BZX55C3V6 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BZX55C3V6 is a through-hole zener diode manufactured by onsemi, rated at 3.6 V nominal zener voltage with 500 mW power dissipation capability in a DO-35 package. This component is classified as obsolete, though 125,100 units remain in stock. The obsolete status necessitates identification of active equivalent and substitute parts to support ongoing design requirements, maintenance operations, and new production builds where this diode specification remains applicable.

Substiute Parts

BZX55C3V6

onsemiIn Stock: 125111BZX55C3V6 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BZX79C3V6

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 896BZX79C3V6 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

BZX79C3V6-T50A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 22141BZX79C3V6-T50A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1N5227B

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 47341N5227B Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BZX55C3V6 is determined by strict alignment of the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Zener voltage: 3.6 V nominal
• Power rating: 500 mW maximum
• Package type: DO-35 (DO-204AH) through-hole axial configuration
• Operating temperature range: minimum -65°C to 175°C or higher

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

• Zener voltage tolerance: ±5% to ±6% acceptable
• Impedance (Zzt): variations within 24 to 90 Ohms acceptable
• Reverse leakage current: up to 15 µA @ 1 V acceptable
• Forward voltage: up to 1.5 V @ 100 mA acceptable

Substitutes are classified as:

• Direct Substitutes: Identical electrical specifications and package; active product status
• Similar Substitutes: Equivalent electrical performance with minor parameter variations; active product status

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BZX79C3V6 (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation)

This part is a direct substitute for the BZX55C3V6. It maintains identical zener voltage (3.6 V), power rating (500 mW), and package configuration (DO-35). The tolerance improves to ±5%, and the part carries active product status. Operating temperature range extends to 175°C, which covers the majority of industrial applications. RoHS3 compliance supports modern supply chain requirements. This substitute is suitable for applications where the upper temperature limit of 175°C is acceptable.

BZX79C3V6-T50A (Fairchild Semiconductor)

This part is a direct substitute for the BZX55C3V6. Electrical specifications are identical to the Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation variant, with the exception that the operating temperature range extends to 200°C, matching the original part's upper temperature limit. This substitute is suitable for applications requiring the full -65°C to 200°C operating range. Bulk packaging is available with 22,113 units in stock.

1N5227B (Microchip Technology)

This part is a similar substitute for the BZX55C3V6. It maintains the 3.6 V zener voltage, 500 mW power rating, and DO-35 package. The impedance is significantly lower at 24 Ohms compared to 85 Ohms in the original part, resulting in improved voltage regulation characteristics. Operating temperature range is -65°C to 175°C. The part is RoHS non-compliant. This substitute is suitable for applications where lower impedance provides circuit performance benefits and RoHS compliance is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BZX79C3V6 replace the BZX55C3V6 in all applications?

A: The BZX79C3V6 is electrically equivalent with improved tolerance (±5% vs. ±6%). The operating temperature range is -65°C to 175°C. Applications requiring operation above 175°C must use the BZX79C3V6-T50A instead.

Q: What is the difference between the BZX79C3V6 and BZX79C3V6-T50A?

A: Both parts are electrically identical. The primary difference is the operating temperature range: BZX79C3V6 operates to 175°C, while BZX79C3V6-T50A operates to 200°C. Select BZX79C3V6-T50A for applications requiring the full temperature range of the original BZX55C3V6.

Q: Why does the 1N5227B have lower impedance than the other substitutes?

A: The 1N5227B exhibits an impedance of 24 Ohms compared to 85-90 Ohms in other parts. This lower impedance provides superior voltage regulation and lower dynamic resistance, which may improve circuit performance in certain applications.

Q: Is the 1N5227B suitable for RoHS-compliant designs?

A: No. The 1N5227B is RoHS non-compliant. For RoHS-compliant designs, use the BZX79C3V6 (RoHS3 compliant) or BZX79C3V6-T50A.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same packaging options as the BZX55C3V6?

A: All substitute parts are available in DO-35 through-hole axial configuration. The BZX79C3V6 is supplied in Tape & Reel packaging, while BZX79C3V6-T50A and 1N5227B are supplied in Bulk packaging.

Q: What is the reverse leakage current difference between the main part and substitutes?

A: The BZX55C3V6 specifies 2 µA @ 1 V reverse leakage. All substitute parts specify 15 µA @ 1 V. This higher leakage in substitutes is within acceptable limits for most applications but should be verified for circuits with stringent leakage requirements.

Q: Can I use these substitutes interchangeably in existing designs?

A: Yes, for applications where the operating temperature range and leakage current specifications are acceptable. Verify that your circuit design accommodates the tolerance and impedance variations listed in the parameter comparison table.