Zener diode (also known as Zener diode) is a key component used in electronic circuits to provide a stable reference voltage or perform voltage clamping. Its model system is extensive and produced by multiple manufacturers, but it can be classified according to packaging form, power level, and voltage range. The following is an original summary of the main model series, striving for clear logic:
Core classification logic
Packaging form: It is the most intuitive way to distinguish between model categories (direct insertion vs surface mount).
Power level: determines the power consumption and maximum operating current it can withstand.
Nominal voltage regulation value: The suffix number usually represents a specific regulated voltage (please refer to the specific specification sheet for confirmation).
Manufacturer prefix: Different manufacturers have their own prefixes (such as NXP's BZX, ON Semi's 1N/1SMA/MBZ, Dior Inc's BZT, Vishay's TZX, etc.), but many generic models (especially the 1N series) have become industry standards.
Main model series and characteristics
1、 Axial lead direct insertion packaging
This is the most common and oldest type, easy to manually weld and prototype.
1N47xx/1N52xx/1N53xx series (industry standard universal type):
Prefixes: '1N47xx' (commonly used), '1N52xx' (low voltage supplement), '1N53xx' (high voltage supplement).
Power: usually 1W (such as 1N4728A and 1N4764A).
Voltage range: very wide coverage.
`1N47xx ` (usually ranging from 28 to 64): a commonly used value between approximately 3.3V (1N4728A) and 100V (1N4764A).
`1N52xx ` (usually smaller): Provides lower voltage values (such as 2.4V, 2.7V) not included in the 1N47xx series.
`1N53xx ` (usually larger): Provides higher voltage values (such as 200V) not included in the 1N47xx series.
Features: Widely used, low cost, and easy to obtain specifications. The suffix letter of the model (such as A) often indicates a tolerance (usually 5% or 10%).
Example: 1N4733A (5.1V, 1W), 1N4742A (12V, 1W), 1N5240B (10V, 0.5W). Note that the power of the 1N52xx series may be slightly lower than 1W.
BZX55/BZX79/BZX85 series (common manufacturer models):
Prefixes: BZX55C (approximately 0.5W), BZX79C (approximately 0.5W), BZX85C (approximately 1.3W).
Power: ranging from 0.4W to 1.3W, meeting different power consumption requirements.
Voltage range: highly overlapping with the 1N47xx series (approximately 2.4V to 200V).
Features: Equivalent in functionality to the 1N47xx series, it is a similar product produced by different manufacturers (such as NXP, Vishay). The number following the suffix letter of the model (such as C) represents the nominal voltage regulation value (such as BZX55C5V1 representing 5.1V). Multiple tolerance options are available (such as C=± 5%, V=± 10%).
Example: BZX55C5V1 (5.1V, 0.5W), BZX85C12 (12V, 1.3W).
2、 Surface mount devices
With the miniaturization of electronic devices, SMD packaging has become the absolute mainstream.
Ultra small, low power (≤ 500mW):
SOD123 package: a very small patch package.
Common models: BZT52Cxx (Dior Inc, etc.), MM3Zxx (ON Semi), PZUxx (Nexperia). The suffix 'xx' indicates the nominal voltage (e.g. 'BZT52C5V1' is 5.1V).
Power: typically around 200mW and 500mW.
Application: circuits with limited space and low current requirements, such as signal clamping and low-power reference sources.
SOD323 package: smaller than SOD123.
Common models: Similar to SOD123, such as' BZT52Cxx 'also has this packaging option.
Power: typically around 200mW and 350mW.
Small, universal power (0.3W 1W):
SOT23 package: One of the most common three pin surface mount packages (where the two pins are usually internally short circuited as cathodes).
Common models: BZX84Cxx (industry standard, NXP/Anshi, etc.), MMBZ52xx (ON Semi). The suffix 'xx' indicates the nominal voltage (e.g. 'BZX84C5V6' is 5.6V).
Power: The standard model typically has a power of 200mW and 350mW. Some manufacturers have enhanced models that can reach up to 500mW.
Features: Extremely commonly used, high cost-effectiveness, and a wide range of voltage options.
SOD923 package: ultra small dual pin package.
Common models: PZUXxx (Nexperia, etc.).
Power: typically around 200mW.
Medium power (0.5W 1.5W+):
SMA/DO214AC package: larger than SOT23, better heat dissipation.
Common models: 1SMAxxx (industry standard, ON Semi, etc.), SMAZxx (Vishay), BZT585Cxx (Dior Inc). The suffix 'xxx' usually corresponds directly to the voltage (for example, '1SMA5925B' represents 5.9V, but it needs to be confirmed in the specification sheet).
Power: Typically 500mW 1.5W (varies by model and manufacturer).
Characteristics: Very common in SMD applications that require higher power than SOT23.
SMB/DO214AA package: slightly larger than SMA, with stronger heat dissipation capability.
Common models: 1SMBxxx, SMBZxx, BZT589Cxx.
Power: Typically 1.5W 3W (varies by model and manufacturer).
Application: In situations where higher power is required for voltage regulation or clamping.
Higher power (in watts):
SMC/DO214AB package: a larger surface mount package.
Common models: 1SMCxxx, SMCZxx.
Power: up to 3W, 5W or even higher.
Power module/special packaging: For extremely high power requirements (>5W), there are specialized high-power voltage regulator diodes or modules with more specific models (such as SMD power versions or dedicated series of '1N53xx').
3、 Special type
Temperature compensated Zener diode: Internally integrated forward biased diode for temperature compensation, with better stability and temperature drift indicators. Common model prefixes include '1N82xx' (direct insertion), 'LM' series (such as LM385 which is a precision reference source, although related in principle, often classified separately), and patch models such as' BZX585CxT '(with T suffix).
Bidirectional TVS diode (transient voltage suppressor): Although its working principle is related to Zener breakdown, it is mainly used for surge protection rather than continuous voltage regulation, with different model systems (such as SMAJ, SMBJ, P6KE series, etc.).
Summary and selection points
Determine requirements: specify the required nominal voltage regulation value (Vz), expected maximum operating current/power consumption (determining power level), accuracy requirements (tolerance), operating temperature range, and packaging size limitations (PCB space).
Prioritize the universal series:
Direct insertion (THT): 1N47xx/1N52xx/1N53xx (1W) or BZX55/BZX85 series.
Surface mount (SMD):
Low power/small space: BZT52Cxx (SOD123/323), BZX84Cxx (SOT23).
Universal Medium Power: 1SMAxxx (SMA), 1SMBxxx (SMB).
Higher power: 1SMCxxx (SMC).
Refer to the specification sheet: The suffix of the model is crucial! Different suffixes under the same prefix represent different regulated voltages and tolerances. It is necessary to refer to the detailed datasheet provided by the manufacturer based on the specific model to confirm key parameters such as Vz, tolerance, power, and thermal performance. For example, 'BZX84C5V1' represents a nominal 5.1V (± 5% tolerance), while 'BZX84C12' represents a nominal 12V.
Consider manufacturers: Major semiconductor manufacturers (such as Nexperia, ON Semiconductor, Vishay, Dior Inc, ROHM, STMicroelectronics) produce these universal series and choose brands with good reputation and stable supply.
Understanding the classification logic based on packaging and power, combined with specific voltage value suffixes to search for the corresponding model specifications, is the key to efficiently selecting and using voltage regulator diodes.