Description
BZX86-C16 16V Zener Voltage Regulator Diode
Product Overview
The BZX86-C16 is a high-performance, 1-watt Zener diode specifically designed for voltage regulation and transient suppression in professional electronic circuits. With a nominal Zener voltage of 16V, it is engineered to provide precise, stable voltage clamping, ensuring that sensitive downstream components are shielded from fluctuations and harmful voltage spikes.
Unlike smaller signal-level Zeners, the BZX86 series features a robust, high-dissipation design that makes it ideal for more demanding power-handling applications. Its reliable breakdown characteristic and high thermal stability make it a staple in industrial control, automotive power management, and precision analog biasing circuits.
Key Features
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Precision 16V Regulation: Specifically calibrated to provide a stable 16V reference, making it perfect for applications that demand consistent voltage levels.
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1W Power Dissipation: Engineered with higher thermal capacity than standard DO-35 or DO-41 (0.5W) diodes, allowing for reliable operation in more power-intensive circuits.
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High Reliability: Features a robust glass-passivated construction that offers superior environmental resistance and long-term stability against thermal cycling.
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Sharp Breakdown Knee: Provides a clean and predictable transition into regulation, which significantly minimizes voltage ripple in power supply rails.
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Versatile Integration: Designed for through-hole PCB mounting, it offers high mechanical strength and ease of assembly in both prototyping and mass production environments.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Component Type | Zener Voltage Regulator Diode |
| Nominal Zener Voltage ($V_Z$) | 16V |
| Power Dissipation ($P_D$) | 1W |
| Test Current ($I_{ZT}$) | ~15mA |
| Package Type | DO-41 (Axial Lead) |
| Tolerance | $\pm 5\%$ (C-suffix) |
| Operating Temperature | -65°C to +200°C |
Applications
The preferred solution for 16V rail management and circuit protection:
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Voltage Regulation: Ideal for establishing stable 16V DC supply rails in industrial sensors, audio amplification stages, and precision instrumentation.
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Overvoltage Protection: Functions as a shunt regulator to “clamp” transient surges, protecting delicate microcontrollers and logic ICs.
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Reference Voltage Generation: Serves as a fixed, steady reference for comparators, ADCs, and high-side driver circuits.
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Level Shifting: Effectively clamps signal voltages in control systems to a maximum threshold of 16V.

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