BZX55F5V-TAP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BZX55F5V-TAP is a 5.1 V Zener diode rated at 500 mW in a DO-35 through-hole package, manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This component is classified as obsolete, though 953 pieces remain in stock as new original inventory. The part carries automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q101) and is ROHS3 compliant.

Due to the obsolete product status, identifying equivalent and substitute parts is essential for design continuity, long-term supply chain planning, and new production runs. Active alternatives with identical or compatible electrical and mechanical specifications are available from multiple manufacturers.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	5.1	V
Tolerance	±1%	-
Power - Max	500	mW
Impedance (Max)	35	Ohms
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	100 nA @ 1 V	-
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1.5 V @ 200 mA	-
Operating Temperature	175	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-
Package / Case	DO-204AH, DO-35, Axial	-
Grade	Automotive	-
Qualification	AEC-Q101	-
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution logic for the BZX55F5V-TAP is based on the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Zener voltage: 5.1 V nominal
Power rating: 500 mW maximum
Package type: DO-35 (DO-204AH) through-hole axial
Mounting: Through-hole configuration

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Voltage tolerance (±1% preferred, ±5% acceptable, ±10% acceptable with design review)
Impedance characteristics (35 Ohms nominal; 60 Ohms and 50 Ohms acceptable within circuit margin)
Reverse leakage current (100 nA @ 1 V baseline; variations acceptable if within application requirements)
Forward voltage drop (1.5 V @ 200 mA baseline; 1.1 V acceptable)
Operating temperature range (175°C minimum; extended ranges acceptable)
Compliance status (ROHS3 preferred; RoHS non-compliant acceptable for legacy applications)

All substitute parts listed maintain the 5.1 V zener voltage and 500 mW power rating in DO-35 packaging. Variations in tolerance, impedance, and leakage current reflect different manufacturer specifications and do not preclude functional equivalence in most applications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Vz (Nom)	Tolerance	Power (Max)	Zzt (Max)	Vf (Max) @ If	Temp Range	RoHS Status	Product Status
BZX55F5V-TAP	Vishay	5.1 V	±1%	500 mW	35 Ω	1.5 V @ 200 mA	175°C	ROHS3	Obsolete
BZX55B5V1-TAP	Vishay	5.1 V	-	500 mW	60 Ω	1.5 V @ 200 mA	175°C	ROHS3	Active
1N5231B	Microchip Technology	5.1 V	±5%	500 mW	17 Ω	1.5 V @ 200 mA	-65°C ~ 175°C	RoHS non-compliant	Active
1N5231B BK PBFREE	Central Semiconductor Corp	5.1 V	±5%	500 mW	17 Ω	1.1 V @ 200 mA	-65°C ~ 200°C	ROHS3	Active
1N5993A	Microchip Technology	5.1 V	±10%	500 mW	88 Ω	1.1 V @ 200 mA	-65°C ~ 175°C	RoHS non-compliant	Active
1N5993B	Microchip Technology	5.1 V	±5%	500 mW	50 Ω	1.1 V @ 200 mA	-65°C ~ 175°C	RoHS non-compliant	Active
BZX79C5V1	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	5.1 V	±5%	500 mW	60 Ω	1.5 V @ 100 mA	-65°C ~ 175°C	ROHS3	Active
BZX79C5V1-T50A	onsemi	5.1 V	±5%	500 mW	60 Ω	1.5 V @ 100 mA	-65°C ~ 200°C	ROHS3	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1 - Direct Replacement (Preferred):

BZX55B5V1-TAP (Vishay) is the primary recommended substitute. It maintains the same manufacturer lineage, automotive-grade qualification, AEC-Q101 certification, and ROHS3 compliance as the original BZX55F5V-TAP. The impedance increase from 35 Ω to 60 Ω is within acceptable circuit margin for most applications. This part is active with high inventory availability (70,269 pieces).

Tier 2 - Active Alternatives (Compliant):

1N5231B BK PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp) and BZX79C5V1-T50A (onsemi) are both ROHS3 compliant and active. Both support extended operating temperature ranges (-65°C to 200°C and -65°C to 200°C respectively), providing thermal margin beyond the original specification. These parts are suitable for new designs and long-term supply assurance.

Tier 3 - Functional Equivalents (Legacy Applications):

1N5231B (Microchip Technology), 1N5993A (Microchip Technology), 1N5993B (Microchip Technology), and BZX79C5V1 (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) are all active and functionally equivalent in 5.1 V, 500 mW specifications. However, these parts carry RoHS non-compliant status (1N5231B, 1N5993A, 1N5993B) or lack extended compliance documentation (BZX79C5V1). These are acceptable for legacy product support or applications where RoHS compliance is not mandated.

Compliance Considerations:

For new designs requiring ROHS3 compliance, select from: BZX55B5V1-TAP, 1N5231B BK PBFREE, BZX79C5V1-T50A, or BZX79C5V1. All maintain REACH unaffected status and EAR99 export classification consistent with the original part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BZX55B5V1-TAP directly replace BZX55F5V-TAP without circuit modification?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical zener voltage (5.1 V), power rating (500 mW), package (DO-35), and operating temperature (175°C). The impedance difference (35 Ω to 60 Ω) is within typical circuit tolerance margins. No design changes are required.

Q: What is the significance of the tolerance difference between ±1% and ±5%?

A: The original BZX55F5V-TAP specifies ±1% tolerance, meaning the zener voltage will be between 5.049 V and 5.151 V. Substitute parts with ±5% tolerance (such as 1N5231B or BZX79C5V1) will be between 4.845 V and 5.355 V. For precision voltage regulation applications, the ±1% tolerance is preferred. For general-purpose protection or reference circuits, ±5% tolerance is acceptable.

Q: Are the 1N5993 series parts suitable replacements?

A: The 1N5993A and 1N5993B are functionally equivalent in voltage and power rating. However, 1N5993A carries ±10% tolerance, which may be insufficient for precision applications. 1N5993B with ±5% tolerance is more suitable. Both are RoHS non-compliant, limiting their use in new designs subject to environmental regulations.

Q: What is the difference between DO-35 and DO-204AH packaging?

A: DO-35 and DO-204AH are equivalent designations for the same through-hole axial package. All substitute parts listed use this identical package, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility without PCB layout changes.

Q: Why do some parts specify forward voltage at different current levels (200 mA vs. 100 mA)?

A: Forward voltage characteristics vary by manufacturer test conditions. BZX55B5V1-TAP and 1N5231B specify Vf at 200 mA, while BZX79C5V1 and BZX79C5V1-T50A specify Vf at 100 mA. These differences reflect measurement methodology and do not affect substitution suitability. Both 1.5 V @ 200 mA and 1.5 V @ 100 mA represent acceptable forward voltage performance for DO-35 zener diodes.

Q: Is ROHS3 compliance mandatory for selecting a substitute?

A: ROHS3 compliance is mandatory for new designs destined for European markets or applications subject to environmental regulations. For legacy product support or non-regulated applications, RoHS non-compliant parts (1N5231B, 1N5993A, 1N5993B) remain functionally equivalent. Verify regulatory requirements before final part selection.

Q: Can I use BZX79C5V1-T50A in automotive applications?

A: BZX79C5V1-T50A is manufactured by onsemi and carries ROHS3 compliance and AEC-Q101 qualification equivalent to the original part. It is suitable for automotive applications. The extended temperature range (-65°C to 200°C) provides additional thermal margin compared to the original specification (175°C).

Q: What inventory considerations should guide part selection?

A: BZX55B5V1-TAP has the highest inventory availability (70,269 pieces), ensuring long-term supply security. BZX79C5V1-T50A (73,948 pieces) and BZX79C5V1 (922 pieces) also provide substantial stock. For immediate availability and supply chain stability, prioritize BZX55B5V1-TAP or BZX79C5V1-T50A.

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