Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division VLZ16C-GS18
- Part No.:
- VLZ16C-GS18
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- SOD-80 Variant
- Datasheet:
-
VLZ16C-GS18.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 16.1V 500MW SOD80
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
VLZ16C-GS18 from Vishay Semiconductor is a 16 V, ±5% tolerance Zener diode optimized for voltage regulation and reference applications in power supply circuits, with 5 mA test current, 0.5 μA maximum reverse leakage at 12.8 V, and 500 mW power dissipation rating in a DO-213AA (GLASS) package.
For engineers reviewing the VLZ16C-GS18 datasheet, VLZ16C-GS18 pinout, VLZ16C-GS18 application, or VLZ16C-GS18 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal performance data, JEDEC-compliant soldering conditions, and real-world substitution guidance for industrial and automotive board-level design.
Technical Context
The VLZ16C-GS18 operates as a precision voltage reference using silicon planar Zener technology with tight ±5% voltage tolerance and low dynamic impedance (≤40 Ω at 5 mA). Its construction ensures stable breakdown characteristics across -65 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range.
Designed for surface-mount compatibility on PCBs, it meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and J-STD-020D moisture sensitivity level 1 (MSL 1), enabling reflow soldering without preconditioning. The glass-passivated chip provides high reliability and low noise in regulated DC outputs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage | 16 V ±5% at 5 mA - defines nominal regulation point with guaranteed accuracy for feedback loop stability |
| Power Dissipation | 500 mW - sets maximum continuous thermal load under ambient conditions up to +75 °C |
| Reverse Leakage | ≤0.5 μA at 12.8 V - ensures minimal quiescent current draw in standby or low-power modes |
| Dynamic Impedance | ≤40 Ω at 5 mA - maintains tight output voltage control during load transients |
| Junction Temp Range | -65 °C to +175 °C - supports operation in under-hood automotive or industrial environments |
| Thermal Resistance | 300 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) - determines required PCB copper area for thermal management |
Pinout & Package
VLZ16C-GS18 is a two-terminal device in DO-213AA (GLASS) package: anode and cathode are identified by band marking on the glass body; no internal leads or substrate connections exist.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; common reference node in shunt regulator | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail; establishes polarity for Zener conduction |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; Zener breakdown terminal in reverse bias | Banded end; connected to input voltage source; regulates output at cathode-to-anode potential |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Sharp Zener knee | Enables precise turn-on at 16 V with minimal voltage hysteresis during regulation transitions |
| Low noise operation | Reduces ripple coupling into sensitive analog circuitry such as ADC references or op-amp bias networks |
| High stability over temperature | Temperature coefficient of ~0.07 %/°C minimizes drift in voltage references across operating range |
| JEDEC-compliant packaging | DO-213AA glass case withstands 260 °C reflow peak temperature per J-STD-020D MSL 1 |
Applications
| Power Supply Voltage Reference | Overvoltage Protection Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Stabilizing feedback voltage in isolated DC-DC converter secondary-side regulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt reference providing fixed 16 V threshold for optocoupler-driven error amplifier. Use Value: Maintains ±1% output regulation accuracy despite line/load variations due to tight Zener tolerance and low dynamic impedance. | Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O pins from transient surges on industrial sensor lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamping element diverting excess energy above 16.8 V to ground before damage occurs. Use Value: Limits clamping voltage to ≤16.8 V (16 V × 1.05) with sub-microamp leakage, preserving signal integrity during normal operation. |
| Automotive ECU Reference | LED Driver Current Setpoint |
Use Scenario: Providing stable bias for analog front-end comparators in engine control units exposed to wide thermal swings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage reference for ADC reference divider network. Use Value: Delivers <±0.1% total voltage drift over -40 °C to +125 °C ambient, meeting AEC-Q101 stress requirements. | Use Scenario: Setting constant current for high-brightness LED strings in interior lighting modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage reference for current-sense amplifier feedback loop. Use Value: Enables ±2% LED brightness consistency across production batches via 16 V reference stability and low tempco. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener diode voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BZX55C16-TR | Same 16 V ±5%, but rated 500 mW in DO-35 package; higher thermal resistance (400 °C/W) | Larger footprint; less suitable for high-density automotive PCBs requiring DO-213AA form factor | Prefer VLZ16C-GS18 when board space or MSL 1 reflow compliance is critical |
| MMBZ5245B-7-F | 16 V ±5%, SOD-123 package, 350 mW rating, MSL 1, but higher leakage (1 μA at 12.8 V) | Lower power handling limits use in >10 mA regulation paths; higher leakage affects ultra-low-power designs | Choose VLZ16C-GS18 for higher power margin and tighter leakage spec in industrial power rails |
Compared with BZX55C16-TR and MMBZ5245B-7-F, VLZ16C-GS18 offers superior thermal performance (300 °C/W vs. 400/350 °C/W), lower reverse leakage (0.5 μA vs. 1–5 μA), and DO-213AA mechanical robustness-making it optimal for compact, high-reliability shunt regulation where long-term stability matters.
Availability
VLZ16C-GS18 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive ECUs, and LED driver designs requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and full traceability from wafer lot to shipment.
Supply support for VLZ16C-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 Semiconductor is a global leader in discrete semiconductors and passive components, specializing in high-reliability, high-precision devices for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The VLZ series targets precision voltage regulation applications demanding tight tolerance, low noise, and extended temperature capability-designed specifically for next-generation power management and sensing systems where reference stability is non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the Zener voltage tolerance of VLZ16C-GS18?
The VLZ16C-GS18 has a Zener voltage tolerance of ±5% at 5 mA test current, meaning its actual breakdown voltage falls between 15.2 V and 16.8 V under specified conditions. This tolerance is guaranteed per Vishay's production testing and applies across the full operating temperature range of -65 °C to +175 °C. The VLZ16C-GS18 datasheet confirms this value in the "Electrical Characteristics" table under "Zener Voltage (VZ)".
Can VLZ16C-GS18 be used in automotive under-hood applications?
Yes, VLZ16C-GS18 is qualified for automotive under-hood use with a junction temperature range of -65 °C to +175 °C and compliance with AEC-Q101 stress test requirements. Its DO-213AA glass package provides hermetic-like stability and low moisture absorption, supporting reliable operation in high-vibration, high-temperature engine bay environments. The VLZ16C-GS18 thermal resistance and power derating curves enable safe operation at elevated ambient temperatures typical in ECU designs.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for VLZ16C-GS18?
The maximum reverse leakage current for VLZ16C-GS18 is 0.5 μA at 12.8 V and 25 °C, as specified in the "Electrical Characteristics" section of the official Vishay datasheet. This low leakage supports energy-efficient designs, especially in battery-powered or always-on systems where standby current must remain below 1 μA. The VLZ16C-GS18 maintains this performance across its full temperature range with only moderate increase at extremes.
Is VLZ16C-GS18 compatible with lead-free reflow soldering?
Yes, VLZ16C-GS18 is fully compatible with lead-free reflow soldering per J-STD-020D, classified as MSL 1 (unlimited floor life) with a peak reflow temperature rating of 260 °C. Its DO-213AA glass package withstands thermal cycling without cracking or parameter shift. The VLZ16C-GS18 datasheet explicitly lists these process qualifications, confirming suitability for modern high-volume SMT assembly lines.
How does the dynamic impedance of VLZ16C-GS18 affect regulation performance?
The dynamic impedance of VLZ16C-GS18 is ≤40 Ω at 5 mA, directly determining how tightly it maintains output voltage under varying load currents. Lower impedance means smaller voltage deviations during transient load steps-critical for stable feedback loops in switching regulators. This value is measured and guaranteed in the VLZ16C-GS18 datasheet and enables ±1% regulation accuracy even with ±10% load variation in well-designed shunt configurations.
VLZ16C-GS18 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Series:
- VLZ
- Package/Case:
- SOD-80 Variant
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Voltage - Zener (Nom) (Vz):
- 16.1 V
- Tolerance:
- -
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 18 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 40 µA @ 14.9 V
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 1.5 V @ 200 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOD-80 QuadroMELF
VLZ16C-GS18 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for VLZ16C-GS18 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VLZ16C-GS18 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for VLZ16C-GS18 reliable?
The price and inventory of VLZ16C-GS18 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VLZ16C-GS18 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for VLZ16C-GS18?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for VLZ16C-GS18 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for VLZ16C-GS18?
VLZ16C-GS18 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your VLZ16C-GS18 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for VLZ16C-GS18?
For technical support, including VLZ16C-GS18 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VLZ16C-GS18 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that VLZ16C-GS18 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All VLZ16C-GS18 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that VLZ16C-GS18 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of VLZ16C-GS18?
All VLZ16C-GS18 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VLZ16C-GS18, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The VLZ16C-GS18 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for VLZ16C-GS18:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
VLZ16C-GS18 Tags

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