Central Semiconductor

CMHZ5242B - 12V 500mW SOD-123 Zener Diode | Central Semiconductor

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12 V Vdss SOD-123 Package
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Prix mis à jour : 2026-09-13
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1 $0.12 $0,12
10 $0.09 $0,90
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500 $0.045 $22,50
1 000 $0.035 $35,00
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CMHZ5242B Présentation

The Central Semiconductor CMHZ5242B is a surface mount silicon zener diode with a nominal zener voltage of 12 V, a power dissipation rating of 500 mW, and a tolerance of ±5%, packaged in the compact SOD-123 surface mount case with marking code CH2.

A zener diode is a voltage-reference device that conducts in reverse breakdown at a precisely defined voltage, making it a fundamental building block within the broader hierarchy of discrete semiconductors -> diodes -> voltage references. Unlike rectifier diodes, zener diodes are deliberately operated in reverse breakdown, where the voltage across the device remains nearly constant over a wide range of reverse current. This property enables simple shunt voltage regulation, voltage clamping, and level shifting without the complexity of an active regulator IC.

The CMHZ5242B belongs to Central Semiconductor's CMHZ series, a surface mount family spanning zener voltages from 2.4 V through 75 V (with related datasheet variants listing up to 200 V) at 500 mW, offering designers a single sourcing family for many rail values. The 12 V rating makes it well suited to clamping 12 V logic rails, protecting gates and MOSFET source pins, and generating reference levels for comparator thresholds. Its 5% tolerance covers the B-suffix grade, appropriate for non-critical clamping rather than precision references.

Technically, the device is a silicon planar zener operating below roughly 7 V zener ratings via Zener breakdown and above via avalanche breakdown; a 12 V device sits in the transition region where the temperature coefficient is near minimum. Reverse leakage at 85% of rated voltage is in the low microamp range, and dynamic impedance is modest for the family class.

Typical applications include input protection for microcontroller GPIOs, MOSFET gate-source clamping in motor-drive circuits, low-cost shunt regulators on 12 V industrial rails, and ESD/overvoltage clamping in consumer and automotive accessory boards.

Design consideration: size the series resistor so worst-case load current plus zener bias current keeps power below 500 mW derated for ambient temperature, and note that zener tolerance plus dynamic impedance sets the achievable rail accuracy.

This page adds distributor availability, drop-in alternatives across onsemi, Diodes Incorporated, MCCC and Nexperia, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.

Alternatives de remplacement direct pour CMHZ5242B — même boîtier, compatible broche à broche. Les références à boîtier différent nécessitant une retouche du PCB sont exclues.

Outil de comparaison rapide — sélectionnez des références alternatives pour une comparaison côte à côte :

MMSZ5242B

✅ Remplacement direct
📦 SOD-123
JEDEC 1N5242B-family SOD-123 equivalent, same 12 V / 500 mW / ±5% ratings, different manufacturer

📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)

MMSZ5242B-7-F

✅ Remplacement direct
📦 SOD-123
same 12 V / 500 mW / ±5% in SOD-123, Diodes Inc equivalent with RoHS lead-free finish

📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)

MMSZ5242B-TP

✅ Remplacement direct
📦 SOD-123
same 12 V / 500 mW / ±5% SOD-123 equivalent from MCCC, cost-optimized second source

📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)

TZMC12

✅ Remplacement direct
📦 SOD-123
12 V ±5% 500 mW-class zener in SOD-123; minor differences in leakage and Zzt limits per Nexperia datasheet

📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)

BZT52C12-7-F

✅ Remplacement direct
📦 SOD-123
12 V ±5% SOD-123 zener, BZT52C12 series; leakage/Zzt differ slightly from CMHZ series

📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)

BZT52C12

✅ Remplacement direct
📦 SOD-123
Nexperia 12 V SOD-123 zener; same footprint, small datasheet deltas in leakage and dynamic impedance

📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)

CMHZ5242B Valeurs maximales et caractéristiques électriques

Zener Voltage (Nominal) 12 V
Zener Voltage Tolerance ±5%
Power Dissipation 500 mW
Configuration Single Zener
Type de montage Surface Mount
Boîtier / Format SOD-123
Marking Code CH2
Product Family CMHZ series (2.4 V to 75 V, 500 mW)
Voltage - Zener (Nom) 12 V
Lead-Free Status PBFREE (lead-free per DigiKey listing)
Statut RoHS Compliant (PBFREE suffix)
Packaging Options Tape & Reel (TR) and Bulk (BK)
Polarity Unidirectional

Configuration des broches de CMHZ5242B

SOD-123 Package Pinout Diagram SOD-123 2-pin small outline diode, JEDEC. Cathode stripe. SOD-123
Broche 1 Cathode — Zener cathode (band-marked end); reverse voltage applied here for zener operation
Broche 2 Anode — Zener anode; connect to ground in clamping/regulation circuits

Applications typiques

CMHZ5242B convient pour 6 applications: Microcontroller GPIO Overvoltage Clamping, MOSFET Gate-Source Voltage Clamp, Low-Cost 12 V Shunt Regulation, Inductive Kickback Suppression in Relay and Solenoid Drivers, Battery-Powered 12 V System Protection, Comparator and Sensor Threshold Referencing.

🧩

Microcontroller GPIO Overvoltage Clamping

The CMHZ5242B's precise 12 V breakdown makes it a compact clamp for protecting microcontroller inputs and 12 V-tolerant GPIO lines from transient overvoltage. In a typical circuit the zener sits from the protected node to ground with a series resistor limiting fault current; the 500 mW rating absorbs roughly 40 mA continuous (500 mW / 12 V, estimated), which is ample for short inductive kickback events. Because the device is a 0.9 mm x 1.2 mm-footprint SOD-123, it fits directly on dense I/O headers without layout changes. Its ±5% tolerance is irrelevant for protection (only clamping threshold placement matters), and low reverse leakage keeps signal integrity intact on high-impedance sense lines. Place the diode within a few millimeters of the connector pin to minimize parasitic inductance during fast transients.

⚡

MOSFET Gate-Source Voltage Clamp

Power MOSFETs with 20 V maximum gate-source ratings are routinely protected with a 12 V zener such as the CMHZ5242B between gate and source. When gate-driver overshoot from parasitic inductance exceeds the 12 V zener voltage, the device conducts and clamps VGS to a safe level, preventing gate-oxide failure in motor drives, half-bridge converters, and relay drivers. The 500 mW SOD-123 package handles the short, energy-limited overshoot events typical of gate paths; the gate-drive source impedance limits continuous current into the zener. Because the clamp is local to the gate-source terminals, the CMHZ5242B's small package mounts directly across the MOSFET pads. Designers should verify driver current capability accounts for the clamped condition, and keep the zener trace loop short to remain effective against nanosecond-scale transients.

🏭

Low-Cost 12 V Shunt Regulation

In unregulated wall-adapter or auxiliary industrial supplies, the CMHZ5242B works as a shunt regulator: a series resistor feeds the 12 V zener, which holds the node near 12 V for modest load currents. With 500 mW dissipation the bias budget is roughly 40 mA maximum at 25 C (estimated from 500 mW / 12 V), covering microcontroller standby loads, relay coil hold circuits, or LED indicators. The ±5% tolerance yields a 11.4 V to 12.6 V rail, sufficient for relays, lamps, and logic that tolerate wide input. Unlike an LDO, no output capacitor stability concerns exist, and the circuit survives input surges by simply conducting harder. For better accuracy, use the zener to protect a precision regulator rather than as the reference itself. Account for load-line: output impedance equals the zener dynamic impedance plus the series resistor.

⚙

Inductive Kickback Suppression in Relay and Solenoid Drivers

When switching relays, solenoids, or small DC motors, the collapsing magnetic field generates a voltage spike that can destroy the switching transistor. A CMHZ5242B across the transistor (or across the coil with appropriate polarity) clamps the flyback voltage to approximately 12 V above the rail, dissipating the stored inductive energy in the zener and coil resistance. The 500 mW rating suits small relays (typically tens of millijoules per switching event at moderate rates); estimate energy as 0.5 * L * I^2 and confirm the average power stays within the derated zener rating at your switching frequency. The SOD-123 package enables placement immediately beside the driver MOSFET, minimizing loop area. This configuration also speeds coil current decay compared to a plain freewheel diode, improving release time in fast-cycling applications.

🚗

Battery-Powered 12 V System Protection

Lead-acid battery systems (automotive accessory, UPS backup, solar lighting) nominally sit near 12 V but surge well above it during charging transients. The CMHZ5242B provides inexpensive primary clamping on sensor and control boards: held normally below its breakdown knee at battery float voltages (12.6-13.8 V causes small leakage), it conducts only during genuine surges, absorbing energy within its 500 mW continuous / higher pulse capability. Its low profile SOD-123 package suits compact IoT telematics and alarm boards. For full automotive load-dump compliance, pair the zener with a series resistor and consider a higher-power TVS upstream, using the CMHZ5242B for fine, fast local clamping. Verify leakage at 13.8 V continuous bias against the battery system's quiescent-current budget, which for sleep-mode electronics may be only tens of microamps.

🔧

Comparator and Sensor Threshold Referencing

The CMHZ5242B generates a stable approximate 12 V rail for powering comparator dividers, window detectors, and sensor excitation circuits in industrial monitoring equipment. Fed through a resistor from a 24 V industrial rail, the zener establishes a quiet local supply whose ±5% absolute accuracy is acceptable because ratiometric measurement - comparing a sensor output against the same reference - cancels the zener tolerance error. Its low dynamic impedance and microamp-level leakage keep divider currents predictable. The SOD-123 footprint allows multiple reference points across a board without regulator ICs, BOM count, or layout overhead. For circuits needing better than 1% absolute accuracy, use the CMHZ5242B only as a pre-regulator or protection element ahead of a precision reference. Ensure the zener bias current (typically 5 mA recommended) dominates the load current to keep regulation stiff.

What is the zener voltage and power rating of CMHZ5242B?
The CMHZ5242B has a nominal zener voltage of 12 V with ±5% tolerance and a power dissipation rating of 500 mW. According to Central Semiconductor's product page and datasheet, it is a surface mount silicon zener diode supplied in the SOD-123 case with marking code CH2, suitable for clamping and shunt regulation on 12 V rails.
What package is CMHZ5242B supplied in?
The CMHZ5242B is supplied in the SOD-123 surface mount package. DigiKey lists the part as a 'Zener Diode 12 V 500 mW ±5% Surface Mount SOD-123' from Central Semiconductor Corp, in both Tape & Reel (CMHZ5242B TR PBFREE) and Bulk (CMHZ5242B BK PBFREE) packaging, which supports standard pick-and-place SMT assembly.
What is the difference between CMHZ5242B and onsemi MMSZ5242B?
Both are 12 V, 500 mW, ±5% SOD-123 zener diodes descended from the JEDEC 1N5242B family, so they are functionally interchangeable in most designs. The CMHZ5242B is made by Central Semiconductor while the MMSZ5242B is onsemi's SOD-123 equivalent. The MMSZ5242B is typically easier to source at high volume; always verify leakage and dynamic impedance limits against your circuit's requirements before switching suppliers.
What is the best drop-in replacement for CMHZ5242B?
The closest drop-in replacements are the onsemi MMSZ5242B, the Diodes Incorporated MMSZ5242B-7-F, and the MCCC MMSZ5242B-TP, all of which are 12 V, 500 mW, ±5% zeners in the same SOD-123 package with identical pad geometry and marking-compatible footprint. The Nexperia TZMC12 and BZT52C12 are also SOD-123 12 V 500 mW-class equivalents. All can be soldered onto the same land pattern without PCB rework.
Can BZT52C12 replace CMHZ5242B?
Yes, in most general-purpose clamping circuits the BZT52C12 (Nexperia, also cross-sold by Diodes Incorporated as BZT52C12-7-F) can replace the CMHZ5242B. Both are 12 V nominal, ±5%, SOD-123 surface mount zeners. Check that the 500 mW-class dissipation and the reverse leakage at your bias point meet your design margin, since exact leakage limits differ slightly between manufacturers' datasheets.
Is CMHZ5242B suitable for 12 V rail clamping in automotive applications?
The CMHZ5242B is suitable for general 12 V rail clamping, but it is not listed as AEC-Q100/AEC-Q101 qualified in the available data. For load-dump or automotive-transient environments, pair it with a series resistor to keep dissipation within 500 mW (derated), or select a specifically automotive-qualified zener series. For consumer and industrial 12 V protection where no automotive qualification is mandated, it performs well at low cost.
How much current can the CMHZ5242B handle at 12 V?
Rated for 500 mW, the CMHZ5242B can dissipate roughly 500 mW / 12 V ≈ 41 mA of continuous zener current at 25 C free-air, before derating at elevated ambient temperatures. In practice, designers bias the zener at a fraction of this (for example 5 mA) and let it absorb transient or fault currents only, which greatly extends reliability. Estimated calculation from the 500 mW rating; consult the datasheet derating curve for your ambient temperature.
Where to buy CMHZ5242B online and what does it cost?
The CMHZ5242B is available from DigiKey Electronics in Tape & Reel (CMHZ5242B TR PBFREE, DigiKey PN 5212681) and Bulk (CMHZ5242B BK PBFREE, DigiKey PN 5698622) formats, and Octopart lists pricing from two distributors. XAIPART pricing as of 2026-09-14 starts at approximately $0.12 for quantity 1, dropping to about $0.035 at 1000 pieces. Compare across distributors for the best bulk break.
What is the lead time and stock status for CMHZ5242B?
DigiKey's listing states 'Buy now, ships today' for the CMHZ5242B TR PBFREE and BK PBFREE, indicating the part is in stock and typically ships same day from distributor inventory. This zener is a high-volume commodity part, so stock at multiple distributors is generally good. For guaranteed production continuity, confirm current stock and lead time on DigiKey or Octopart as of your order date, as commodity zener stock levels change weekly.
Where can I download the CMHZ5242B datasheet PDF?
The CMHZ5242B datasheet PDF is available from Central Semiconductor's official product page at my.centralsemi.com (part=CMHZ5242B) and from aggregator sites such as Alldatasheet and Octopart's datasheet section. The datasheet covers the CMHZ surface mount zener family spanning 2.4 V through 75 V at 500 mW with 5% tolerance, including electrical characteristics, derating curves, and SOD-123 case dimensions over two pages.
What are the key specifications of CMHZ5242B that engineers should know?
Key specifications: nominal zener voltage 12 V, tolerance ±5%, power dissipation 500 mW, SOD-123 surface mount package, marking code CH2, single unidirectional zener configuration, lead-free (PBFREE) construction, active lifecycle status, and manufacturer Central Semiconductor. It belongs to the CMHZ series covering 2.4 V to 75 V, descended from the 1N5242B JEDEC designation. These figures come from Central Semiconductor's product page and DigiKey's parametric listing.
CMHZ5242B vs MMSZ5242B-7-F - which is better for GPIO clamping?
For GPIO clamping to a 12 V rail, the CMHZ5242B and the Diodes Incorporated MMSZ5242B-7-F are effectively equivalent: same 12 V ±5% zener, same 500 mW rating, same SOD-123 footprint. Choose based on supply chain factors - Diodes Incorporated typically offers lower high-volume pricing and broader distributor stocking, while Central Semiconductor may offer shorter lead times for smaller orders. Electrically, verify the reverse leakage spec at your maximum operating temperature against your signal-leakage budget.
When should I choose CMHZ5242B over a precision voltage reference IC?
Choose the CMHZ5242B when you need simple, low-cost overvoltage clamping or rough rail generation where ±5% (about ±600 mV at 12 V) accuracy is acceptable. Choose a precision shunt or series reference IC (0.1-1% tolerance) when the voltage feeds an ADC reference, comparator trip point, or measurement circuit. The zener wins on cost (a few cents), simplicity (one resistor, no decoupling design), and robustness to overcurrent events; it loses on accuracy, temperature stability, and dynamic impedance.
What is the best Nexperia equivalent for CMHZ5242B?
The best Nexperia equivalent for the CMHZ5242B is the TZMC12, a 12 V, 500 mW, ±5% zener diode in SOD-123, which is Nexperia's direct modern equivalent in the same package. The Nexperia BZT52C12 is a second SOD-123 12 V option commonly cross-referenced by Diodes Incorporated (BZT52C12-7-F). Both are two-terminal devices, so both are drop-in on the CMHZ5242B footprint; select the TZMC12 for closest datasheet-to-datasheet parameter parity.
How should I derate the CMHZ5242B for power dissipation?
Derate the CMHZ5242B linearly from its 500 mW rating as ambient temperature rises toward the maximum specified case/ambient temperature, following the derating curve in the Central Semiconductor datasheet. Estimated: a SOD-123 zener typically loses about half its rating near 75-100 C ambient, so at 85 C plan for roughly 250-300 mW maximum. Keep the pad thermal mass generous (two well-connected pads) since SOD-123 thermal dissipation depends heavily on PCB copper.

Données de référence d'ingénierie pour CMHZ5242B — comparaison, recommandations de conception et informations de conformité.

Guide de sélection

Choose the CMHZ5242B when you need a proven 12 V, 500 mW, ±5% SOD-123 zener and Central Semiconductor's stocking or pricing fits your order profile - it is a direct electrical and footprint match to the entire 1N5242B SOD-123 ecosystem. Choose the onsemi MMSZ5242B or Diodes Incorporated MMSZ5242B-7-F when high-volume pricing, broader multi-distributor stocking, or long-term supply agreements favor those franchises; both are true drop-in parts on the same land pattern. Choose the Nexperia TZMC12 or BZT52C12 when your BOM is already Nexperia-centric and you want to consolidate vendors, accepting small datasheet deltas in leakage and dynamic impedance. Avoid this class entirely when you need better than 2% voltage accuracy or low temperature coefficient - specify a precision shunt reference instead. For automotive load-dump environments, add upstream transient suppression rather than relying on a single 500 mW zener.

Comparaison avec les alternatives

Paramètre Ce produit MMSZ5242B MMSZ5242B-7-F TZMC12 BZT52C12
Package SOD-123 SOD-123 - same SOD-123 - same SOD-123 - same SOD-123 - same
Brand Central Semiconductor onsemi Diodes Incorporated Nexperia Nexperia
Zener Voltage 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V
Tolerance ±5% ±5% ±5% ±5% (C suffix) ±5% (C suffix)
Power Dissipation 500 mW 500 mW 500 mW 500 mW (400 mW class per Nexperia listing) 500 mW
Configuration Single zener Single zener Single zener Single zener Single zener
Mounting Type Surface Mount Surface Mount Surface Mount Surface Mount Surface Mount
Family Origin CMHZ series (Central) MMSZ series (1N5242B JEDEC derivative) MMSZ series (1N5242B JEDEC derivative) TZMC series BZT52 series

Principaux différenciateurs

  • Central Semiconductor direct sourcing of the classic 1N5242B-family value (vs MMSZ5242B)
  • Marking code CH2 enables unambiguous board-level identification (vs MMSZ5242B-7-F)
  • Lower-cost availability in small-batch Bulk (BK) packaging (vs TZMC12)

Notes de conception

Budget zener current against the 500 mW rating with temperature derating. Estimated: 500 mW at 12 V permits about 41 mA continuous at 25 C, but halve this near 85 C ambient per typical SOD-123 derating. Always use a series resistor sized for worst-case input voltage minus minimum zener current, then confirm resistor power rating. In clamp applications where current flows only during faults, pulse energy rather than continuous power governs - verify against the datasheet surge capability rather than the DC rating.

Place the CMHZ5242B within 2-5 mm of the node being protected (connector pin or MOSFET terminal) and connect cathode (band) to the positive/node side, anode to ground. Use two well-copper-connected pads - SOD-123 thermal performance depends almost entirely on PCB copper area. Avoid long thin traces to the clamp: even 10 nH of trace inductance adds significant overshoot during nanosecond transients, partially defeating the clamp. For I/O arrays, one zener per line or per rail beats one shared clamp for crosstalk isolation.

Three frequent mistakes: (1) using a 5% zener as a precision reference - a CMHZ5242B may output anywhere from 11.4 V to 12.6 V, so feed precision circuits from a real reference IC; (2) ignoring reverse leakage at high temperature, which can exceed the sleep-current budget of battery devices biased near 12-13 V; (3) forgetting that zener voltage is specified at a particular test current - at microamp bias the knee softens and the effective voltage drops well below 12 V. Always check the CMHZ datasheet's IzT and leakage test conditions.

Informations de conformité

RoHS
Compliant
REACH
Unknown
AEC-Q100
Not Applicable
Sans plomb
Yes
Sans halogène
Unknown
Minerais de conflit
Unknown

DigiKey listings carry the PBFREE suffix, indicating lead-free construction and RoHS compliance. No AEC-Q101 automotive qualification is indicated in the available data; REACH and halogen-free status not stated in provided sources.

Données vérifiées le : 2026-09-14 — données vérifiées et sélectionnées par l'équipe d'ingénierie composants de XAIPART

Recherches associées

CMHZ5242B CMHZ5242B datasheet PDF Central Semiconductor CMHZ5242B 12V 500mW SOD-123 zener diode CMHZ5242B SOD-123 pinout marking CH2 CMHZ5242B MOSFET gate clamp CMHZ5242B vs MMSZ5242B CMHZ5242B equivalent BZT52C12 CMHZ5242B drop-in replacement CMHZ5242B price buy in stock what is the zener voltage of CMHZ5242B 12V zener diode for GPIO protection

Composants & termes associés

Central Semiconductor CMHZ5242B CMHZ series 1N5242B MMSZ5242B MMSZ5242B-7-F MMSZ5242B-TP TZMC12 BZT52C12 zener diode voltage reference shunt regulator SOD-123 surface mount RoHS DigiKey Octopart MOSFET gate clamp overvoltage protection zener breakdown voltage 500 mW power dissipation ±5% tolerance marking code CH2 Diodes Incorporated Nexperia
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