CMPZ5246B BK PBFREE Zener Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CMPZ5246B BK PBFREE is a 16 V, 350 mW surface mount zener diode manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp in SOT-23 packaging. This component is classified as Active and maintains full RoHS3 compliance with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1). The part is suitable for voltage regulation and protection applications requiring precise 16 V zener characteristics. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical specifications and mechanical compatibility within the SOT-23 package family.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Zener (Nominal)	16	V
Tolerance	±5%	—
Power - Maximum	350	mW
Impedance (Maximum)	17	Ohms
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	100	nA @ 12 V
Voltage - Forward (Maximum) @ If	900	mV @ 10 mA
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	—
Package / Case	TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the CMPZ5246B BK PBFREE is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Zener voltage: 16 V nominal
Package type: SOT-23-3 / TO-236-3 / SC-59 (mechanically and electrically interchangeable)
Operating temperature range: minimum -65°C to 150°C
RoHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Power dissipation: 250 mW to 350 mW acceptable (all substitutes rated 250–300 mW remain within safe operating margins)
Tolerance: ±2% to ±6% acceptable (tighter tolerances provide improved performance)
Impedance: 17–40 Ohms (within acceptable range for regulation applications)
Reverse leakage current: 50–100 nA (acceptable variation)

All identified substitute parts meet these criteria and are pin-compatible with the original part in TO-236-3 packaging.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Vz (V)	Tolerance	Power (mW)	Zzt (Ohms)	Ir @ Vr (nA)	Temp Range (°C)	Status	AEC-Q101
CMPZ5246B BK PBFREE	Central Semiconductor Corp	16	±5%	350	17	100 @ 12V	-65 to 150	Active	—
BZX84-B16,215	NXP Semiconductors	16	±2%	250	40	50 @ 11.2V	-65 to 150	Active	Yes
BZX84-C16,215	Nexperia USA Inc.	16	±5%	250	40	50 @ 11.2V	-65 to 150	Active	Yes
BZX84-C16,235	Nexperia USA Inc.	16	±5%	250	40	50 @ 11.2V	-65 to 150	Active	Yes
BZX84B16-E3-08	Vishay General Semiconductor	16	±2%	300	40	50 @ 11.2V	-55 to 150	Active	—
BZX84B16-HE3-08	Vishay General Semiconductor	16	±2%	300	40	50 @ 11.2V	-55 to 150	Obsolete	Yes
BZX84B16LT1G	onsemi	16	±2%	250	40	50 @ 11.2V	-65 to 150	Active	—
BZX84C16-7-F	Diodes Incorporated	16	±6%	300	40	100 @ 11.2V	-65 to 150	Active	—
BZX84C16-E3-08	Vishay General Semiconductor	16	±5%	300	40	50 @ 11.2V	-55 to 150	Active	—
BZX84C16-E3-18	Vishay General Semiconductor	16	±5%	300	40	50 @ 11.2V	-55 to 150	Active	—
BZX84C16-G3-18	Vishay General Semiconductor	16	±5%	300	40	50 @ 11.2V	-55 to 150	Active	—

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Preferred Substitutes (Active Status, Full Compliance):

BZX84-C16,215 and BZX84-C16,235 (Nexperia USA Inc.) — Recommended for automotive and industrial applications. Both parts carry AEC-Q101 qualification, matching tolerance (±5%), and identical operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C). Power rating of 250 mW is conservative relative to the 350 mW original specification, ensuring reliable operation with thermal margin.
BZX84B16LT1G (onsemi) — Active status with ±2% tolerance provides tighter voltage regulation. Operating temperature range matches the original (-65°C to 150°C). 250 mW power rating is suitable for standard applications.
BZX84C16-7-F (Diodes Incorporated) — Active status with 300 mW power rating and full temperature range (-65°C to 150°C). Tolerance of ±6% is acceptable for general-purpose regulation circuits.

Secondary Substitutes (Active Status, Limited Temperature Range):

BZX84B16-E3-08, BZX84C16-E3-08, BZX84C16-E3-18, BZX84C16-G3-18 (Vishay General Semiconductor) — All active parts with 300 mW power rating and ±2% to ±5% tolerance. Operating temperature range limited to -55°C to 150°C (5°C reduction at lower bound). Suitable for applications not requiring full -65°C operation.

Avoid:

BZX84B16-HE3-08 — Marked as Obsolete. While AEC-Q101 qualified, obsolete status indicates discontinued production and potential supply chain constraints.

Compliance Summary:

All recommended active substitutes maintain RoHS3 compliance and MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, matching the original part's environmental qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a 250 mW substitute in place of the 350 mW CMPZ5246B?

A: Yes. The 250 mW substitutes (BZX84-B16,215, BZX84-C16,215, BZX84-C16,235, BZX84B16LT1G) are acceptable. Power dissipation in zener diodes is application-dependent. If the circuit design limits current through the zener to levels consistent with 250 mW operation, the substitute performs identically. Verify circuit current and thermal conditions before selection.

Q2: What is the difference between ±2%, ±5%, and ±6% tolerance specifications?

A: Tolerance defines the acceptable deviation of the zener voltage from the nominal 16 V specification. ±2% tolerance (13.76–16.24 V) provides tighter regulation than ±5% (15.2–16.8 V) or ±6% (15.04–16.96 V). For precision voltage reference applications, select ±2% parts. For general protection circuits, ±5% or ±6% is acceptable.

Q3: Why do some substitutes have a -55°C lower temperature limit instead of -65°C?

A: Operating temperature range is a manufacturing specification. Parts rated -55°C to 150°C are not rated for operation below -55°C. If your application requires -65°C operation, select substitutes with matching -65°C lower limit: BZX84-B16,215, BZX84-C16,215, BZX84-C16,235, BZX84B16LT1G, or BZX84C16-7-F.

Q4: Are all these parts pin-compatible?

A: Yes. All listed substitutes use TO-236-3 / SOT-23-3 / SC-59 packaging with identical pin configuration (Cathode, Anode, Cathode). They are mechanically and electrically interchangeable on the PCB.

Q5: What does AEC-Q101 qualification mean?

A: AEC-Q101 is an automotive electronics qualification standard. Parts carrying this certification (BZX84-B16,215, BZX84-C16,215, BZX84-C16,235, BZX84B16-HE3-08) meet stringent reliability and performance requirements for automotive applications. Non-qualified parts are suitable for industrial and consumer applications.

Q6: Should I select a substitute with lower impedance (Zzt)?

A: Lower impedance (17 Ohms vs. 40 Ohms) provides slightly better voltage regulation under load changes. The original CMPZ5246B has 17 Ohms impedance. Substitutes with 40 Ohms impedance are acceptable for most applications but exhibit marginally higher dynamic resistance. For precision regulation, prefer lower impedance if available; however, all listed parts meet standard regulation requirements.

Q7: What is the significance of reverse leakage current (Ir)?

A: Reverse leakage current is the small current flowing through the zener when reverse-biased below the zener voltage. The original part specifies 100 nA @ 12 V; substitutes specify 50 nA @ 11.2 V. Lower leakage improves circuit performance in high-impedance applications. Both values are acceptable for standard circuits.

Q8: Can I use BZX84B16-HE3-08 despite its Obsolete status?

A: Not recommended. Obsolete parts indicate discontinued production. While existing inventory may be available, long-term supply is not guaranteed. Select from Active status parts to ensure future availability and supply chain reliability.

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