BZW03C91-TAP

Diodes - Zener - Single: BZW03C91-TAP Application Field and Working Principle

The BZW03C91-TAP is a single Zener diode which is a semiconductor device that has the ability to conduct electrical current in one direction. This type of diode is designed and created specifically to protect circuits against transient voltage surges. It is intended as a dynamic protection device.

Application Field

The BZW03C91-TAP is mainly used in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics applications. This type of diode is commonly used for ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection, voltage clamping and suppressing transient voltage spikes. It is also used for voltage reference, miniature DC/DC converters, AC/DC rectifiers and as a current limiter.

Description

The BZW03C91-TAP is a single Zener diode packaged in a SOD-323 small surface-mount package. It has an operation temperature range of -55 to + 125 °C, an impedance range of 15V to 24V, and a power dissipation range of 2W to 8W. The breakdown voltage, Vz, of the device is 22V. It has an incredibly low reverse current leakage of only 0.2uA.

Working Principle

When the BZW03C91-TAP is connected to a power source, the diode creates a reverse bias in the circuit. The reversed biased junction creates a depletion region between the p-type and n-type materials. This triangle is what prevents electrons from passing through the junction. This scarcity of electrons causes the diode to conduct a very small reverse current which is measured and known as the reverse saturation current.

When the voltage applied to the BZW03C91-TAP exceeds a certain level, the depletion region begins to widen, allowing electrons to pass from the n-type to the p-type material. This creates a large increase in currents which is known as the Zener breakdown. The Zener breakdown sets a low limit for the voltage drop across the diode, which means that it can hold the voltage at a predetermined level.

When used as an ESD protection device, the BZW03C91-TAP will clamp the voltage of any transient voltage spikes to a safe level, preventing the circuit from overloading or experiencing any permanent damage. When used as a voltage reference, the diode will hold the voltage at a set level, regardless of changes in the supply or load.

Conclusion

The BZW03C91-TAP is a single Zener diode which is primarily used for ESD protection, voltage clamping, suppressing transient voltage spikes, voltage reference and miniature DC/DC converters. It is packaged in a SOD-323 small surface-mount package with an operation temperature range of -55 to + 125 °C, an impedance range of 15V to 24V, and a power dissipation range of 2W to 8W. The breakdown voltage, Vz, of the device is 22V. The working principle of the BZW03C91-TAP is based on the Zener breakdown, when the applied voltage exceeds a certain level, the depletion region begins to widen, allowing electrons to pass from the n-type to the p-type material, creating a current increase.