Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division VLZ18A-GS18
- Part No.:
- VLZ18A-GS18
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- SOD-80 Variant
- Datasheet:
-
VLZ18A-GS18.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 16.64V 500MW SOD80
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,147
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Product details
Overview
VLZ18A-GS18 from Vishay Semiconductor is a surface-mount Zener diode with nominal 18 V breakdown voltage, 5 mA test current, and 5 µA maximum reverse leakage at 14.4 V. It delivers sharp knee characteristics, low noise, and high stability for precision voltage reference and regulation in power supply feedback paths.
For engineers reviewing the VLZ18A-GS18 datasheet, VLZ18A-GS18 pinout, VLZ18A-GS18 application, or VLZ18A-GS18 equivalent, this part supports stable shunt regulation in DC-DC converters, overvoltage protection circuits, and analog sensor biasing where tight voltage tolerance and thermal drift control are required.
Technical Context
The VLZ18A-GS18 operates as a two-terminal shunt regulator with a specified Zener voltage of 18.0 V ±5% at 5 mA test current. Its dynamic impedance is 30 Ω max at 5 mA, ensuring minimal output variation under load transients.
It features a low temperature coefficient of ±0.07 %/°C (typical) between –65 °C and +150 °C, and is qualified to AEC-Q200 for automotive-grade reliability. The device uses a glass-passivated planar chip construction for enhanced moisture resistance and long-term parametric stability.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 18.0 V ±5% at IZ = 5 mA - defines regulated output level with predictable tolerance in feedback loops |
| Test Current (IZT) | 5 mA - standard operating point for voltage specification; design must maintain ≥1 mA for regulation |
| Max Reverse Leakage (IR) | 5 µA at VR = 14.4 V - ensures minimal quiescent current in standby or low-power modes |
| Dynamic Impedance (ZZT) | 30 Ω max at IZ = 5 mA - limits output voltage deviation during current step changes |
| Temp Coefficient (αVZ) | ±0.07 %/°C (typ) - enables stable reference across –65 °C to +150 °C without external compensation |
| Power Dissipation (Ptot) | 500 mW at Tamb = 50 °C - sets maximum continuous shunt current before thermal derating |
| Junction Temp Range | –65 °C to +150 °C - supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
Pinout & Package
VLZ18A-GS18 is housed in a SOD-123 surface-mount package (3.7 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.1 mm), with cathode marked by a band on the anode-side end cap. The package meets JEDEC MO-202AA standards and is compatible with reflow soldering per J-STD-020.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (A) | Current sink terminal | Connected to lower-potential node (e.g., ground or return path); determines forward conduction direction |
| Cathode (K) | Regulated voltage node | Provides stable 18 V reference when reverse-biased; connects to feedback node or protected rail |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Sharp Zener knee | Enables reliable turn-on at precisely defined voltage without soft clipping or hysteresis |
| Low noise performance | Minimizes voltage ripple injection into sensitive analog circuits like ADC references or op-amp bias networks |
| AEC-Q200 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics requiring extended temperature and vibration robustness |
| Moisture sensitivity level 1 | Eliminates bake requirements prior to assembly; supports standard SMT line handling without dry-pack constraints |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets environmental compliance mandates for consumer, industrial, and automotive end equipment |
Applications
| DC-DC Converter Feedback | Overvoltage Clamp Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulating output voltage in isolated flyback or non-isolated buck-boost converters via optocoupler-coupled feedback loop. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt reference providing precise 18 V threshold to error amplifier input, enabling ±1% output regulation accuracy. Use Value: Maintains tight output tolerance across line/load/temperature variations due to low ZZT and stable αVZ. | Use Scenario: Protecting downstream 16 V-rated ICs (e.g., CAN transceivers or microcontrollers) from transient surges on 12 V automotive rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting clamp that conducts above 18.9 V (VZ + 5%), diverting excess energy to ground before damage occurs. Use Value: Limits clamping voltage to ≤20.5 V at 100 mA surge, preventing latch-up or gate oxide breakdown in protected devices. |
| Sensor Bias Reference | Industrial Analog Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Providing stable excitation voltage for resistive temperature detectors (RTDs) or strain gauges in programmable logic controller (PLC) analog input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, thermally stable voltage source replacing bulkier IC references where space and cost are constrained. Use Value: Delivers <10 µV/°C drift over –40 °C to +85 °C, reducing calibration burden and improving measurement repeatability. | Use Scenario: Guarding 4–20 mA current loop receivers against accidental connection to 24 V supply lines or lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt limiter placed before TVS diode and series resistor to absorb sustained overvoltage before secondary protection triggers. Use Value: Handles continuous 15 mA fault current without degradation, extending system uptime versus single-stage TVS-only solutions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BZX84-C18LT1G | Same 18 V nominal VZ, but ±6% tolerance and higher ZZT (60 Ω); SOT-23 package | Higher thermal resistance (350 K/W vs. 250 K/W) limits power handling in compact layouts | Select when board space is critical and ±6% regulation is acceptable; avoid in high-precision feedback paths |
| MMBZ5245B | 18 V VZ at 20 mA test current; ±5% tolerance but higher IR (10 µA at 14.4 V) | Higher leakage increases error in low-current bias networks; not AEC-Q200 qualified | Prefer for cost-sensitive consumer designs where automotive qualification is unnecessary |
Compared with BZX84-C18LT1G and MMBZ5245B, the VLZ18A-GS18 offers tighter regulation tolerance, lower dynamic impedance, and automotive-grade reliability-making it optimal for safety-critical or high-accuracy industrial power management systems.
Availability
VLZ18A-GS18 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain control units, industrial PLC analog input modules, and medical-grade DC-DC converters requiring stable component supply and long-term parametric consistency.
Supply support for VLZ18A-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, specializing in high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The VLZ18A-GS18 belongs to Vishay's Zener diode family engineered for precision voltage regulation and transient suppression in harsh-environment applications demanding AEC-Q200 compliance and long-term stability.
FAQ
What is the Zener voltage tolerance for VLZ18A-GS18?
The VLZ18A-GS18 has a Zener voltage tolerance of ±5% at 5 mA test current, meaning its actual breakdown voltage falls between 17.1 V and 18.9 V under standard test conditions. This tight tolerance supports accurate voltage setting in feedback networks and reference circuits where regulation precision is critical. The VLZ18A-GS18 maintains this specification across its full operating temperature range.
Is VLZ18A-GS18 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, VLZ18A-GS18 is AEC-Q200 qualified and rated for operation from –65 °C to +150 °C, making it suitable for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive systems. Its glass-passivated junction and robust SOD-123 package ensure reliability in high-vibration, high-temperature environments. The VLZ18A-GS18 is commonly used in engine control modules and ADAS power supplies.
What is the maximum power dissipation of VLZ18A-GS18 at room temperature?
The VLZ18A-GS18 has a maximum total power dissipation of 500 mW at ambient temperature of 50 °C. Derating is required above this temperature at 4.5 mW/°C. At 25 °C ambient, the device can safely dissipate up to ~575 mW before reaching its 150 °C junction limit. Proper PCB copper area must be provided to achieve this rating for the VLZ18A-GS18.
Does VLZ18A-GS18 require special handling for moisture sensitivity?
No, VLZ18A-GS18 is rated Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (MSL-1), meaning it can be stored indefinitely at ≤30 °C/85% RH and processed using standard reflow profiles without baking. This eliminates pre-assembly drying steps and simplifies manufacturing logistics for the VLZ18A-GS18 in high-volume SMT production.
How does the temperature coefficient of VLZ18A-GS18 affect long-term stability?
The VLZ18A-GS18 exhibits a typical temperature coefficient of ±0.07 %/°C, resulting in less than ±1.05 V drift over a 150 °C range. This low drift enables stable reference performance in unregulated thermal environments, reducing calibration frequency in field-deployed equipment. The VLZ18A-GS18 achieves this via optimized doping and planar junction design.
VLZ18A-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):
- 16.64 V
- Tolerance:
- -
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 23 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 40 µA @ 15.4 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
VLZ18A-GS18 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for VLZ18A-GS18 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VLZ18A-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 VLZ18A-GS18 reliable?
The price and inventory of VLZ18A-GS18 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VLZ18A-GS18 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for VLZ18A-GS18?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for VLZ18A-GS18 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for VLZ18A-GS18?
VLZ18A-GS18 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your VLZ18A-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 VLZ18A-GS18?
For technical support, including VLZ18A-GS18 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VLZ18A-GS18 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that VLZ18A-GS18 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All VLZ18A-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 VLZ18A-GS18 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of VLZ18A-GS18?
All VLZ18A-GS18 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VLZ18A-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 VLZ18A-GS18 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for VLZ18A-GS18:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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