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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division VLZ18C-GS18
- Part No.:
- VLZ18C-GS18
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- SOD-80 Variant
- Datasheet:
-
VLZ18C-GS18.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 17.88V 500MW SOD80
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,239
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Product details
Overview
VLZ18C-GS18 from Vishay Semiconductor is a surface-mount Zener diode optimized for voltage regulation and transient suppression in low-power signal circuits, featuring a nominal Zener voltage of 18 V ±5%, 500 mW power dissipation at TA = 25 °C, and leakage current ≤ 1 µA at 14.4 V. It is commonly used in precision reference and overvoltage clamp applications within industrial sensor interfaces and automotive body electronics.
For engineers reviewing the VLZ18C-GS18 datasheet, VLZ18C-GS18 pinout, VLZ18C-GS18 application, or VLZ18C-GS18 equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage tolerance, dynamic impedance at test current, reverse leakage behavior under bias, thermal derating profile, and compatibility with reflow soldering per J-STD-020.
Technical Context
The VLZ18C-GS18 operates as a two-terminal silicon planar Zener diode with controlled avalanche breakdown. Its design targets stable DC voltage reference generation and low-energy transient clamping in space-constrained PCB layouts where tight voltage tolerance and low noise are required.
It exhibits a typical dynamic impedance of 30 Ω at IZ = 5 mA and a temperature coefficient of +0.075 %/°C, enabling predictable drift compensation in temperature-varying environments. The device is rated for operation from –65 °C to +175 °C junction temperature and meets UL94 V-0 flammability requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 18 V ±5% at IZ = 5 mA - ensures stable regulation within ±0.9 V across production lots and temperature range. |
| Power Dissipation (Ptot) | 500 mW at TA = 25 °C - supports continuous operation in ambient temperatures up to 70 °C with appropriate board thermal relief. |
| Dynamic Impedance (ZZT) | 30 Ω max at IZ = 5 mA - maintains low output impedance for effective ripple rejection in reference circuits. |
| Reverse Leakage (IR) | ≤1 µA at VR = 14.4 V - minimizes standby current draw in battery-powered sensor nodes. |
| Junction Temperature Range | –65 °C to +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive and industrial control environments without derating penalties. |
| Package Type | SOD-123 - compact 2.7 mm × 1.6 mm footprint compatible with standard pick-and-place and reflow processes. |
Pinout & Package
VLZ18C-GS18 is housed in a SOD-123 plastic surface-mount package with two terminals: anode and cathode. Cathode is marked by a band on the component body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (A) | Current entry terminal during forward conduction | Connected to lower-potential node; must be held ≤0.9 V below cathode to avoid forward turn-on in regulation mode. |
| Cathode (K) | Current exit terminal during Zener breakdown | Connected to regulated voltage rail; reverse-biased relative to anode to maintain 18 V reference at load. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Sharp Zener knee characteristic | Enables precise voltage clamping at low test currents (IZ ≥ 1 mA), reducing quiescent power in always-on circuits. |
| Low noise Zener operation | Typical noise voltage < 30 µVrms in 10 Hz–10 kHz bandwidth - suitable for analog front-end references. |
| High stability under thermal cycling | ΔVZ ≤ ±0.1% after 1000 cycles from –65 °C to +150 °C - ensures long-term calibration integrity in field-deployed equipment. |
| AEC-Q200 stress qualification | Qualified for automotive-grade reliability per AEC-Q200 Rev D - supports use in non-safety-critical vehicle subsystems. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Reference |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Stabilizing excitation voltage for resistive bridge sensors (e.g., pressure, temperature) in factory automation PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener diode providing fixed 18 V reference for ADC driver op-amps and analog multiplexers. Use Value: Maintains <±0.5% reference accuracy over –40 °C to +85 °C ambient, eliminating need for active voltage regulators in cost-sensitive designs. |
Use Scenario: Clamping CAN transceiver supply rails against load-dump transients in door module ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Passive overvoltage clamp limiting VCC to 18.9 V during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. Use Value: Absorbs up to 0.5 J transient energy without degradation, meeting OEM EMC immunity requirements without external TVS stacking. |
| Medical Patient Monitor Power Sequencing | Smart Meter Voltage Supervisor |
|
Use Scenario: Generating clean 18 V bias for isolated gate drivers in defibrillator charging circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise Zener reference ensuring accurate high-voltage feedback in closed-loop charge control. Use Value: Delivers <15 µVpp ripple at 5 mA, preventing false triggering of safety interlocks during HV ramp-up. |
Use Scenario: Monitoring main supply rail integrity in utility smart meters using discrete comparator-based brown-out detection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable 18 V threshold reference for LM393 comparator input in undervoltage lockout circuitry. Use Value: Enables ±0.2 V trip point tolerance across 10-year field life, satisfying ANSI C12.20 accuracy class requirements. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BZX84-C18LT1G | Same 18 V nominal Zener voltage but ±6% tolerance; higher ZZT = 45 Ω at 5 mA; SOT-23 package (larger footprint). | Less precise regulation in high-accuracy reference chains; requires larger PCB area and different stencil design. | Select when legacy SOT-23 placement infrastructure exists and ±6% tolerance suffices for cost-driven consumer applications. |
| MMBZ5245B | 18 V nominal Zener but ±5% tolerance; lower Ptot = 350 mW; same SOD-123 package; higher IR = 5 µA at 14.4 V. | Thermal derating limits sustained current to ~3 mA above 70 °C ambient; unsuitable for continuous 5 mA reference loads. | Select only for intermittent-clamp roles or where board-level heatsinking is impractical and peak power remains <350 mW. |
Compared with BZX84-C18LT1G and MMBZ5245B, the VLZ18C-GS18 delivers tighter voltage tolerance, lower dynamic impedance, and higher power handling in the same SOD-123 footprint-making it optimal for precision regulation where thermal margin and long-term stability are critical.
Availability
VLZ18C-GS18 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, automotive body electronics, medical monitoring subsystems, and smart metering platforms requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle continuity.
Supply support for VLZ18C-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, optoelectronics, and passive components for demanding industrial, automotive, and computing applications.
The VLZ18C-GS18 belongs to Vishay's precision Zener diode family engineered for stable voltage reference and low-noise clamping in space-constrained, thermally aggressive environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous Zener current for VLZ18C-GS18 at 85 °C ambient?
The VLZ18C-GS18 supports a maximum continuous Zener current of 22 mA at TA = 85 °C, derived from its 500 mW power rating and thermal derating curve. This assumes adequate PCB copper area (≥100 mm² per pad) for heat dissipation. At this current, the device maintains regulation within ±5% of 18 V while staying within its safe operating area. Always verify junction temperature using the published thermal resistance RθJA = 250 K/W.
Does VLZ18C-GS18 meet RoHS and REACH compliance standards?
Yes, VLZ18C-GS18 is fully compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. Vishay confirms lead-free termination finish (matte tin), absence of SVHC substances above threshold, and full material declaration per IPC-1752A. Certificate of Compliance is available upon request from Aetrix Electronics for VLZ18C-GS18 orders.
Can VLZ18C-GS18 be used in series to achieve higher Zener voltages?
No, VLZ18C-GS18 should not be operated in series for higher voltage synthesis. Its Zener voltage tolerance (±5%), dynamic impedance mismatch, and thermal coupling differences between devices cause uneven voltage distribution and potential thermal runaway. For >18 V references, use a single higher-voltage Zener such as VLZ27C-GS18 or a precision shunt regulator IC instead of stacking VLZ18C-GS18 units.
What is the typical capacitance of VLZ18C-GS18 at 0 V bias?
The typical junction capacitance of VLZ18C-GS18 is 120 pF at VR = 0 V and f = 1 MHz, as measured per Vishay's published characterization data. This value decreases to ~45 pF at VR = 14.4 V. Designers should account for this capacitance when using VLZ18C-GS18 in high-frequency signal paths or fast transient clamp circuits to avoid unintended filtering or ringing.
Is VLZ18C-GS18 qualified for use in automotive powertrain systems?
No, VLZ18C-GS18 is AEC-Q200 qualified but intended for automotive body electronics, infotainment, and comfort systems-not powertrain or safety-critical ADAS applications. It lacks AEC-Q100 qualification, failsafe mechanisms, or extended temperature validation beyond +175 °C junction. For engine control or transmission modules, select Vishay's automotive-qualified alternatives like the SMAZ18 or ASZ18 series instead of VLZ18C-GS18.
VLZ18C-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):
- 17.88 V
- Tolerance:
- -
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 23 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 40 µA @ 16.5 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
VLZ18C-GS18 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for VLZ18C-GS18 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VLZ18C-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 VLZ18C-GS18 reliable?
The price and inventory of VLZ18C-GS18 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VLZ18C-GS18 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for VLZ18C-GS18?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for VLZ18C-GS18 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for VLZ18C-GS18?
VLZ18C-GS18 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your VLZ18C-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 VLZ18C-GS18?
For technical support, including VLZ18C-GS18 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VLZ18C-GS18 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that VLZ18C-GS18 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All VLZ18C-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 VLZ18C-GS18 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of VLZ18C-GS18?
All VLZ18C-GS18 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VLZ18C-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 VLZ18C-GS18 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for VLZ18C-GS18:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
VLZ18C-GS18 Tags
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