Renesas HZ6C3-90

Overview

HZ6C3-90 from Renesas is a silicon planar Zener diode engineered for low-noise voltage regulation in precision analog circuits, with a nominal zener voltage of 6.1–6.4 V at 0.5 mA test current, 60 Ω dynamic resistance, 400 mW power dissipation, and DO-35 glass package - used in reference supplies for ADCs, sensor signal conditioning, and low-drift bias networks.

For engineers reviewing the HZ6C3-90 datasheet, HZ6C3-90 pinout, HZ6C3-90 application, or HZ6C3-90 equivalent, key selection criteria include zener voltage tolerance (±0.3 V), low noise performance (1/3–1/10 of standard HZ series), temperature coefficient (−0.02 %/°C typical), junction temperature limit (175 °C), and DO-35 mechanical compatibility in space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The HZ6C3-90 operates as a two-terminal shunt regulator with DC-tested zener breakdown at 6.1–6.4 V under 0.5 mA, achieving 60 Ω dynamic impedance at 0.5 mA and <1 μA reverse leakage at VR = 2.0 V. Its low-noise design targets applications where thermal and shot noise must be minimized below conventional Zener diodes.

It features a negative temperature coefficient of −0.02 %/°C (≈ −1.2 mV/°C) near 6.2 V, optimized for stable reference generation across −55 to +175 °C ambient range, and is rated for 400 mW dissipation at 25 °C with linear derating to zero at 175 °C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-35 glass axial package (JEITA code GRZZ0002ZB-A), orange body with navy-blue cathode band; total mass 0.13 g; lead spacing 26 mm min, diameter 2.0 mm nominal.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 1N4735A and BZX55C6V2, the HZ6C3-90 delivers tighter zener voltage tolerance (±0.3 V vs. ±5 %), quantified low-noise behavior, and guaranteed 60 Ω dynamic resistance - making it the preferred choice for precision analog reference nodes where stability and spectral purity are design-critical.

Availability

HZ6C3-90 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-precision ADC reference, low-noise sensor biasing, and industrial analog input conditioning requiring stable component supply, long-term parametric consistency, and DO-35 footprint continuity.

Supply support for HZ6C3-90 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 Technology Corp. is a Japanese semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog mixed-signal devices, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The HZ-L Series Zener diodes were developed by Renesas to address low-noise voltage reference needs in high-fidelity analog signal chains, offering improved noise, tighter V_Z tolerance, and enhanced thermal stability over legacy HZ-family parts.

FAQ

What is the exact zener voltage range for HZ6C3-90 at 0.5 mA?

The HZ6C3-90 has a specified zener voltage range of 6.1 V to 6.4 V when tested at I_Z = 0.5 mA, representing a tight ±0.3 V absolute tolerance. This range is confirmed in the Renesas REJ03G0182-0300 datasheet on page 2, and applies directly to the HZ6C3-90 variant within the HZ-L Series. The HZ6C3-90 achieves this precision without external trimming.

Is HZ6C3-90 compatible with standard DO-35 footprint and assembly processes?

Yes, the HZ6C3-90 uses the JEITA-standard DO-35 package (Renesas code GRZZ0002ZB-A), with 2.0 mm body diameter, 26 mm minimum lead spacing, and axial lead configuration. It is fully compatible with standard DO-35 PCB footprints, wave soldering profiles, and automated insertion equipment - identical to legacy HZ-series diodes and widely used discrete Zeners.

How does the noise performance of HZ6C3-90 compare to generic Zener diodes?

The HZ6C3-90 exhibits approximately 1/3 to 1/10 the noise level of standard HZ-series Zener diodes, as explicitly stated in the Renesas datasheet features section. This low-noise characteristic is process-engineered into the silicon planar structure and verified per device family - not extrapolated - making the HZ6C3-90 suitable for audio, metrology, and high-resolution data conversion where noise floor matters.

What is the maximum allowable reverse current before regulation degrades for HZ6C3-90?

The HZ6C3-90 is characterized at I_Z = 0.5 mA for its primary specifications, but remains functional up to at least 1 mA while maintaining ≤60 Ω dynamic resistance. Beyond 1 mA, self-heating increases and voltage drift rises; the absolute maximum power dissipation of 400 mW limits continuous operation to ~65 mA at 6.2 V - though regulation accuracy degrades significantly above 5 mA due to rd nonlinearity.

Does HZ6C3-90 have a specified temperature coefficient, and what is its value?

Yes, the HZ6C3-90 has a nominal temperature coefficient of −0.02 %/°C (approximately −1.2 mV/°C) at 6.2 V, as shown in Figure 2 of the Renesas datasheet. This negative coefficient is typical for Zener diodes in the 5–6 V range and enables predictable, linear drift compensation in reference designs - confirmed across the full HZ-L Series including the HZ6C3-90.