Diodes Incorporated ZMZ20

Overview

ZMZ20 from Diodes Incorporated is an obsolete magneto-resistive magnetic field sensor in a 4-pin E-Line package, employing thin-film Permalloy Wheatstone bridge architecture to detect the Hy magnetic field component with ±3 kA/m sensitivity range and requiring auxiliary Hx bias (3 kA/m) to suppress hysteresis; used in automotive door switches, fluid metering impeller sensing, and traffic vehicle-type detection.

For engineers reviewing the ZMZ20 datasheet, ZMZ20 pinout, ZMZ20 application, or ZMZ20 equivalent, key selection considerations include its directional field sensitivity (Hy only), mandatory perpendicular Hx bias field, zero response to vertical fields, and AEC-Q100-qualified manufacturing capability despite product discontinuation status.

Technical Context

The ZMZ20 implements a planar Permalloy Wheatstone bridge structure where output voltage varies linearly with the in-plane magnetic field component Hy, while hysteresis suppression requires precise orthogonal Hx bias (3 kA/m) applied via external permanent magnet. Its operation is inherently directional and insensitive to magnetic fields perpendicular to the chip surface.

No internal signal conditioning or amplification is integrated; the device delivers raw bridge differential voltage output requiring external instrumentation amplification and Hx field alignment. It functions strictly as a passive scalar field transducer-not a switch, digital sensor, or current sensor-despite current-sensing applications enabled via external conductor field coupling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The ZMZ20 is housed in a 4-pin E-Line package with gull-wing leads, pin 1 identified by dot marking, and thermal pad exposed on underside per Diodes package outline AP02001.

Key Features

Applications

Availability

ZMZ20 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive door sensing, fluid metering, traffic monitoring, and industrial linear position feedback requiring stable component supply despite its obsolete status.

Supply support for ZMZ20 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design and manufacturing operations across Asia and the Americas.

The ZMZ20 belongs to Diodes' magnetic sensor product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability analog field measurement in automotive and industrial environments where directional sensitivity and hysteresis control are critical.

FAQ

Is the ZMZ20 still in active production?

No, the ZMZ20 is officially discontinued and marked obsolete by Diodes Incorporated as of November 2019. No alternate part is offered by the manufacturer. Aetrix Electronics maintains limited legacy stock with full traceability and supports end-of-life procurement planning for existing designs.

What is the required Hx bias field strength and how is it applied?

The ZMZ20 requires a precisely oriented 3 kA/m magnetic field applied perpendicular to the chip surface (Hx direction) to suppress hysteresis. This is achieved using a small external permanent magnet mounted adjacent to the package, not via on-chip circuitry or electrical means.

Can the ZMZ20 measure current directly?

No, the ZMZ20 does not measure current directly. It senses magnetic fields only. Current measurement requires placing the sensor near a current-carrying conductor to detect the resulting Hy field, with calibration dependent on conductor geometry and distance-no integrated current-sense functionality exists.

Does the ZMZ20 have built-in signal conditioning or amplification?

No, the ZMZ20 provides only raw differential Wheatstone bridge output. External instrumentation amplification, filtering, and ADC conversion are required. It contains no internal op-amps, regulators, or digital logic-functioning purely as a passive magneto-resistive transducer.