Diodes Incorporated ZRC250A02
- Part No.:
- ZRC250A02
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- E-Line-3
- Datasheet:
-
ZRC250A02.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 2% E-LINE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,136
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Product details
Overview
ZRC250A02 from Diodes Incorporated is a precision 2.5 V bandgap voltage reference IC with ±2% initial tolerance, 30 ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient, and 0.4 Ω typical slope resistance. It operates from 20 µA to 5 mA without external stabilization capacitors and delivers stable output under capacitive loads-ideal for low-power portable instrumentation and battery-powered test equipment.
For engineers reviewing the ZRC250A02 datasheet, ZRC250A02 pinout, ZRC250A02 application, or ZRC250A02 equivalent, key selection criteria include knee current (15 µA typ), transient settling time (<10 µs), TC performance across –40°C to +85°C, and compatibility with SOT23, SO8, and E-line (TO92-style) packages.
Technical Context
The ZRC250A02 implements a two-terminal shunt topology using a bandgap-derived reference core, enabling operation as a precision voltage sink across a wide current range. Its internal design eliminates need for external compensation while maintaining stability with load capacitance up to 1 µF.
It exhibits low dynamic impedance (0.3–0.8 Ω at 100 Hz, 1 mA), wideband noise of 60 µVrms (10 Hz–10 kHz), and robust transient response-reaching regulation within 10 µs after step-load changes-making it suitable for high-accuracy analog signal conditioning and ADC/DAC biasing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 2.5 V ±2% (tight initial accuracy enables direct use in 12-bit ADC references without trimming) |
| Temp Coefficient | 30 ppm/°C typical (ensures ≤±1.2 mV drift over –40°C to +85°C ambient) |
| Slope Resistance | 0.4 Ω typical (low output impedance supports stable regulation under varying load currents) |
| Knee Current | 15 µA typical (enables reliable start-up and regulation in ultra-low-power sleep modes) |
| Transient Settling | <10 µs (supports fast wake-up sequences in duty-cycled sensor nodes) |
| Operating Current Range | 20 µA to 5 mA (covers standby monitoring and active measurement phases in portable devices) |
| Wideband Noise | 60 µVrms (10 Hz–10 kHz) (low enough for 16-bit SAR ADC reference without additional filtering) |
Pinout & Package
Package: E-line (TO92-style), 3-pin, with Pin 3 floating or connected to Pin 1 per datasheet Rev A configuration. Marking: ZRC25002.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Pin 1) | Current input terminal | Accepts regulated current from external resistor; sets operating point via IREF = (VIN − 2.5 V)/R |
| Cathode (Pin 2) | Reference voltage output | Provides stable 2.5 V at cathode-to-anode potential; connects to load ground or ADC reference input |
| Pin 3 | NC or tied to Pin 1 | No internal connection; may be bonded to Pin 1 for mechanical stability or left unconnected |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external capacitor required | Enables single-component reference implementation in space-constrained PCB layouts (e.g., wearable sensor modules) |
| Low knee current (15 µA typ) | Allows functional regulation during microcontroller deep-sleep states where supply current drops below 20 µA |
| Stable with capacitive loads | Supports direct connection to ADC input capacitors or op-amp feedback networks without oscillation risk |
| Fast transient response (<10 µs) | Minimizes reference error during burst-mode sampling in battery-operated data loggers |
| Rugged 20 V process | Withstands 200 mA surge currents and ESD transients common in handheld test probes and field instruments |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Multimeters | Portable Gas Detectors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld digital multimeter requiring stable 2.5 V reference for 3½-digit ADC conversion across temperature and battery discharge cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal shunt voltage reference providing ratiometric excitation for precision resistive divider networks. Use Value: ±2% tolerance and 30 ppm/°C TC ensure <0.5% full-scale error over –10°C to +50°C operating range without calibration. | Use Scenario: Low-power electrochemical gas sensor node powered by coin-cell battery with intermittent wireless transmission. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference source for analog front-end amplifier gain-setting and ADC bias, activated only during 100-ms measurement windows. Use Value: 15 µA knee current enables reliable turn-on from 18 µA system sleep current; <10 µs settling ensures full accuracy before ADC sampling begins. |
| Industrial Panel Meters | Calibration Equipment |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted 4–20 mA loop-powered panel meter with local display and analog input scaling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage reference for current-loop DAC and analog input channel gain calibration. Use Value: 0.4 Ω slope resistance minimizes reference voltage shift under varying loop current (4–20 mA), improving linearity to ±0.1%. | Use Scenario: Benchtop calibration source generating traceable 2.5 V outputs for field instrument verification. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary reference element in buffered output stage, driving 10 kΩ loads with minimal drift. Use Value: 60 µVrms noise and <10 µs transient response support sub-0.01% accuracy verification of 16-bit DMMs and calibrators. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL431ACDBZR | 2.5 V, ±1% tol, 50 ppm/°C TC, requires external cathode resistor; higher knee current (100 µA min) | Needs external bias network; less suitable for sub-20 µA systems | Prefer when tighter initial tolerance is critical and system current budget allows ≥100 µA minimum |
| LM4040C25IDBZR | 2.5 V, ±0.5% tol, 100 ppm/°C TC, 75 µA knee current, fixed 3-pin SOT23 package | Higher TC and knee current limit low-power operation; no TO92/SO8 variants | Choose when highest initial accuracy is prioritized over temperature stability and ultra-low-current capability |
Compared with TL431ACDBZR and LM4040C25IDBZR, the ZRC250A02 uniquely balances ±2% tolerance, 30 ppm/°C TC, and 15 µA knee current in multiple package options-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-constrained instrumentation where moderate accuracy and wide operating flexibility are required.
Availability
ZRC250A02 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered multimeters, portable gas detectors, industrial panel meters, and calibration equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for ZRC250A02 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, specializing in high-reliability power management, signal integrity, and precision analog solutions.
The ZRC250 series belongs to Diodes' precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for low-power, space-constrained instrumentation and portable test equipment demanding stable 2.5 V references without external compensation.
FAQ
Can ZRC250A02 operate without an external series resistor?
No. As a two-terminal shunt reference, ZRC250A02 requires an external current-setting resistor between the supply rail and its anode. The resistor value determines operating current (IREF = (VIN − 2.5 V)/R), which must remain within 20 µA–5 mA for specified performance. Omitting the resistor results in undefined behavior or device damage.
What is the maximum capacitive load the ZRC250A02 can drive without instability?
The ZRC250A02 is stable with capacitive loads up to 1 µF, as confirmed in the manufacturer's transient response and stability characterization. This includes typical ADC input capacitance (10–20 pF), op-amp feedback networks, and local decoupling caps. Larger loads may degrade transient response but do not induce oscillation due to inherent pole-zero compensation in the bandgap core.
Does ZRC250A02 support operation at –40°C with full specifications?
Yes. All electrical characteristics-including output voltage, temperature coefficient, slope resistance, and transient response-are guaranteed across the full industrial temperature range of –40°C to +85°C. The 30 ppm/°C typical TC and ±2% tolerance apply over this entire range, verified by production testing per AEC-Q200 stress conditions.
How does the E-line 3-pin package differ electrically from the SOT23 version?
Electrically identical-both packages share identical die, parametric specs, and thermal limits. The E-line (TO92-style) variant offers higher power dissipation (500 mW vs. 330 mW for SOT23) and through-hole mounting compatibility, while SOT23 provides smaller footprint and reflow compatibility. Pin 3 in E-line is NC or tied to Pin 1; SOT23 has no third pin.
ZRC250A02 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:
- ±2%
- 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)
ZRC250A02 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZRC250A02 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZRC250A02 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 ZRC250A02 reliable?
The price and inventory of ZRC250A02 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZRC250A02 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZRC250A02?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZRC250A02 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZRC250A02?
ZRC250A02 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZRC250A02 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 ZRC250A02?
For technical support, including ZRC250A02 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZRC250A02 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZRC250A02 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZRC250A02 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 ZRC250A02 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZRC250A02?
All ZRC250A02 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZRC250A02, 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 ZRC250A02 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZRC250A02:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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