BZX79C16 Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BZX79C16 is a through-hole zener diode rated at 16 V nominal with 500 mW maximum power dissipation in a DO-35 package. Manufactured by onsemi, this component is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status, equivalent substitute parts from active product lines are necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts maintain the core electrical specifications while offering improved availability and compliance with current regulatory standards.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	16	V
Tolerance	±5%	%
Power - Max	500	mW
Impedance (Max)	40	Ohms
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	50	nA
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1.5	V @ 100 mA
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 200	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	DO-35	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BZX79C16 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Voltage - Zener (Nom): 16 V (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±5% (exact match required)
Operating Temperature Range: -65°C to 200°C (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
Package / Case: DO-35 (exact match required)
Impedance (Max): 40 Ohms (exact match required)

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

Category A - Full Power Rating Match (500 mW):

BZX79C16-T50A (onsemi): Maintains 500 mW power rating with active product status

Category B - Reduced Power Rating (400 mW):

BZX79-C16,113 (NXP Semiconductors)
BZX79-C16,133 (Nexperia USA Inc.)
BZX79-C16,143 (NXP USA Inc.)

All substitute parts maintain identical zener voltage, tolerance, operating temperature range, mounting type, and package specifications. Category B parts operate at 400 mW maximum power, which represents a 20% reduction from the original 500 mW specification.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BZX79C16 (Main)	BZX79C16-T50A	BZX79-C16,113	BZX79-C16,133	BZX79-C16,143
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	NXP Semiconductors	Nexperia USA Inc.	NXP USA Inc.
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	16 V	16 V	16 V	16 V	16 V
Tolerance	±5%	±5%	±5%	±5%	±5%
Power - Max	500 mW	500 mW	400 mW	400 mW	400 mW
Impedance (Max)	40 Ohms	40 Ohms	40 Ohms	40 Ohms	40 Ohms
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	50 nA @ 11.2 V	50 nA @ 11.2 V	50 nA @ 700 mV	50 nA @ 11.2 V	50 nA @ 700 mV
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1.5 V @ 100 mA	1.5 V @ 100 mA	900 mV @ 10 mA	900 mV @ 10 mA	900 mV @ 10 mA
Operating Temperature	-65°C ~ 200°C	-65°C ~ 200°C	-65°C ~ 200°C	-65°C ~ 200°C	-65°C ~ 200°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	DO-35	DO-35	DO-35	DO-35	DO-35
RoHS Status	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	Not specified
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: BZX79C16-T50A

The BZX79C16-T50A is the direct equivalent substitute. Manufactured by onsemi, it maintains the full 500 mW power rating and all electrical specifications of the original BZX79C16. This part carries active product status and ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment. The Cut Tape packaging option provides flexibility for both prototype and production environments.

Secondary Recommendations: BZX79-C16,113 / BZX79-C16,133 / BZX79-C16,143

These NXP/Nexperia alternatives are suitable for applications where the 400 mW power rating is sufficient. All three parts maintain the 16 V zener voltage, ±5% tolerance, and DO-35 package. These parts carry active product status and ROHS3 compliance (BZX79-C16,133 confirmed). Selection among these three should be based on packaging requirements and inventory availability:

BZX79-C16,113: Bulk packaging
BZX79-C16,133: Tape & Box packaging with confirmed ROHS3 compliance
BZX79-C16,143: Bulk packaging

Compliance Considerations

All substitute parts maintain REACH Unaffected status. BZX79C16-T50A and BZX79-C16,133 carry explicit ROHS3 compliance certification. For applications requiring regulatory documentation, these two parts are preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BZX79-C16,113, BZX79-C16,133, and BZX79-C16,143 be used as direct replacements for BZX79C16?

A: These parts are functionally compatible substitutes with one critical difference: they are rated at 400 mW maximum power versus the original 500 mW rating. All other electrical parameters—zener voltage, tolerance, impedance, operating temperature, and reverse leakage—are identical. Selection depends on whether your circuit design operates within the 400 mW power envelope.

Q: What is the difference between BZX79C16-T50A and the NXP alternatives?

A: BZX79C16-T50A maintains the full 500 mW power rating and is manufactured by onsemi. The NXP/Nexperia alternatives (BZX79-C16,113/133/143) operate at 400 mW. If your application requires the full 500 mW capability, BZX79C16-T50A is the appropriate choice. If 400 mW is sufficient, the NXP alternatives offer additional sourcing options.

Q: Are there packaging differences between substitute parts?

A: Yes. BZX79C16-T50A is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) packaging. The NXP alternatives are available in Bulk (BZX79-C16,113 and BZX79-C16,143) or Tape & Box (BZX79-C16,133). All parts use the same DO-35 package for circuit board mounting. Packaging selection should align with your procurement and assembly processes.

Q: Why do some substitute parts have different forward voltage specifications?

A: The original BZX79C16 specifies 1.5 V @ 100 mA forward voltage, while NXP alternatives specify 900 mV @ 10 mA. These measurements are taken at different current levels and do not indicate incompatibility. Both specifications are within acceptable zener diode operating parameters for the 16 V rating.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: BZX79C16-T50A and BZX79-C16,133 carry explicit ROHS3 compliance certification. BZX79-C16,113 and BZX79-C16,143 do not specify RoHS status in the provided data. For applications requiring confirmed ROHS3 compliance, BZX79C16-T50A or BZX79-C16,133 are recommended.

Q: What is the inventory status of these substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts are in active production with substantial inventory availability. BZX79-C16,143 has the highest inventory (162,729 pcs), followed by BZX79-C16,113 (240,708 pcs) and BZX79-C16,133 (10,100 pcs). BZX79C16-T50A has 14,701 pcs available. Inventory levels support both prototype development and high-volume production requirements.

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