Diodes Incorporated ZRA250N801TA

Overview

ZRA250N801TA from Diodes Incorporated is a precision 2.5 V micropower bandgap voltage reference IC in SO8 package, rated for ±1% initial tolerance, 30 ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient, and stable operation from 50 µA to 5 mA. It requires no external capacitor, supports capacitive loads, and achieves stable output in <10 µs-ideal for battery-powered instrumentation and portable data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the ZRA250N801TA datasheet, ZRA250N801TA pinout, ZRA250N801TA application, or ZRA250N801TA equivalent, key selection criteria include low quiescent current (50 µA min), slope resistance (0.4 Ω typ), wide operating current range (up to 25 mA absolute max), transient response (<10 µs), and SO8 thermal performance (625 mW at 25°C).

Technical Context

The ZRA250N801TA implements a two-terminal shunt voltage reference topology using a curvature-compensated bandgap core, delivering 2.5 V reverse breakdown with inherent stability across load and temperature. Its design eliminates need for external stabilization capacitance while maintaining regulation under capacitive loads up to 1 µF.

It operates as a precision current-sink device: reference voltage is developed across an internal resistor when reverse-biased by an external current source. Slope resistance (0.4 Ω typ) and dynamic impedance (0.3–0.8 Ω) directly define load regulation error and AC rejection performance in feedback loops.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SO8 package (suffix "N8"), 8-pin small outline integrated circuit with standard dual-in-line footprint. Pin 1 is marked; pins 1–4 and 5–8 form two isolated terminal pairs for reverse-bias connection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.

Compared with TLVH431AIDBZR and REF3025AIDBZR, the ZRA250N801TA offers lowest component count (no resistors), smallest PCB footprint (SO8 vs SOT23 for TLVH431), and best trade-off between cost, stability, and ultra-low current capability-making it optimal for space- and power-constrained shunt reference implementations.

Availability

ZRA250N801TA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered portable meters, precision data acquisition front-ends, portable medical sensors, and calibrated test equipment requiring stable component supply with guaranteed SO8 packaging and ±1% tolerance.

Supply support for ZRA250N801TA 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 semiconductor company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal devices for power management, signal integrity, and protection applications.

The ZRA250 series belongs to Diodes' precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for low-power, high-stability shunt reference use in portable instrumentation, industrial sensing, and energy-efficient measurement systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating current for stable regulation?

The ZRA250N801TA requires a minimum reverse current of 50 µA to maintain regulation within specification. Below this level, output voltage deviates nonlinearly and temperature coefficient degrades. Operation at 25 µA is possible per absolute maximum ratings but violates recommended conditions and risks instability during temperature transients.

Can it drive a 100 nF capacitive load without oscillation?

Yes-the ZRA250N801TA is explicitly characterized as stable with capacitive loads up to 1 µF without external compensation. At 100 nF, phase margin remains sufficient across −40°C to +85°C, verified by transient response waveforms showing monotonic settling in <10 µs with no ringing or overshoot.

Is the SO8 package thermally enhanced compared to SOT23?

Yes-the SO8 package provides 625 mW power dissipation at 25°C ambient, versus 330 mW for the SOT23 variant. This 89% increase in thermal capacity enables sustained operation at higher currents (e.g., 5 mA at elevated ambient temperatures) without exceeding junction temperature limits, improving reliability in enclosed or high-density layouts.

Does the ±1% tolerance apply across temperature and time?

No-the ±1% initial tolerance is specified at 25°C and t = 0. Total error over temperature includes TC-induced drift (≤0.225 mV over −40°C to +85°C) and long-term drift (typical 20 ppm/√kHr). Full-system error budget must combine initial tolerance, tempco, and aging to ensure end-of-life specification compliance.