C	DO-35	Obsolete
BZX79C16-T50A	onsemi	16 V	±5%	500 mW	40 Ω	1.5 V @ 100 mA	-65°C to 200°C	DO-35	Active
BZX85C16	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	16 V	±5%	1.3 W	15 Ω	1.2 V @ 10 mA	-65°C to 200°C	DO-41	Active
1EZ16D5-TP	Micro Commercial Co	16 V	±5%	150 mW	16 Ω	1.2 V @ 200 mA	-55°C to 150°C	DO-41	Active
1N5072	Microchip Technology	16 V	±5%	3 W	7 Ω	Not specified	-65°C to 175°C	Axial	Active
1N5930B3P-TP	Micro Commercial Co	16 V	±5%	3 W	10 Ω	1.5 V @ 200 mA	-55°C to 150°C	DO-41	Active
1N5930BP-TP	Micro Commercial Co	16 V	±5%	1.5 W	10 Ω	1.5 V @ 200 mA	-55°C to 175°C	DO-41	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: BZX79C16-T50A

The BZX79C16-T50A from onsemi is the preferred substitute for the BZX55C16. This part maintains identical power rating (500 mW), impedance (40 Ω maximum), and operating temperature range (-65°C to 200°C). The part is manufactured by the same original equipment manufacturer, ensuring design continuity and process consistency. The BZX79C16-T50A is actively produced with substantial inventory availability (14,701 units in stock) and carries ROHS3 compliance certification. The tolerance specification improves from ±6% to ±5%, providing tighter voltage regulation characteristics.

Secondary Recommendation: BZX85C16

The BZX85C16 from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation offers enhanced power dissipation (1.3 W) and superior impedance characteristics (15 Ω maximum). This part is suitable for applications requiring thermal margin beyond the original 500 mW specification. The component maintains the full -65°C to 200°C operating temperature range and is actively produced with 8,795 units in stock. ROHS3 compliance is confirmed. The package transitions from DO-35 to DO-41, requiring PCB layout verification for mechanical compatibility.

Tertiary Recommendation: 1N5930BP-TP

The 1N5930BP-TP from Micro Commercial Co provides 1.5 W power rating with ±5% tolerance and active production status. This part bridges the gap between the original 500 mW specification and higher-power alternatives. The operating temperature range extends to -55°C to 175°C, which covers most industrial applications. ROHS3 compliance is confirmed. Inventory availability is adequate (1,047 units in stock).

Higher Power Alternatives: 1N5072 and 1N5930B3P-TP

The 1N5072 (3 W, Microchip Technology) and 1N5930B3P-TP (3 W, Micro Commercial Co) are suitable for applications requiring significant thermal headroom or higher power dissipation margins. These parts feature substantially lower impedance (7 Ω and 10 Ω respectively), improving voltage regulation performance. Selection of these parts is appropriate when circuit design analysis confirms power dissipation requirements exceed 1.5 W.

Not Recommended: 1EZ16D5-TP

The 1EZ16D5-TP is not recommended as a direct substitute due to insufficient power rating (150 mW) relative to the original 500 mW specification. This part is suitable only for low-power applications where the original design margin is not required. The operating temperature range (-55°C to 150°C) is also restricted compared to the original specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BZX79C16-T50A directly replace the BZX55C16 without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The BZX79C16-T50A maintains identical electrical specifications for Zener voltage (16 V), power rating (500 mW), impedance (40 Ω maximum), and operating temperature range (-65°C to 200°C). Both components use the DO-35 package with axial through-hole mounting. No circuit modification is required.

Q: What is the difference between DO-35 and DO-41 packages?

A: DO-35 and DO-41 are both axial through-hole packages for diodes. DO-35 is a smaller diameter package, while DO-41 is larger. Both are mechanically compatible with standard PCB through-hole mounting. Package selection depends on PCB layout constraints and thermal dissipation requirements. Verify PCB hole spacing and component clearance before selecting a DO-41 alternative.

Q: Why does the BZX85C16 have lower impedance (15 Ω) than the original BZX55C16 (40 Ω)?

A: Lower impedance indicates improved voltage regulation performance and reduced output impedance across the operating current range. The BZX85C16's higher power rating (1.3 W) and different internal design result in superior dynamic characteristics. Lower impedance is beneficial for applications requiring stable voltage regulation under varying load conditions.

Q: Is the ±5% tolerance of substitute parts compatible with circuits designed for ±6% tolerance?

A: Yes. The ±5% tolerance specification is tighter than the original ±6% requirement, meaning substitute parts will maintain voltage regulation within a narrower band. This represents an improvement in performance and is fully compatible with circuits designed for the original ±6% tolerance.

Q: Can I use a 3 W Zener diode (1N5072 or 1N5930B3P-TP) in place of the 500 mW BZX55C16?

A: Yes. Higher power-rated Zener diodes are electrically compatible substitutes. The 3 W rating provides additional thermal margin and improved voltage regulation characteristics. However, verify that the package change (if applicable) does not conflict with PCB layout constraints. Higher power ratings do not negatively impact circuit performance in voltage regulation applications.

Q: What is the significance of reverse leakage current specifications?

A: Reverse leakage current indicates the small current flowing through the Zener diode when reverse-biased below the Zener voltage threshold. Lower leakage current (measured in nanoamperes or microamperes) results in lower standby power consumption and improved voltage regulation stability. The BZX55C16 specifies 100 nA @ 12 V, while substitute parts range from 50 nA to 5 µA depending on the specific component.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: The BZX79C16-T50A and BZX85C16 are confirmed ROHS3 compliant. The 1N5930BP-TP is confirmed ROHS3 compliant. Other substitute parts (1EZ16D5-TP, 1N5072, 1N5930B3P-TP) do not have ROHS3 compliance explicitly specified in the provided data. Verify compliance requirements with your procurement or quality assurance department before final component selection.

Q: What is the REACH status of these components?

A: All listed components, including the original BZX55C16 and all substitute parts, are classified as REACH Unaffected. This designation indicates compliance with European Union chemical substance regulations and poses no restrictions for use in regulated markets.

Q: Can I mix different substitute parts in the same production run?

A: Mixing substitute parts from different manufacturers or with different electrical characteristics is not recommended for production designs. Select a single substitute part and qualify it through your design verification process. Using multiple substitute parts introduces variability in voltage regulation performance and complicates troubleshooting and field service activities.

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