Diodes Incorporated ZRC250A01
- Part No.:
- ZRC250A01
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- E-Line-3
- Datasheet:
-
ZRC250A01.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 1% E-LINE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,712
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
ZRC250A01 from Diodes Incorporated is a precision 2.5 V micropower voltage reference IC using bandgap architecture, with ±1% initial tolerance, 30 ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient, and stable operation from 20 µA to 5 mA supply current. It requires no external capacitor, achieves <10 µs transient settling, and is rated for industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), commonly used in battery-powered instrumentation and portable test equipment.
For engineers reviewing the ZRC250A01 datasheet, ZRC250A01 pinout, ZRC250A01 application, or ZRC250A01 equivalent, key selection criteria include knee current (15 µA typ), slope resistance (0.4 Ω typ), reverse dynamic impedance (0.3 Ω at 1 mA), wideband noise (60 µVrms), and stability under capacitive loads without compensation.
Technical Context
The ZRC250A01 operates as a two-terminal shunt voltage reference, sinking current to maintain a precise 2.5 V across its terminals. Its bandgap core delivers low drift and high PSRR, with slope resistance of 0.4 Ω enabling tight regulation under varying load currents from 15 µA to 25 mA.
It exhibits fast transient response (<10 µs stabilization after step load), operates without external capacitance, and maintains stability with capacitive loads up to 1 µF - critical for low-power sensor front-ends and ADC reference rails where board space and component count are constrained.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 2.500 V ±1% (tight initial accuracy enables direct use in 12-bit ADC references without trimming) |
| Tempco (TC) | 30 ppm/°C typical (low drift supports stable measurements over −40°C to +85°C industrial range) |
| Knee Current | 15 µA typical (enables reliable start-up and regulation in ultra-low-power wake-up circuits) |
| Slope Resistance | 0.4 Ω typical (minimizes output voltage shift under load current changes up to 5 mA) |
| Transient Settling | <10 µs (supports fast-sampling systems requiring rapid reference stabilization after power-on or mode switch) |
| Wideband Noise | 60 µVrms (10 Hz–10 kHz; suitable for precision analog signal chains without added filtering) |
| Max Operating Current | 25 mA absolute maximum (robustness against surge events in battery-backed systems) |
Pinout & Package
E-Line (TO-92 style) 3-pin package with pin 3 floating or connected to pin 1 per datasheet; mechanical outline matches standard TO-92 but optimized for surface-mount compatibility.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Pin 1) | Current sink input | Connects to regulated rail; device sinks current to clamp voltage at 2.5 V |
| Cathode (Pin 2) | Reference output / ground reference | Provides stable 2.5 V node; must be tied to system ground or low-impedance return path |
| Pin 3 | NC or tied to Pin 1 | Unused terminal; datasheet permits connection to Pin 1 to reduce thermal resistance or improve layout symmetry |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external capacitor required | Enables single-component reference design in space-constrained PCB layouts (e.g., wearable sensor nodes) |
| Low knee current (15 µA typ) | Allows operation in always-on monitoring circuits powered by coin cells or energy harvesters |
| Stable with capacitive loads | Supports direct connection to ADC input caps or op-amp feedback networks without oscillation risk |
| 30 ppm/°C tempco | Meets accuracy requirements for Class I portable multimeters and handheld calibration tools |
| 0.4 Ω slope resistance | Reduces output error to <2 mV when load current varies between 100 µA and 3 mA |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Multimeters | Portable Data Loggers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld digital multimeter operating from two AA cells with auto-ranging ADC and LCD display. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference providing stable 2.5 V reference for 16-bit sigma-delta ADC conversion. Use Value: ±1% tolerance and 30 ppm/°C drift ensure measurement accuracy remains within 0.1% full-scale over temperature without calibration. | Use Scenario: Solar-powered environmental sensor node logging temperature/humidity every 5 minutes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision reference for low-power SAR ADC sampling analog sensor outputs. Use Value: 15 µA knee current allows continuous reference biasing during sleep mode, reducing wake-up latency and improving timestamp accuracy. |
| Industrial Panel Meters | Medical Vital Sign Monitors |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted 4–20 mA loop-powered process indicator with local display. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference source for isolated 24-bit delta-sigma ADC measuring loop current via shunt resistor. Use Value: 0.4 Ω slope resistance minimizes gain error variation across 4–20 mA span, maintaining <0.02% linearity. | Use Scenario: Portable ECG monitor with lead-off detection and real-time waveform display. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable reference for analog front-end PGA and anti-aliasing filter biasing. Use Value: 60 µVrms wideband noise prevents degradation of SNR in sub-µV biopotential signal acquisition. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL431ACDBVR | Adjustable output (2.5 V set via resistors); higher 2 mA min cathode current; 20 ppm/°C TC | Requires two external resistors; less suitable for fixed-voltage, ultra-low-current designs | Prefer when adjustable reference or higher current drive is needed |
| REF3025AIDBZR | Series reference; 50 µA quiescent current; 75 ppm/°C max TC; requires bypass cap | Higher power consumption; not shunt-based; needs external 1 µF capacitor | Choose for lower noise (25 µVrms) and tighter TC spec in non-space-constrained layouts |
Compared with TL431ACDBVR and REF3025AIDBZR, the ZRC250A01 offers lowest knee current and zero external components for fixed 2.5 V, making it optimal for battery life-critical, minimalist shunt reference designs where board area is premium.
Availability
ZRC250A01 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, portable test equipment, and industrial panel meters requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance across production lots.
Supply support for ZRC250A01 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 centers across Asia and manufacturing in Taiwan and China.
The ZRC250 series belongs to Diodes' precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for low-power, high-accuracy shunt reference applications in portable and industrial instrumentation where minimal external components and robust thermal performance are essential.
FAQ
What is the minimum operating current for reliable regulation of ZRC250A01?
The ZRC250A01 achieves stable regulation at a typical knee current of 15 µA, with guaranteed operation starting at 13 µA (min) per datasheet. Below this, output voltage deviates nonlinearly; design margin recommends ≥20 µA for full-spec performance across temperature and unit-to-unit variation.
Can ZRC250A01 drive a 1000 pF capacitive load without oscillation?
Yes - the ZRC250A01 is explicitly characterized as stable with capacitive loads up to 1 µF, including 1000 pF. Its internal compensation and low 0.4 Ω slope resistance eliminate need for series isolation resistors or external damping networks in typical ADC reference or op-amp biasing configurations.
How does ZRC250A01 compare to ZRC250F01 in SOT23 package?
ZRC250A01 (E-Line TO-92) and ZRC250F01 (SOT23) share identical electrical specs (±1% tolerance, 30 ppm/°C TC, 15 µA knee current), differing only in package: E-Line offers higher power dissipation (500 mW vs. 330 mW) and through-hole/SMT hybrid mounting flexibility, while SOT23 provides smaller footprint for ultra-dense layouts.
Is ZRC250A01 qualified for automotive applications?
No - ZRC250A01 is specified for industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and lacks AEC-Q200 qualification or extended temperature grading. For automotive use, Diodes offers the AP431x family with AEC-Q100 qualification and −40°C to +125°C operation, though with higher minimum current and different topology.
ZRC250A01 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package/Case:
- E-Line-3
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Reference Type:
- Shunt
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 2.5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 5 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±1%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 90ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 60µVrms
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 20 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- E-Line (TO-92 compatible)
ZRC250A01 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZRC250A01 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZRC250A01 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 ZRC250A01 reliable?
The price and inventory of ZRC250A01 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZRC250A01 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZRC250A01?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZRC250A01 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZRC250A01?
ZRC250A01 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZRC250A01 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 ZRC250A01?
For technical support, including ZRC250A01 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZRC250A01 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZRC250A01 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZRC250A01 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 ZRC250A01 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZRC250A01?
All ZRC250A01 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZRC250A01, 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 ZRC250A01 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZRC250A01:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
ZRC250A01 Tags
-
TL431AIDBZR
Texas Instruments
-
TL431BQDBZR
Texas Instruments

-
AN431AN-ATRG1
Diodes Incorporated

-
LM4040CYM3-2.5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
LM4040CYM3-4.1-TR
Microchip Technology
-
LM4040EIM3-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments

-
AZ431LBNTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated
-
LM4040D20IDBZR
Texas Instruments
-
LM4041DIM3-ADJ/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
LM4040DIM3X-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
LM4040DIM3-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments

-
AZ431LANTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
LDO regulator guide covering low dropout voltage, power dissipation, thermal design, PSRR, output noise, capacitor stability, adjustable LDO circuits, LDO vs buck converter and datasheet selection chec…
Conditional Access Module guide covering CAM meaning, CI/CI+ interface, smart card authorization, DVB security workflow, TV and set-top box compatibility, internal electronics, ESD protection, connecto…
Guide to electronic component obsolescence covering EOL risk, PCN/PDN notices, last-time buy planning, replacement options, form-fit-function validation, counterfeit risk and BOM lifecycle management.
18650 battery guide covering lithium-ion cell basics, 3.6V/3.7V voltage, 4.2V charging, mAh and Wh capacity, protected cells, chargers, BMS, series-parallel packs, holders, welding and sourcing checks.…
Hall effect sensor guide covering working principle, linear and digital sensors, Arduino circuits, current sensing, speed detection, automotive applications, A3144 examples, signal filtering and datash…
Product Change Notification guide for electronic components, covering PCN meaning, PCN vs PDN/EOL, common change types, risk levels, form-fit-function review, engineering validation, BOM control, LTB/L…
A practical guide to blend door actuators, covering HVAC function, symptoms, location, AC and heater issues, reset and calibration, replacement cost, electrical diagnosis, compatibility checks, and rep…

,TO-226_straightlead.jpg)