Renesas HZ3CLL-E

Overview

HZ3CLL-E from Renesas is a silicon planar Zener diode engineered for hard-knee, low-noise voltage reference applications in precision analog circuits. It delivers a nominal zener voltage of 3.3 V (min 3.1 V, max 3.5 V) at IZ = 0.5 mA, with dynamic impedance ZZT = 360 Ω (typ), reverse current IR ≤ 100 nA at VR = 1.0 V, and operates within a 250 mW power dissipation limit in DO-35 package.

For engineers reviewing the HZ3CLL-E datasheet, HZ3CLL-E pinout, HZ3CLL-E application, or HZ3CLL-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its sharp breakdown knee below 1 mA, low temperature coefficient (≈ –0.03 %/°C near 3.3 V), sub-µA leakage performance, and suitability for low-power bandgap-free references in sensor signal conditioning and portable instrumentation.

Technical Context

The HZ3CLL-E employs a planar diffusion process to achieve semi-logarithmic VZ–IZ linearity from 1 nA to 1 mA, enabling stable regulation at ultra-low bias currents. Its hard-knee behavior-evidenced by ∆VZ1 = 0.5 V and ∆VZ2 = 0.6 V-results from controlled junction design that minimizes curvature in the breakdown region.

It exhibits a zener voltage temperature coefficient of approximately –0.03 %/°C (–0.7 mV/°C) at 3.3 V, significantly lower than conventional zeners, and maintains low dynamic impedance (360 Ω typ at IZT = 0.5 mA) without requiring external ballast resistors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-35 (JEITA code GRZZ0002ZB-A), glass axial leaded, 2.0 mm diameter × 4.2 mm body length, cathode identified by navy-blue band. Mass: 0.13 g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar zener reference applications.

Compared with 1N5226B and BZX84-C3V3, the HZ3CLL-E uniquely supports stable regulation down to 1 nA while maintaining hard-knee behavior and ultra-low noise-making it irreplaceable in battery-powered, low-I_Q analog systems where other zeners fail to regulate.

Availability

HZ3CLL-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable sensor reference, precision ADC biasing, low-power RTC backup, and industrial loop-powered transmitter applications requiring stable component supply and long-term parametric consistency.

Supply support for HZ3CLL-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 Corporation is a global semiconductor leader delivering microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The HZ-LL Series-including HZ3CLL-E-is designed specifically for ultra-low-current, low-noise voltage reference applications where conventional zeners exhibit excessive drift, poor knee sharpness, or high leakage.

FAQ

What is the nominal zener voltage of the HZ3CLL-E and how tightly is it specified?

The HZ3CLL-E has a nominal zener voltage of 3.3 V, with a guaranteed range of 3.1 V to 3.5 V when tested at I_Z = 0.5 mA. This ±0.2 V tolerance (±6.1%) reflects its optimization for low-current stability rather than wide-tolerance general-purpose use. The specification is validated per Renesas document REJ03G0183-0300 Rev.3.00 and applies directly to the HZ3CLL-E device.

Does the HZ3CLL-E require a minimum bias current to maintain regulation, and what is its lowest functional current?

No, the HZ3CLL-E does not require a minimum bias current to regulate-it exhibits semi-logarithmic V_Z–I_Z linearity from 1 nA up to 1 mA. Its functional lower limit is confirmed at 1 nA, enabling use in ultra-low-power applications such as energy-harvesting sensors and long-life RTC backups. This behavior is intrinsic to the HZ-LL Series planar structure and is documented in the HZ3CLL-E electrical characteristics table.

How does the temperature coefficient of the HZ3CLL-E compare to standard 3.3 V zeners, and why does it matter?

The HZ3CLL-E has a temperature coefficient of approximately –0.03 %/°C (–0.7 mV/°C) at 3.3 V, which is significantly lower than typical 3.3 V zeners (e.g., –0.05 %/°C for 1N5226B). This reduced drift minimizes reference voltage error across industrial temperature ranges (–40°C to +85°C), directly improving accuracy in precision ADCs and sensor interfaces where the HZ3CLL-E serves as the primary reference.

Can the HZ3CLL-E be used in surface-mount designs, or is it strictly through-hole?

The HZ3CLL-E is exclusively packaged in the DO-35 axial glass case (JEITA code GRZZ0002ZB-A), a through-hole format with 2.0 mm diameter and 4.2 mm body length. It is not available in surface-mount variants. For SMT alternatives, engineers should evaluate functionally comparable parts like BZX84-C3V3-but note that those differ in bias current requirements and knee characteristics versus the HZ3CLL-E.

What is the maximum power dissipation rating for the HZ3CLL-E, and how does derating work above 25°C?

The HZ3CLL-E is rated for 250 mW maximum power dissipation at T_a = 25°C. Derating follows a linear slope of 2.0 mW/°C above 25°C, reaching zero dissipation at 150°C ambient-per Figure 3 in REJ03G0183-0300. This thermal profile allows reliable operation in enclosed industrial enclosures up to 85°C ambient when mounted on standard FR-4 PCBs, provided layout adheres to DO-35 thermal guidelines for the HZ3CLL-E.