Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division TZMC43-GS18

Overview

TZMC43-GS18 from Vishay Semiconductors is a precision small-signal Zener diode in MiniMELF (SOD-80) package, designed for voltage regulation and reference applications with nominal Zener voltage of 43 V, ±5 % tolerance, and 2.5 mA test current. It delivers low reverse leakage (< 0.1 μA at VR = 40 V), dynamic resistance of 33 Ω at IZT, and temperature coefficient of +0.04 to +0.12 %/K - suitable for stable biasing in industrial power supplies and sensor signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the TZMC43-GS18 datasheet, TZMC43-GS18 pinout, TZMC43-GS18 application, or TZMC43-GS18 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 43 V nominal Zener voltage, MiniMELF package thermal performance (RthJA = 500 K/W on PCB), 500 mW power rating, and tight ±5 % VZ tolerance - critical for analog reference accuracy and overvoltage clamping in compact designs.

Technical Context

This device operates as a two-terminal voltage reference with sharp reverse breakdown characteristic and low noise, optimized for DC stabilization where high stability and minimal drift are required. Its Zener voltage is specified at 2.5 mA test current (IZT1), with a second test point at 0.5 mA (IZT2) to characterize knee behavior.

The diode exhibits a positive temperature coefficient (+0.04 to +0.12 %/K), indicating increasing VZ with junction temperature - a key design consideration for temperature-compensated references. It is rated for junction temperatures up to 175 °C and storage from –65 to +175 °C, supporting operation in harsh industrial environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MiniMELF (SOD-80) glass-body surface-mount package: cylindrical, 3.3–3.7 mm length, 1.4–1.6 mm diameter, cathode identified by axial indentation. Weight ≈ 31 mg. MSL Level 1, peak solder temperature ≤ 260 °C.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TZMC43-GS18, BZX55-C43 offers lower cost but sacrifices regulation precision and noise performance, while MMSZ43ET1G improves thermal management at the expense of package compatibility - making TZMC43-GS18 optimal for space-constrained, low-noise MiniMELF-requiring applications.

Availability

TZMC43-GS18 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply regulation, overvoltage protection circuits, and precision sensor biasing requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TZMC43-GS18 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

Vishay Semiconductors is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics for industrial, automotive, and computing markets.

The TZM-Series Zener diodes are engineered for precision voltage reference and stabilization in space-constrained, high-stability applications - emphasizing low noise, sharp breakdown, and long-term parametric consistency.

FAQ

What is the Zener voltage tolerance for TZMC43-GS18?

The TZMC43-GS18 has a Zener voltage tolerance of ±5 %, meaning its actual breakdown voltage falls between 40 V and 46 V at 2.5 mA test current. This tolerance is defined per the TZMC series specification and confirmed in Vishay's Document Number 84122, Rev. 1.8. The tighter tolerance supports reliable voltage clamping without post-production adjustment, and is distinct from the ±2 % tolerance offered in the TZMB variant.

What package type does TZMC43-GS18 use, and what are its key mechanical features?

TZMC43-GS18 uses the MiniMELF (SOD-80) package: a cylindrical glass-body surface-mount device measuring 3.3–3.7 mm in length and 1.4–1.6 mm in diameter, with cathode identified by an axial indentation. It weighs approximately 31 mg, carries UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and is rated MSL Level 1 - allowing unlimited floor life and reflow up to 260 °C peak temperature without baking.

How does the temperature coefficient of TZMC43-GS18 affect its performance in varying ambient conditions?

The TZMC43-GS18 exhibits a positive temperature coefficient (TKVZ) ranging from +0.04 to +0.12 %/K, meaning its Zener voltage increases with rising junction temperature. At 43 V nominal, this translates to +17.2 to +51.6 mV/°C drift - a critical factor when designing temperature-insensitive references. Engineers must account for this in thermal error budgets, especially in unregulated environments exceeding 85 °C ambient.

Can TZMC43-GS18 be used in high-reliability applications such as industrial control modules?

Yes, TZMC43-GS18 is qualified for high-reliability use: it supports junction temperatures up to 175 °C, storage from –65 to +175 °C, and demonstrates very high long-term stability per Vishay's qualification testing. Its low noise, sharp reverse characteristic, and low IR (< 0.1 μA) make it suitable for mission-critical industrial control modules where reference integrity directly impacts system safety and accuracy - including PLC I/O conditioning and motor drive feedback paths.

What is the maximum power dissipation rating for TZMC43-GS18, and how does it vary with ambient temperature?

TZMC43-GS18 has a maximum power dissipation (Ptot) of 500 mW at Tamb = 25 °C. Above 25 °C, it derates linearly with a thermal resistance of RthJA = 500 K/W on a standard 50 mm × 50 mm × 1.6 mm PCB. For example, at 75 °C ambient, usable power drops to 250 mW. This derating curve is documented in Figure 1 of Vishay's TZM-Series datasheet (Doc. No. 84122), ensuring safe thermal design in enclosed enclosures or high-density layouts.