Renesas HZ3A1RE-E

Overview

HZ3A1RE-E from Renesas is a silicon planar Zener diode optimized for low-noise voltage reference and stabilization in precision analog circuits, featuring a nominal zener voltage of 5.2 V, 400 mW power dissipation, <1 μA reverse leakage at 1 V, 150 Ω dynamic impedance at 0.5 mA, and DO-35 glass package with orange body and navy blue cathode band.

For engineers reviewing the HZ3A1RE-E datasheet, HZ3A1RE-E pinout, HZ3A1RE-E application, or HZ3A1RE-E equivalent, key selection criteria include zener voltage tolerance (±0.3 V), low noise performance relative to standard HZ series, thermal coefficient behavior below 7 V, DO-35 mechanical compatibility, and suitability for low-current reference designs requiring stable DC bias points.

Technical Context

The HZ3A1RE-E operates as a two-terminal voltage reference device using silicon planar junction technology, with zener breakdown mechanism dominant in its 5.2 V rating. Its low-noise design reduces RMS noise by approximately 70–90% versus legacy HZ-series diodes, achieved through optimized doping and junction geometry.

It exhibits a negative temperature coefficient of approximately −0.08 %/°C (−4 mV/°C) near 5.2 V, enabling predictable drift compensation in temperature-sensitive references. The device is rated for 175 °C maximum junction temperature and supports continuous DC operation up to 400 mW within derated ambient conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-35 glass axial package: cylindrical body with orange color coding and navy blue cathode band; total mass ≈ 0.13 g; dimensions: φD = 2.0 mm, L = 26.0 mm, E = 4.2 mm; JEITA code SC-40.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener diode voltage reference applications.

Compared with BZX55C5V1 and MMSZ5222BS, the HZ3A1RE-E delivers tighter voltage tolerance (±0.3 V vs. ±5%), significantly lower noise, and lower dynamic impedance-making it uniquely suitable for high-fidelity analog reference applications where signal integrity is prioritized over cost or footprint.

Availability

HZ3A1RE-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio signal conditioning, industrial sensor biasing, low-power MCU reference, and legacy power supply stabilization requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable Renesas-sourced devices.

Supply support for HZ3A1RE-E includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Renesas Electronics is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and power devices for automotive, industrial, and infrastructure markets.

The HZ-L Series, including HZ3A1RE-E, was designed specifically for low-noise, precision voltage reference applications in analog signal chains where conventional Zener diodes introduce unacceptable noise or drift.

FAQ

What is the exact zener voltage range specified for HZ3A1RE-E?

The HZ3A1RE-E has a guaranteed zener voltage range of 5.2 V minimum to 5.5 V maximum when tested at 0.5 mA zener current and 25 °C ambient temperature. This ±0.3 V tolerance is tighter than standard 5% Zener diodes and reflects Renesas' focus on precision reference applications. The value is confirmed in the REJ03G0182-0300 datasheet, Page 2, under Electrical Characteristics for HZ6A1L variant grouping.

Is HZ3A1RE-E compatible with standard DO-35 socket footprints?

Yes, HZ3A1RE-E uses the DO-35 package (JEITA SC-40, Renesas code GRZZ0002ZB-A) with standardized dimensions: 2.0 mm body diameter, 26.0 mm overall length, and 4.2 mm lead spacing. It fits all generic DO-35 axial through-hole sockets and wave-soldering fixtures without modification. The orange body and navy blue cathode band provide unambiguous polarity identification per datasheet Page 1.

Does HZ3A1RE-E have a documented low-noise specification, and how is it quantified?

Yes, the HZ3A1RE-E datasheet explicitly states its noise level is "approximately 1/3–1/10 lower than the HZ series" (Page 1, Features). While absolute RMS noise values are not tabulated, this comparative metric is derived from spectral noise measurements under identical test conditions and confirms its suitability for audio preamps and precision sensor interfaces where zener noise dominates system noise floor.

What is the maximum allowable reverse current before breakdown for HZ3A1RE-E?

The HZ3A1RE-E specifies a maximum reverse leakage current (I_R) of 1 μA at V_R = 1 V and T_a = 25 °C (Page 2, Electrical Characteristics). This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal parasitic loading on high-impedance nodes such as op-amp inputs or ADC reference dividers, preserving accuracy in low-current bias networks.

Can HZ3A1RE-E be used in surface-mount assemblies?

No, HZ3A1RE-E is exclusively offered in the through-hole DO-35 glass axial package and has no SMT variant. Its mechanical construction-glass body, axial leads, and 26 mm length-is incompatible with reflow or paste-based SMT processes. For surface-mount alternatives, engineers must select functionally similar but package-different parts like MMSZ5222BS, noting trade-offs in noise, tolerance, and thermal behavior.