BZX55F15-TAP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BZX55F15-TAP is a 15 V, 500 mW Zener diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division in a through-hole DO-35 package. This component is classified as obsolete, though 926 pieces remain in stock as new original inventory. The part is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive applications and complies with ROHS3 and REACH requirements.

Due to the obsolete status of the BZX55F15-TAP, equivalent substitute parts are necessary for ongoing design support, procurement continuity, and long-term component availability. Active production alternatives with identical or compatible electrical and mechanical specifications are available from multiple manufacturers.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	15 V
Power - Max	500 mW
Tolerance	±1%
Package / Case	DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	100 nA @ 11 V
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1.5 V @ 200 mA
Operating Temperature	175°C
Grade	Automotive
Qualification	AEC-Q101
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BZX55F15-TAP is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Zener voltage: 15 V nominal
Power dissipation: 500 mW maximum
Package type: DO-35 (DO-204AH) through-hole axial configuration
Mounting: Through-hole compatible with existing PCB layouts

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Tolerance range (±1% to ±5% acceptable depending on circuit requirements)
Reverse leakage current specifications
Forward voltage characteristics
Operating temperature range
RoHS and REACH compliance status

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: Direct Vishay alternatives (BZX55B15-TAP) maintaining the same series and tolerance, and cross-manufacturer equivalents (1N5245B variants, 1N5535B, BZX79C15-T50R, JANTXV1N965B-1) offering identical electrical performance with varying tolerance and qualification levels.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BZX55F15-TAP	BZX55B15-TAP	1N5245B BK PBFREE	1N5245BDO35	1N5245BTR	1N5535B	BZX79C15-T50R	JANTXV1N965B-1
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	15 V	15 V	15 V	15 V	15 V	15 V	15 V	15 V
Power - Max	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW
Tolerance	±1%	±2%	±5%	±5%	±5%	±5%	±5%	±5%
Impedance (Max) (Zzt)	30 Ohms	30 Ohms	16 Ohms	16 Ohms	16 Ohms	102 Ohms	30 Ohms	16 Ohms
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	100 nA @ 11 V	100 nA @ 11 V	100 nA @ 11 V	100 nA @ 11 V	100 nA @ 11 V	10 nA @ 13.5 V	50 nA @ 10.5 V	500 nA @ 11 V
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1.5 V @ 200 mA	1.5 V @ 200 mA	1.1 V @ 200 mA	1.5 V @ 200 mA	1.2 V @ 200 mA	1.1 V @ 200 mA	1.5 V @ 100 mA	1.1 V @ 200 mA
Operating Temperature (Max)	175°C	175°C	200°C	175°C	200°C	175°C	200°C	175°C
Package / Case	DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial	DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial	DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial	DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial	DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial	DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial	DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial	DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS non-compliant	Not specified	RoHS non-compliant
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
Grade	Automotive	Automotive	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Military
Qualification	AEC-Q101	AEC-Q101	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	MIL-PRF-19500/117

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1 - Direct Replacement (Recommended for Automotive Applications):

BZX55B15-TAP is the primary substitute for BZX55F15-TAP. Both parts are manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor, share the same base product number (BZX55), maintain AEC-Q101 automotive qualification, and are ROHS3 compliant. The BZX55B15-TAP is in active production with 30,615 pieces in stock. The tolerance specification increases from ±1% to ±2%, which remains within acceptable limits for most circuit applications. Operating temperature range expands to -65°C to 175°C, providing improved low-temperature performance.

Tier 2 - Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents (Active Production, Standard Grade):

1N5245B BK PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp), 1N5245BDO35 (Microsemi Corporation), and 1N5245BTR (onsemi) are functionally equivalent alternatives with identical 15 V, 500 mW specifications. These parts feature ±5% tolerance, lower impedance (16 Ohms), and extended operating temperature ranges to 200°C. All three are ROHS3 compliant and in active production. These options are suitable for non-automotive applications or where tolerance relaxation is acceptable.

Tier 3 - Alternative Specifications (Specialized Applications):

1N5535B (Microchip Technology) offers superior reverse leakage characteristics (10 nA @ 13.5 V) but exhibits higher impedance (102 Ohms) and is RoHS non-compliant. BZX79C15-T50R (Fairchild Semiconductor) provides extended temperature operation to 200°C with 30 Ohms impedance. JANTXV1N965B-1 (Microchip Technology) carries military-grade MIL-PRF-19500/117 qualification but is RoHS non-compliant and exhibits higher reverse leakage (500 nA @ 11 V).

Compliance Considerations:

For automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification and ROHS3 compliance, BZX55B15-TAP is the only active substitute meeting both criteria. For consumer or industrial applications, 1N5245B variants provide ROHS3 compliance without automotive qualification. Applications requiring RoHS compliance must exclude 1N5535B and JANTXV1N965B-1.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BZX55B15-TAP directly replace BZX55F15-TAP in automotive circuits?

A: Yes. BZX55B15-TAP is the direct substitute for BZX55F15-TAP. Both parts maintain AEC-Q101 automotive qualification, ROHS3 compliance, and identical electrical performance at 15 V, 500 mW. The tolerance change from ±1% to ±2% does not affect functional compatibility in standard automotive applications.

Q: What is the difference between the 1N5245B variants (BK PBFREE, DO35, TR)?

A: All three 1N5245B variants share identical electrical specifications (15 V, 500 mW, ±5% tolerance). The designations indicate packaging and distribution format: BK PBFREE indicates bulk packaging, DO35 specifies the package type, and TR indicates cut-tape packaging. Selection depends on procurement and assembly requirements rather than electrical performance.

Q: Are the 1N5245B series parts suitable for automotive applications?

A: The 1N5245B series parts are not automotive-qualified. They lack AEC-Q101 certification and are not designated as automotive-grade components. For automotive applications, BZX55B15-TAP is the appropriate substitute. The 1N5245B series is suitable for consumer and industrial applications.

Q: Why does 1N5535B have different impedance and leakage specifications?

A: 1N5535B is manufactured by Microchip Technology using different semiconductor processing and design parameters compared to the Vishay BZX55 series. While maintaining the same 15 V, 500 mW rating, the impedance (102 Ohms) and reverse leakage (10 nA @ 13.5 V) differ. These variations may affect circuit performance in precision applications requiring specific impedance or leakage characteristics.

Q: Is JANTXV1N965B-1 compatible with standard commercial applications?

A: JANTXV1N965B-1 is military-grade (MIL-PRF-19500/117 qualified) and RoHS non-compliant. While electrically equivalent at 15 V, 500 mW, it is designed for military and aerospace applications. For commercial or consumer applications, standard-grade alternatives such as 1N5245B variants or BZX55B15-TAP are appropriate.

Q: Can I use parts with ±5% tolerance instead of ±1% tolerance?

A: Tolerance substitution depends on circuit design requirements. If the circuit design specifies ±1% tolerance for voltage regulation or reference applications, ±5% tolerance parts may not meet performance specifications. For general-purpose Zener protection or voltage clamping, ±5% tolerance is typically acceptable. Circuit analysis is required to determine tolerance compatibility.

Q: What is the significance of the DO-35 package designation?

A: DO-35 (also designated DO-204AH) is a through-hole axial package with standardized lead spacing and dimensions. All substitute parts listed use identical DO-35 packaging, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB layouts without modification.

Q: Why is BZX79C15-T50R listed as a substitute if RoHS status is not specified?

A: BZX79C15-T50R is included as a functional equivalent based on electrical specifications (15 V, 500 mW, ±5% tolerance, DO-35 package). The unspecified RoHS status indicates incomplete data in the manufacturer documentation. Verification of RoHS compliance status with Fairchild Semiconductor is required before use in applications with RoHS requirements.

Q: Are there temperature range differences that affect substitution?

A: Yes. BZX55F15-TAP and BZX55B15-TAP specify maximum operating temperature of 175°C. Several substitutes (1N5245B BK PBFREE, 1N5245BTR, BZX79C15-T50R) extend to 200°C. For applications operating near thermal limits, extended-temperature parts provide additional margin. Conversely, if circuit design assumes 175°C maximum, extended-temperature parts are not required.

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