PDZ5.6B - 5.6V 400mW Zener Diode SOD-323 | Nexperia
MPN: PDZ5.6B ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.18 | $0.18 |
| 10 | $0.14 | $1.40 |
| 100 | $0.09 | $9.00 |
| 500 | $0.07 | $35.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.06 | $60.00 |
PDZ5.6B Overview
A Zener diode is a specialized silicon pn-junction diode engineered to operate in the reverse-breakdown region, where the voltage across the device remains nearly constant over a wide range of reverse currents. Within the broader discrete-semiconductor taxonomy, Zener diodes sit alongside switching diodes, Schottky diodes, and TVS diodes as a fundamental building block of analog and power circuitry. They are commonly used as shunt voltage regulators, clipping elements, and simple over-voltage protection devices. The PDZ5.6B belongs to the E24 voltage series, allowing designers to select nominal Zener voltages from 2.4 V up to 36 V across the wider PDZ-B family while keeping a single uniform SOD-323 footprint.
Key specifications include a maximum forward current of 200 mA, a typical Zener impedance of approximately 40 ohms at 5 mA test current, a maximum reverse leakage on the order of nano-amps at reverse voltages well below breakdown, and a wide operating temperature range of -55 °C to +150 °C. The compact SOD-323 package measures roughly 1.7 mm x 1.25 mm x 0.95 mm and offers low parasitic inductance suitable for high-frequency clamping applications. The device is fully RoHS compliant and supports lead-free reflow soldering at peak temperatures up to 260 °C per JEDEC J-STD-020.
The PDZ5.6B uses a planar silicon die construction, which provides tight voltage tolerance, low leakage, and stable reverse characteristics across temperature. This architecture delivers predictable breakdown voltage behavior and excellent long-term reliability, which are critical parameters for reference and protection functions. The series also includes an automotive-grade Q-qualified variant (PDZ5.6B-Q) for applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification.
Typical applications include low-voltage reference generation in portable electronics, logic-level shifting, supply rail monitoring in microcontrollers and FPGAs, over-voltage protection on data and signal lines, audio biasing networks, and analog signal clamping. The small SOD-323 footprint makes it particularly suitable for USB, HDMI, mobile-handset, wearable, and IoT sensor designs where board area is constrained.
When designing with the PDZ5.6B, ensure that the working Zener current is held above the knee current (typically 5 mA for this series) to maintain a stable reference voltage. For higher-power dissipation or pulsed loads, evaluate thermal performance carefully, since the small SOD-323 package offers limited thermal headroom at full 400 mW steady-state dissipation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, cross-brand drop-in alternatives in the SOD-323 footprint, and practical design notes not aggregated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PDZ5.6B — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PDZ5.6B-Q
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PDZ5.6B,115
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PDZ5.6B/A2
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BZX84C5V6LT1G
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BZX84B5V6LT1G
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BZX84C5V6-7-F
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PDZ5.6B Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Diode Type | Zener (Voltage Regulator) |
| Nominal Zener Voltage (Vz) | 5.6 V |
| Zener Voltage Tolerance | ±2% |
| Maximum Power Dissipation (Ptot) | 400 mW |
| Maximum Forward Current (IF) | 200 mA |
| Package | SOD-323 (SC-76) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration | Single, unidirectional |
| Operating Temperature Range | -55 °C to +150 °C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -65 °C to +150 °C |
| Voltage Series | E24 (2.4 V to 36 V nominal range across PDZ-B family) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free Reflow Peak Temperature | 260 °C (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| MSL Level | 1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
PDZ5.6B Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | Cathode (K) — Zener cathode - reverse-biased terminal connected to the more positive node when used as a shunt regulator |
| Pin 2 | Anode (A) — Zener anode - normally connected to circuit ground when used as a shunt regulator |
Typical Applications
PDZ5.6B is suitable for 6 applications: 5V Rail Over-Voltage Clamp, Low-Voltage Reference Generation, Audio Signal Clamping and Biasing, Microcontroller I/O Protection, IoT and Wearable Device Design, Industrial Control Signal Conditioning.
5V Rail Over-Voltage Clamp
The PDZ5.6B's 5.6 V nominal Zener voltage sits just above a nominal 5 V supply rail, making it an ideal shunt clamp for USB VBUS, 5 V logic rails, and LDO outputs that may experience transient over-voltage events. With a 400 mW power dissipation rating and a typical Zener impedance on the order of 40 ohms at 5 mA test current, the device absorbs short-duration transients and clamps the rail within tens of nanoseconds. Placed in parallel with the load between VBUS and ground, the PDZ5.6B turns on above 5.6 V and diverts excess current away from sensitive downstream ICs. The compact SOD-323 footprint adds negligible series inductance, preserving signal integrity on high-speed data lines. This topology is widely used in USB hubs, smartphone chargers, and 5 V power-distribution boards where cost-effective over-voltage protection is required without resorting to a dedicated TVS array.
Recommended
Low-Voltage Reference Generation
In portable and battery-powered designs, the PDZ5.6B serves as a compact shunt voltage reference for ADC references, comparator thresholds, and analog bias networks. Operating at currents between 1 mA and 20 mA, the device maintains a stable 5.6 V reference with ±2% initial tolerance and minimal drift across the -55 °C to +150 °C operating range. The SOD-323 package is small enough to fit alongside op-amps and DACs in space-constrained wearables, sensor modules, and handheld instruments. A simple resistor from a higher supply rail sets the operating current, while the PDZ5.6B holds the reference node constant. Unlike bandgap references, this Zener-based topology adds low cost and zero quiescent overhead, making it attractive for cost-sensitive analog front ends.
Recommended
Audio Signal Clamping and Biasing
Audio line-level signals can exceed the input range of op-amp ADC front ends, requiring soft or hard clamping to prevent damage. The PDZ5.6B provides back-to-back or single-ended clamping at 5.6 V, absorbing transient overshoots from headphone outputs, line-in stages, and microphone bias networks. Its low junction capacitance preserves audio bandwidth, while the 400 mW power rating accommodates typical transient peaks without long-term thermal stress. Designers commonly place the PDZ5.6B at the input of audio CODECs and microphone pre-amplifiers in portable headsets, Bluetooth speakers, and automotive head-unit amplifiers. Compared to dedicated audio ESD protectors, the PDZ5.6B delivers a lower-cost clamping solution at the expense of slower turn-on; pair it with a TVS diode for full IEC 61000-4-2 compliance where required.
Recommended
Microcontroller I/O Protection
GPIO pins on microcontrollers are vulnerable to over-voltage from external connectors, cable faults, and ESD events. The PDZ5.6B clamps GPIO pins to 5.6 V, protecting 3.3 V or 5 V tolerant MCUs from accidental exposure to higher-voltage signals. A typical implementation places the PDZ5.6B between the GPIO pin and ground, with a series resistor limiting peak current. The SOD-323 package fits cleanly next to QFN and LQFP MCU footprints, supporting compact IoT sensor nodes and edge-computing modules. The 5.6 V threshold also enables level shifting from 5 V signals to 3.3 V logic by clamping the high-level voltage. Nexperia's automotive-grade PDZ5.6B-Q variant extends this protection to AEC-Q100 qualified microcontrollers in vehicle body controllers and infotainment systems.
Recommended
IoT and Wearable Device Design
The PDZ5.6B's tiny SOD-323 package and 400 mW power rating suit it perfectly for IoT endpoints, fitness wearables, and wireless sensor nodes where board area is at a premium. Battery-powered applications frequently need over-voltage protection on coin-cell charging inputs, BLE module supply pins, and sensor excitation rails, and the PDZ5.6B delivers this in a 1.7 mm x 1.25 mm footprint. The device's low quiescent leakage (nan-ampere range at reverse voltages below Vz) preserves battery life, while its ±2% Zener tolerance ensures predictable clamping thresholds. In smartwatches and BLE beacons, designers commonly place the PDZ5.6B on the supply side of sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and heart-rate monitors to guard against inductive kickback and connector faults.
Recommended
Industrial Control Signal Conditioning
Industrial control boards operate in electrically noisy environments with transients from relays, solenoids, motor starters, and long cable runs. The PDZ5.6B clamps analog and digital signal lines at 5.6 V, protecting 24 V-tolerant industrial transceivers, RS-485 line drivers, and PLC inputs from inductive kickback and field-side fault voltages. The 400 mW power rating absorbs the energy of typical industrial transients, while the wide -55 °C to +150 °C operating range supports outdoor enclosures and unconditioned factory floors. In 4-20 mA current loops and HART-enabled sensor transmitters, the PDZ5.6B provides secondary protection downstream of bulk TVS diodes, ensuring that the controller-side ADC inputs remain within safe common-mode limits.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PDZ5.6B — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PDZ5.6B-Q | PDZ5.6B,115 | PDZ5.6B/A2 | BZX84C5V6LT1G | BZX84C5V6-7-F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nexperia | Nexperia | Nexperia | Nexperia | onsemi | Diodes Incorporated |
| Package | SOD-323 (SC-76) | SOD-323 (SC-76) - same | SOD-323 (SC-76) - same | SOD-323 (SC-76) - same | SOT-23 (different footprint) | SOT-23 (different footprint) |
| Nominal Zener Voltage (Vz) | 5.6 V | 5.6 V | 5.6 V | 5.61 V (within ±2%) | 5.6 V | 5.6 V |
| Zener Voltage Tolerance | ±2% | ±2% | ±2% | ±2% | ±5% | ±5% |
| Maximum Power Dissipation | 400 mW | 400 mW | 400 mW | 400 mW | 225 mW | 300 mW |
| Operating Temperature Range | -55 °C to +150 °C | -55 °C to +150 °C | -55 °C to +150 °C | -55 °C to +150 °C | -65 °C to +150 °C | -65 °C to +150 °C |
| Automotive Qualification (AEC-Q101) | No (industrial) | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Higher 400 mW power dissipation than competing 5.6 V Zeners in SOT-23 (vs BZX84C5V6LT1G (onsemi))
- Tighter ±2% voltage tolerance vs BZX84C-series ±5% (vs BZX84C5V6-7-F (Diodes Incorporated))
- Available in automotive-grade AEC-Q101 variant (vs BZX84C5V6LT1G (onsemi, no automotive variant))
Design Notes
Estimated: At an ambient temperature of 25 °C and 1 cm² FR-4 copper pad, the PDZ5.6B dissipates the full 400 mW rating. Power dissipation must be linearly derated above 25 °C; for example, at 100 °C ambient the allowable dissipation drops to roughly 200 mW. For pulsed or transient loads, the small SOD-323 thermal mass responds quickly, but designers must avoid sustained operation near the 400 mW limit in enclosed or poorly ventilated enclosures.
Mount the PDZ5.6B on a copper pad of at least 1 cm² on the FR-4 board to achieve the rated 400 mW dissipation; smaller pads throttle thermal performance and reduce maximum allowable power. The SOD-323 cathode is marked with a vertical bar on the top of the package; verify polarity against the PCB silk-screen before soldering to avoid reverse installation. Lead-free reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020 with a peak temperature of 260 °C is supported.
Avoid operating the PDZ5.6B below its knee current (typically 5 mA for the PDZ-B series), as the Zener impedance rises sharply and the regulation voltage becomes load-dependent. Do not substitute the PDZ5.6B for higher-voltage Zeners such as the 6.2 V or 6.8 V variants without confirming downstream component voltage ratings, and never parallel two Zeners without ballast resistors to prevent current hogging. For ESD-sensitive applications, supplement the PDZ5.6B with a dedicated TVS diode rated for IEC 61000-4-2 contact and air discharge.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Nexperia product page; lead-free reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020 supported at 260 °C peak. The standard PDZ5.6B is not AEC-Q qualified - use the PDZ5.6B-Q variant for AEC-Q101 automotive applications.
