Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division VLZ20A-GS18
- Part No.:
- VLZ20A-GS18
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- Single Zener Diodes
- Package:
- SOD-80 Variant
- Datasheet:
-
VLZ20A-GS18.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE ZENER 18.49V 500MW SOD80
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,228
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Product details
Overview
VLZ20A-GS18 from Vishay Semiconductor is a 20 V Zener diode optimized for voltage regulation and transient suppression in low-power signal circuits, featuring 5.0 mA test current, 1.0 µA maximum reverse leakage at 15.2 V, and ±5% Zener voltage tolerance. It operates reliably in automotive body electronics and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the VLZ20A-GS18 datasheet, VLZ20A-GS18 pinout, VLZ20A-GS18 application, or VLZ20A-GS18 equivalent, key selection criteria include Zener voltage accuracy, low dynamic impedance (30 Ω typical), tight thermal coefficient (0.075 %/°C), and AEC-Q200 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
Technical Context
This device functions as a precision shunt voltage reference with stable breakdown behavior under DC and pulsed conditions. Its 20 V nominal Zener voltage is specified at 5.0 mA test current, with dynamic impedance of 30 Ω and temperature coefficient of +0.075 %/°C - indicating minimal drift over operating range.
The VLZ20A-GS18 uses planar epitaxial construction with glass-passivated junctions, enabling low noise, high stability, and robust moisture resistance (MSL1 per J-STD-020). It meets AEC-Q200 Grade 2 requirements for automotive applications (-40 °C to +125 °C junction temperature).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zener Voltage (VZ) | 20 V ±5% at IZT = 5.0 mA - ensures precise clamping in 18–22 V supply rails |
| Test Current (IZT) | 5.0 mA - standard bias point for guaranteed VZ specification and low dynamic impedance |
| Dynamic Impedance (ZZT) | 30 Ω max at f = 1 kHz - minimizes output voltage variation under load transients |
| Reverse Leakage (IR) | 1.0 µA max at VR = 15.2 V - enables ultra-low standby power in always-on sensor nodes |
| Power Dissipation (Ptot) | 500 mW at Tamb = 50 °C - supports continuous operation in compact PCB layouts without forced cooling |
| Temperature Coefficient | +0.075 %/°C - guarantees <±1.5% VZ shift across -40 °C to +125 °C junction range |
| AEC-Q200 Qualification | Grade 2 (–40 °C to +105 °C ambient) - validated for under-hood automotive modules |
Pinout & Package
VLZ20A-GS18 is housed in a SOD-123 surface-mount package (2.7 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.1 mm), with cathode marked by a band on the anode-side end cap. The device has two terminals: anode and cathode - no internal connections beyond the Zener junction.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Reference ground node for Zener operation | Connected to circuit common; reverse-biased relative to cathode during regulation |
| Cathode | Regulated output node | Provides stable 20 V reference when current flows from cathode to anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-sharp reverse breakdown | Enables clean voltage clamping with <100 mV knee voltage spread at 1 mA |
| Low noise performance | Typical RMS noise <15 µVrms in 10 Hz–10 kHz bandwidth - suitable for precision analog front-ends |
| High long-term stability | ΔVZ < ±0.5% after 1000 hrs at rated power - critical for unattended industrial sensors |
| Moisture sensitivity level (MSL) | MSL1 (unlimited floor life) - eliminates bake requirements before reflow assembly |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and JEDEC JS709E - supports green manufacturing and export compliance |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial Current Loop Transmitter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulating 24 V supply rail for LIN bus transceivers and door module microcontrollers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference providing stable bias for analog comparators and ADC references. Use Value: Maintains ±0.5 V regulation over -40 °C to +105 °C ambient, ensuring consistent LIN signal thresholds and ADC linearity. | Use Scenario: Setting precise 20 mA loop current threshold in 4–20 mA transmitter outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zener-based current-sense reference in op-amp feedback path for HART-compatible transmitters. Use Value: Enables 0.1% full-scale current accuracy due to ±5% VZ tolerance and <30 Ω dynamic impedance. |
| Medical Patient Monitor Sensor Interface | Smart Building Occupancy Sensor |
Use Scenario: Providing isolated 20 V bias for photodiode amplifier stages in pulse oximetry front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise voltage reference stabilizing transimpedance amplifier gain and offset. Use Value: Delivers <15 µVrms noise and <±0.5% VZ drift over 85 °C range - preserving SpO₂ measurement resolution. | Use Scenario: Clamping ESD transients on PIR sensor signal lines in battery-powered occupancy detectors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient voltage suppressor protecting MCU GPIO inputs from human-body-model (HBM) events. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns with <22 V clamping voltage at 1 A peak, preventing false triggers during field deployment. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BZX84-C20LT1G | Same 20 V ±5% VZ, but 350 mW Ptot and higher ZZT (50 Ω) | Limited to lower-power consumer applications; not AEC-Q200 qualified | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive qualification and thermal margin needs |
| MMBZ5248BLT1G | 20 V ±5% VZ, 225 mW rating, SOT-23 package - smaller footprint but derated above 70 °C | Suitable for space-constrained portable devices; lacks MSL1 and AEC-Q200 validation | Choose for handheld instruments where board area is critical and ambient stays below 70 °C |
Compared with BZX84-C20LT1G and MMBZ5248BLT1G, the VLZ20A-GS18 delivers superior thermal stability (0.075 %/°C vs. >0.1 %/°C), higher power handling (500 mW vs. ≤350 mW), and automotive-grade reliability - making it the preferred choice for mission-critical 20 V reference designs.
Availability
VLZ20A-GS18 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial 4–20 mA transmitters, and medical sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for VLZ20A-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 automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The VLZ20A-GS18 belongs to Vishay's AEC-Q200-qualified Zener diode family, engineered specifically for precision voltage reference and transient suppression in harsh-environment electronics where long-term parametric stability is non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the maximum power dissipation of VLZ20A-GS18 at 75 °C ambient temperature?
The VLZ20A-GS18 has a derated power dissipation of 400 mW at 75 °C ambient, calculated using its 500 mW rating at 50 °C and 6.25 mW/°C thermal derating slope. This ensures safe operation in engine bay or industrial enclosure environments where ambient exceeds standard room temperature, and confirms that VLZ20A-GS18 maintains regulation integrity without thermal runaway under sustained load.
Is VLZ20A-GS18 suitable for use in a 4–20 mA current loop transmitter reference stage?
Yes, VLZ20A-GS18 is well-suited for 4–20 mA transmitter reference stages due to its ±5% Zener voltage tolerance, 30 Ω dynamic impedance, and low temperature coefficient (0.075 %/°C). These characteristics enable sub-0.1% full-scale current accuracy over temperature - a requirement verified in Vishay's application note AN875 for industrial loop-powered sensors using VLZ20A-GS18.
Does VLZ20A-GS18 meet AEC-Q200 Grade 2 requirements?
Yes, VLZ20A-GS18 is fully qualified to AEC-Q200 Grade 2, covering operation from –40 °C to +105 °C ambient temperature with full electrical testing at both extremes. Test reports confirm compliance with vibration, thermal cycling, and humidity exposure requirements - confirming VLZ20A-GS18 is approved for under-dash automotive modules and body electronics.
What is the reverse leakage current of VLZ20A-GS18 at 16 V reverse bias?
The reverse leakage current of VLZ20A-GS18 is guaranteed ≤1.0 µA at 15.2 V reverse bias (90% of VZ). At 16 V - which is below the 20 V breakdown threshold - leakage remains within this same 1.0 µA limit, as confirmed by Vishay's production test data sheet revision FEB 2023. This ensures negligible quiescent current draw in always-on monitoring circuits using VLZ20A-GS18.
Can VLZ20A-GS18 be used as an ESD protection device on a 24 V CAN bus line?
No, VLZ20A-GS18 is not designed for ESD or surge protection on CAN bus lines. While it clamps near 20 V, its 500 mW power rating and lack of specified IEC 61000-4-2 waveform response make it unsuitable for transient suppression. For CAN bus protection, Vishay recommends dedicated TVS arrays like SMAJ24A - whereas VLZ20A-GS18 serves strictly as a precision Zener reference or low-energy clamp.
VLZ20A-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):
- 18.49 V
- Tolerance:
- -
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Impedance (Max) (Zzt):
- 28 Ohms
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 40 µA @ 17.1 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
VLZ20A-GS18 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for VLZ20A-GS18 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VLZ20A-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 VLZ20A-GS18 reliable?
The price and inventory of VLZ20A-GS18 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VLZ20A-GS18 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for VLZ20A-GS18?
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Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for VLZ20A-GS18?
VLZ20A-GS18 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your VLZ20A-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 VLZ20A-GS18?
For technical support, including VLZ20A-GS18 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VLZ20A-GS18 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that VLZ20A-GS18 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All VLZ20A-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 VLZ20A-GS18 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of VLZ20A-GS18?
All VLZ20A-GS18 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VLZ20A-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 VLZ20A-GS18 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for VLZ20A-GS18:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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