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BZX85C5V1 Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The BZX85C5V1 is a 5.1 V, 1 W zener diode manufactured by onsemi in DO-204AL (DO-41) axial through-hole package. This component is classified as obsolete, though 10,400 units remain in stock as new original inventory. The part operates across a temperature range of -65°C to 200°C with ±6% voltage tolerance and is suitable for voltage regulation and protection applications in electronic circuits.
Due to the obsolete product status, equivalent and substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary for new designs, long-term availability assurance, and supply chain continuity. Substitute parts maintain the core electrical specifications while offering improved availability, compliance certifications, and in some cases enhanced performance characteristics.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage - Zener (Nominal) | 5.1 | V |
| Tolerance | ±6% | — |
| Power - Maximum | 1 | W |
| Impedance (Maximum) | 10 | Ohms |
| Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr | 1 | µA @ 2 V |
| Voltage - Forward (Maximum) @ If | 1.2 | V @ 200 mA |
| Operating Temperature Range | -65 to 200 | °C |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole | — |
| Package / Case | DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial | — |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution of the BZX85C5V1 is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:
Primary Substitution Criteria:
- Zener voltage: 5.1 V (nominal)
- Power dissipation: 1 W or greater
- Voltage tolerance: ±6% or tighter
- Mounting type: Through Hole
- Package compatibility: DO-204AL (DO-41) axial or equivalent form factor
Secondary Compatibility Factors:
- Impedance (Zzt): Maximum 10 Ohms or lower
- Reverse leakage current: 1 µA or lower at specified reverse voltage
- Forward voltage: 1.2 V or lower at 200 mA
- Operating temperature range: Minimum -65°C to 200°C or compatible subset
Substitute parts are grouped into three categories based on power rating and availability status:
-
Direct Equivalents (1 W, Active Status): Parts with identical 1 W power rating and active product status, offering immediate replacement capability with improved supply chain reliability.
-
Lower Power Alternatives (500 mW): Parts with reduced power dissipation capacity, suitable for applications with lower thermal requirements but requiring design verification.
-
Higher Power Alternatives (5 W): Parts with increased power dissipation capacity, providing thermal margin for demanding applications while maintaining identical zener voltage and package compatibility.
Parameter Comparison
| Part Number | Manufacturer | Vz (V) | Tolerance | Power (W) | Zzt (Ohms) | Reverse Leakage (µA) | Vf Max (V) | Temp Range (°C) | Package | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BZX85C5V1 | onsemi | 5.1 | ±6% | 1 | 10 | 1 @ 2V | 1.2 @ 200mA | -65 to 200 | DO-41 | Obsolete |
| BZX85C5V1-TR | Vishay | 5.1 | ±5% | 1.3 | 10 | 1 @ 1.5V | — | -65 to 175 | DO-41 | Active |
| 1N4733A | Lumimax | 5.1 | ±5% | 1 | 7 | 10 @ 1V | 1.2 @ 200mA | -65 to 200 | DO-41G | Active |
| 1N4733AE3/TR13 | Microchip | 5.1 | ±5% | 1 | 7 | 10 @ 1V | 1.2 @ 200mA | -65 to 150 | DO-41 | Active |
| 1N4733AP/TR8 | Microchip | 5.1 | ±5% | 1 | 7 | 10 @ 1V | 1.2 @ 200mA | -65 to 150 | DO-41 | Active |
| 1N4733AP/TR12 | Microchip | 5.1 | ±5% | 1 | 7 | 10 @ 1V | 1.2 @ 200mA | -65 to 150 | DO-41 | Active |
| 1N4733CE3/TR13 | Microchip | 5.1 | ±2% | 1 | 7 | 10 @ 1V | 1.2 @ 200mA | -65 to 150 | DO-41 | Active |
| 1N4733CP/TR8 | Microchip | 5.1 | ±2% | 1 | 7 | 10 @ 1V | 1.2 @ 200mA | -65 to 150 | DO-41 | Active |
| 1N4733CP/TR12 | Microchip | 5.1 | ±2% | 1 | 7 | 10 @ 1V | 1.2 @ 200mA | -65 to 150 | DO-41 | Active |
| 1N5231B | Microchip | 5.1 | ±5% | 0.5 | 17 | 5 @ 2V | 1.5 @ 200mA | -65 to 175 | DO-35 | Active |
| 1N5338BRLG | onsemi | 5.1 | ±5% | 5 | 1.5 | 1 @ 1V | 1.2 @ 1A | -65 to 200 | Axial | Active |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
Direct Replacement (Preferred):
The BZX85C5V1-TR from Vishay General Semiconductor is the primary direct replacement. This part maintains the identical base part number (BZX85C5V1), offers active product status with AEC-Q101 automotive qualification, and provides enhanced specifications including ±5% tolerance and 1.3 W power rating. RoHS3 compliance and higher inventory availability (41,031 units) support long-term supply chain stability.
Primary Alternatives (1 W Rating, Active Status):
The 1N4733 series from Microchip Technology provides multiple variants with 1 W power rating and active product status. Parts 1N4733AE3/TR13, 1N4733AP/TR8, and 1N4733AP/TR12 deliver ±5% tolerance matching the original specification intent. Parts 1N4733CE3/TR13 and 1N4733CP/TR8 offer tighter ±2% tolerance for applications requiring improved voltage accuracy. All variants feature lower impedance (7 Ohms versus 10 Ohms), reducing output impedance and improving voltage regulation performance. RoHS3 compliance is available across multiple variants.
The 1N4733A from Lumimax Optoelectronic Technology offers identical electrical specifications with active product status and extended temperature range (-65°C to 200°C) matching the original part.
Secondary Alternative (Reduced Power):
The 1N5231B from Microchip Technology operates at 500 mW power dissipation with 5.1 V nominal zener voltage. This part is suitable only for applications with lower thermal requirements and lower current demands. The DO-35 package differs from the original DO-41, requiring mechanical design verification. Higher impedance (17 Ohms) and elevated forward voltage (1.5 V) may impact circuit performance in voltage regulation applications.
Higher Power Alternative (Increased Thermal Margin):
The 1N5338BRLG from onsemi provides 5 W power dissipation with identical zener voltage and extended temperature range. This part is suitable for applications requiring increased thermal margin or higher current handling. The axial package maintains through-hole mounting compatibility. Superior impedance characteristics (1.5 Ohms) provide enhanced voltage regulation performance. RoHS3 compliance and active product status ensure supply chain continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the BZX85C5V1 be directly replaced with any of the listed substitutes?
A: The BZX85C5V1-TR from Vishay is the direct replacement, sharing the identical base part number and maintaining all critical electrical specifications. Other substitutes require verification that the application tolerates differences in impedance, reverse leakage current, or temperature range limits.
Q: What is the difference between the 1N4733 variants (AE3, AP, CE3, CP)?
A: The variants differ in voltage tolerance and packaging configuration. The "A" suffix indicates ±5% tolerance, while "C" indicates ±2% tolerance. The "E3" and "P" designations refer to different tape and reel configurations (TR13 versus TR8 or TR12). All maintain identical 5.1 V zener voltage and 1 W power rating. Selection depends on tolerance requirements and packaging compatibility with assembly equipment.
Q: Is the 1N5231B suitable as a substitute?
A: The 1N5231B is suitable only for applications with lower power dissipation requirements (500 mW maximum). The reduced power rating, higher impedance (17 Ohms), and different package (DO-35 versus DO-41) require design verification. This part is not recommended as a direct replacement for the original 1 W specification.
Q: Why does the 1N5338BRLG have lower impedance than the original part?
A: The 1N5338BRLG is rated for 5 W power dissipation, which inherently results in lower impedance (1.5 Ohms) compared to the 1 W BZX85C5V1 (10 Ohms). Lower impedance improves voltage regulation performance by reducing output impedance variation across the operating current range. This characteristic is beneficial in most applications but requires verification in circuits with specific impedance requirements.
Q: What compliance certifications should be considered for new designs?
A: RoHS3 compliance is available across multiple active substitutes (BZX85C5V1-TR, 1N4733AP/TR8, 1N4733CE3/TR13, 1N4733CP/TR8, 1N5338BRLG). The BZX85C5V1-TR includes AEC-Q101 automotive qualification, suitable for automotive and high-reliability applications. All listed parts maintain REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 export classification.
Q: Does operating temperature range affect substitution suitability?
A: The original BZX85C5V1 operates from -65°C to 200°C. Substitutes with reduced upper temperature limits (-65°C to 150°C or 175°C) are suitable for applications operating within these narrower ranges. Applications requiring the full -65°C to 200°C range should prioritize BZX85C5V1-TR, 1N4733A, or 1N5338BRLG.
Q: Can the 1N4733A from Lumimax be used in place of the Microchip 1N4733 variants?
A: Yes, the 1N4733A from Lumimax maintains identical electrical specifications (5.1 V, 1 W, ±5% tolerance) and extended temperature range (-65°C to 200°C). The primary difference is manufacturer and package designation (DO-41G versus DO-41). Mechanical compatibility with circuit board layouts and assembly equipment should be verified.
Q: What is the significance of impedance differences between substitutes?
A: Impedance (Zzt) affects voltage regulation performance and output impedance stability. Lower impedance values (7 Ohms for 1N4733 series, 1.5 Ohms for 1N5338BRLG) provide better voltage regulation compared to the original 10 Ohms. In most applications, lower impedance is beneficial. Applications with specific impedance requirements should verify compatibility through circuit simulation or testing.
Q: Are there inventory considerations for long-term supply?
A: The original BZX85C5V1 is obsolete with 10,400 units remaining. Active substitutes offer superior long-term availability: BZX85C5V1-TR (41,031 units), 1N4733A (20,200 units), 1N5338BRLG (8,200 units), and various 1N4733 Microchip variants (ranging from 698 to 1,488 units). For new designs, active parts ensure supply chain continuity beyond current inventory depletion.
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