BZX84C20 TR Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BZX84C20 TR is a 20 V Zener diode manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, rated for 350 mW power dissipation with ±5% voltage tolerance. This surface mount component in SOT-23 packaging is classified as Active product status with 991 pieces currently in stock. The BZX84C20 TR serves voltage regulation and protection applications in electronic circuits requiring stable 20 V reference voltage.

Substitute parts are necessary when the original manufacturer part becomes unavailable, when alternative sourcing improves supply chain resilience, or when design requirements permit operation within the electrical and mechanical parameter ranges of equivalent devices. All substitute parts listed maintain the core electrical specifications: 20 V nominal Zener voltage, SOT-23 surface mount package, and compatible operating temperature range.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit	Significance for Substitution
Voltage - Zener (Nom)	20	V	Core functional specification; all substitutes must match
Tolerance	±5%	%	Voltage accuracy; substitutes with tighter tolerance are compatible
Power - Max	350	mW	Thermal rating; substitutes with equal or higher rating are compatible
Impedance (Max)	55	Ohms	Dynamic impedance; all listed substitutes match this specification
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	50	nA @ 14 V	Leakage characteristic; determines circuit performance
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	900	mV @ 10 mA	Forward conduction voltage; affects circuit design
Operating Temperature	-65 to 150	°C	Thermal operating range; substitutes must cover or exceed this range
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	-	Assembly compatibility; all substitutes are surface mount
Package / Case	TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3	-	Physical footprint; all substitutes use identical package
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	-	Environmental compliance; all substitutes maintain compliance

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution logic for the BZX84C20 TR is based on the following criteria:

Primary Matching Criteria (Non-Negotiable):

Zener voltage: 20 V nominal
Package type: SOT-23-3 (TO-236-3, SC-59)
Mounting: Surface mount
Operating temperature range: minimum -65°C to 150°C

Secondary Compatibility Criteria (Allowed Variations):

Tolerance: ±5% or tighter (±1%, ±2%, ±5%, ±6% all acceptable)
Power rating: 250 mW, 300 mW, or 350 mW (equal or higher than 350 mW preferred; lower ratings acceptable if circuit design permits)
Impedance: 55 Ohms (all substitutes match)
Reverse leakage: 50 nA or 100 nA @ 14 V (both acceptable)
Forward voltage: 900 mV @ 10 mA (all substitutes match)

Manufacturer Diversity: Substitute parts are sourced from Nexperia USA Inc., Diodes Incorporated, and Vishay General Semiconductor, providing supply chain alternatives while maintaining electrical equivalence.

Product Status Consideration: The main part BZX84C20 TR is Active. Most substitutes are Active; one substitute (BZX84C20-HE3-08) is marked Obsolete and should be avoided for new designs.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Vz (V)	Tolerance	Power (mW)	Zzt (Ohms)	Ir @ Vr (nA)	Vf @ If (mV)	Temp Range (°C)	Package	Status
BZX84C20 TR	Central Semiconductor	20	±5%	350	55	50 @ 14V	900 @ 10mA	-65 to 150	SOT-23	Active
BZX84-A20,215	NXP Semiconductors	20	±1%	250	55	50 @ 14V	900 @ 10mA	-65 to 150	TO-236AB	Active
BZX84-B20,215	Nexperia USA Inc.	20	±2%	250	55	50 @ 14V	900 @ 10mA	-65 to 150	TO-236AB	Active
BZX84-B20,235	Nexperia USA Inc.	20	±2%	250	55	50 @ 14V	900 @ 10mA	-65 to 150	TO-236AB	Active
BZX84-C20,215	Nexperia USA Inc.	20	±5%	250	55	50 @ 14V	900 @ 10mA	-65 to 150	TO-236AB	Active
BZX84-C20,235	Nexperia USA Inc.	20	±5%	250	55	50 @ 14V	900 @ 10mA	-65 to 150	TO-236AB	Active
BZX84B20-7-F	Diodes Incorporated	20	±2%	300	55	100 @ 14V	900 @ 10mA	-65 to 150	SOT-23-3	Active
BZX84B20-E3-08	Vishay General Semiconductor	20	±2%	300	55	50 @ 14V	Not specified	-55 to 150	SOT-23-3	Active
BZX84C20-7-F	Diodes Incorporated	20	±6%	300	55	100 @ 14V	900 @ 10mA	-65 to 150	SOT-23-3	Active
BZX84C20-E3-08	Vishay General Semiconductor	20	±5%	300	55	50 @ 14V	Not specified	-55 to 150	SOT-23-3	Active
BZX84C20-HE3-08	Vishay General Semiconductor	20	±5%	300	55	50 @ 14V	Not specified	-55 to 150	SOT-23-3	Obsolete

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Highest Compatibility):

The BZX84C20-E3-08 and BZX84C20-7-F from Diodes Incorporated and Vishay General Semiconductor are the most direct substitutes. Both maintain 20 V nominal Zener voltage, SOT-23-3 package, and ±5% tolerance matching the original specification. These parts are Active status and suitable for new designs.

For Tighter Tolerance Applications:

The BZX84-A20,215 (NXP, ±1% tolerance) and BZX84-B20 series (Nexperia, ±2% tolerance) provide improved voltage accuracy. These parts are qualified to AEC-Q101 automotive standard, indicating enhanced reliability. The trade-off is reduced power rating (250 mW versus 350 mW), which is acceptable if circuit thermal design permits.

For Improved Supply Availability:

The BZX84-C20,215 and BZX84-C20,235 from Nexperia USA Inc. offer high inventory levels (3,072 and 10,618 pieces respectively) with matching ±5% tolerance and 20 V specification. These parts are AEC-Q101 qualified and Active status.

Parts to Avoid:

The BZX84C20-HE3-08 is marked Obsolete and should not be selected for new designs or long-term production applications.

Temperature Range Consideration:

Vishay parts (BZX84B20-E3-08, BZX84C20-E3-08, BZX84C20-HE3-08) specify -55°C to 150°C operating range, which is narrower than the original -65°C to 150°C. This is acceptable for applications not requiring operation below -55°C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a substitute part with lower power rating (250 mW instead of 350 mW)?

A: Yes, if your circuit design permits. Lower power rating means reduced thermal dissipation capability. Verify that the actual power dissipation in your application does not exceed the substitute part's rating. The BZX84-A20,215, BZX84-B20,215, BZX84-B20,235, BZX84-C20,215, and BZX84-C20,235 all operate at 250 mW and are electrically compatible.

Q: What is the difference between ±1%, ±2%, ±5%, and ±6% tolerance?

A: Tolerance specifies the accuracy of the Zener voltage around the 20 V nominal value. ±1% means the voltage will be between 19.8 V and 20.2 V; ±5% means 19 V to 21 V. Tighter tolerance (±1%, ±2%) provides more precise voltage regulation. The original BZX84C20 TR specifies ±5%, so substitutes with ±1%, ±2%, or ±5% are all acceptable; ±6% is slightly looser but still compatible.

Q: Are all substitute parts in the same SOT-23 package?

A: Yes. All listed substitutes use SOT-23-3 package (also designated TO-236-3 or SC-59). Physical footprint and pin configuration are identical, ensuring direct PCB compatibility without layout changes.

Q: What does "Active" versus "Obsolete" product status mean?

A: Active parts are currently manufactured and supported by the supplier, with ongoing availability and technical support. Obsolete parts are no longer manufactured; existing inventory may be available but supply is limited and future availability is not guaranteed. For new designs, select only Active status parts. The BZX84C20-HE3-08 is Obsolete and should be avoided.

Q: Can I use BZX84B20-7-F or BZX84C20-7-F which have higher reverse leakage (100 nA instead of 50 nA)?

A: Yes. Higher reverse leakage is acceptable in most applications. Reverse leakage affects circuit performance only in high-impedance applications or precision voltage reference circuits. For standard voltage regulation and protection applications, 100 nA leakage is compatible with 50 nA specification.

Q: Do all substitute parts meet RoHS and REACH compliance?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected, matching the environmental compliance of the original BZX84C20 TR.

Q: Which substitute offers the best supply availability?

A: The BZX84-C20,235 from Nexperia USA Inc. has the highest inventory (10,618 pieces), followed by BZX84-B20,215 (144,968 pieces). Both are Active status with matching electrical specifications.

Q: Are NXP/Nexperia parts automotive qualified?

A: Yes. The BZX84-A20,215, BZX84-B20,215, BZX84-B20,235, BZX84-C20,215, and BZX84-C20,235 are all qualified to AEC-Q101 automotive standard, indicating enhanced reliability and quality assurance suitable for automotive and industrial applications.

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