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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Power Management (PMIC) > Voltage Reference

Diodes Incorporated ZRC250A03

Name: ZRC250A03
Brand: Diodes Incorporated
SKU: ZRC250A03
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: ZRC250A03

Manufacturer:: Diodes Incorporated

Category:: Voltage Reference

Package:: E-Line-3

Datasheet:: ZRC250A03.pdf

Description:: IC VREF SHUNT 3% E-LINE

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:4,560

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Product details

Overview

ZRC250A03 from Diodes Incorporated is a precision 2.5 V bandgap voltage reference IC with ±3% initial tolerance, 30 ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient, and 0.4 Ω typical slope resistance. It operates from 20 µA to 5 mA, requires no external stabilization capacitor, and achieves stable output in <10 µs-ideal for low-power portable instrumentation and battery-powered test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the ZRC250A03 datasheet, ZRC250A03 pinout, ZRC250A03 application, or ZRC250A03 equivalent, key selection factors include knee current (15 µA typ), capacitive load stability, transient response time, TC performance across –40°C to +85°C, and package-specific power dissipation limits (500 mW for E-line TO92).

Technical Context

The ZRC250A03 implements a two-terminal shunt reference architecture using a bandgap core, delivering regulated 2.5 V output by sinking current through its cathode–anode path. Its design eliminates need for external bypass capacitance while maintaining stability with capacitive loads up to 1 µF.

It features low dynamic impedance (0.3 Ω typ at 1 mA, 100 Hz), wide operating current range (13 µA min to 25 mA abs max), and rugged transient handling (withstands 200 mA surge). Temperature drift is characterized over full industrial range using average TC calculation per JEDEC JESD85.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Output Voltage	2.5 V ±3% at 150 µA - tight initial accuracy enables direct use in 12-bit ADC references without trimming.
Temp Coefficient	30 ppm/°C typical - ensures ≤±1.5 mV drift over –40°C to +85°C, critical for portable metering.
Min Operating Current	13 µA - supports ultra-low-power sleep modes in battery-backed systems.
Slope Resistance	0.4 Ω typical - minimizes output voltage shift under load transients (e.g., 0.4 mV per 1 mA load change).
Transient Response	Stable in <10 µs - allows fast wake-up from low-power states in automated test equipment.
Capacitive Load Stability	Stable with ≥0 pF - eliminates need for output capacitor, reducing BOM count and PCB area.
Max Surge Current	200 mA - withstands ESD and inrush events without degradation, enhancing field reliability.

Pinout & Package

E-Line (TO-92) 3-pin package (suffix R), with Pin 3 floating or connected to Pin 1 per datasheet revision. Power dissipation rated at 500 mW at 25°C ambient.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode (Pin 1)	Reference return path	Connected to system ground; defines 0 V reference node for shunt operation.
Cathode (Pin 2)	Regulated output node	Sinks current to maintain 2.5 V across external load; connects to VREF net.
Pin 3	No-connect or tied to Pin 1	Thermal/mechanical support only; electrically isolated unless explicitly bonded to Pin 1.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
No external capacitor required	Enables single-component reference design, reducing layout complexity and cost in space-constrained PCBs.
Low knee current (15 µA typ)	Permits operation below 20 µA, extending battery life in always-on sensor nodes and RTC backup circuits.
Stable with capacitive loads	Supports direct connection to ADC input caps or filtering networks without oscillation risk.
Fast transient settling (<10 µs)	Meets timing requirements of high-speed data acquisition systems where reference must settle before sample capture.
Rugged 200 mA surge rating	Eliminates need for series current-limiting resistors in harsh environments, simplifying protection design.

Applications

Handheld Multimeter Reference

Battery-Powered Data Logger

Use Scenario: Precision DC voltage measurement in handheld DMMs with auto-ranging and dual-slope ADC.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal shunt reference providing stable 2.5 V基准 for ADC reference input and internal DAC calibration.

Use Value: ±3% tolerance and 30 ppm/°C TC ensure <0.1% full-scale error across operating temperature without factory recalibration.

Use Scenario: Long-term environmental monitoring using coin-cell–powered microcontroller with integrated 12-bit SAR ADC.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-current voltage reference supplying VREF to ADC during periodic wake-up bursts.

Use Value: 13 µA minimum operating current extends 10-year battery life; no capacitor reduces footprint in compact enclosure.

Portable Oscilloscope Front-End

Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning

Use Scenario: Vertical gain calibration and offset nulling in battery-operated 100-MHz portable scopes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-settling reference for programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offset correction DACs.

Use Value: <10 µs transient response enables sub-microsecond calibration cycles between waveform captures.

Use Scenario: 4–20 mA transmitter with HART modulation, requiring stable excitation and ADC reference in hazardous-area loop-powered design.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt reference establishing precise 2.5 V for current-sense amplifier and sigma-delta ADC.

Use Value: 500 mW TO-92 power rating accommodates 24 V loop drop with 20 mA load; 200 mA surge rating survives lightning-induced transients.

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	Adjustable output (2.5 V via resistor divider); higher 2.5 Ω typical slope resistance; 0.5 mA min cathode current.	Requires two external resistors; less suitable for fixed-VREF, ultra-low-IQ designs.	Choose when adjustable reference or higher output current (>100 mA) is needed.
LM4040C25IDBZR	Fixed 2.5 V; 100 ppm/°C max TC; 0.5 Ω typical slope resistance; 75 µA min operating current.	Higher knee current limits use in sub-100 µA systems; wider TC impacts accuracy in wide-temp deployments.	Choose when AEC-Q200 qualification or tighter long-term stability is prioritized over IQ.

Compared with TL431ACDBZR and LM4040C25IDBZR, the ZRC250A03 offers lowest knee current (13 µA), best TC (30 ppm/°C typ), and highest surge resilience (200 mA), making it optimal for space- and energy-constrained industrial portable instruments.

Availability

ZRC250A03 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld test equipment, battery-powered data loggers, portable oscilloscope front-ends, and loop-powered industrial sensors requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle availability.

Supply support for ZRC250A03 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, space-constrained instrumentation and portable test equipment where shunt topology, capacitor-free operation, and fast transient response are essential.

FAQ

Is ZRC250A03 a three-terminal or two-terminal device?

ZRC250A03 is a two-terminal shunt voltage reference: anode and cathode only. In the E-line (TO-92) 3-pin package, Pin 3 is mechanically present but electrically unconnected unless bonded to Pin 1 per specific assembly instructions-no third functional terminal exists.

Can ZRC250A03 drive a 1 µF capacitive load without oscillation?

Yes-the ZRC250A03 is explicitly characterized and guaranteed stable with capacitive loads up to at least 1 µF, as confirmed in the "Capacitive Load Stability" section of the official datasheet (Issue 3, p. 4-248), eliminating need for series isolation resistors.

What is the maximum continuous power dissipation for ZRC250A03 in TO-92 package?

The ZRC250A03 in E-line (TO-92) 3-pin package has a rated power dissipation of 500 mW at 25°C ambient. Derating is linear at 5.0 mW/°C above 25°C, reaching zero at 125°C case temperature per absolute maximum ratings table.

Does ZRC250A03 require a minimum load current to regulate properly?

Yes-it requires ≥13 µA (typical 15 µA) cathode current to maintain regulation. Below this knee current, output voltage drops nonlinearly; design must ensure external circuitry draws sufficient current, e.g., via pull-up resistor or active load, even in standby.

ZRC250A03 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:: ±3%

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)

ZRC250A03 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for ZRC250A03 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZRC250A03 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 ZRC250A03 reliable?

The price and inventory of ZRC250A03 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZRC250A03 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for ZRC250A03?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZRC250A03 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for ZRC250A03?

ZRC250A03 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your ZRC250A03 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 ZRC250A03?

For technical support, including ZRC250A03 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZRC250A03 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that ZRC250A03 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All ZRC250A03 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 ZRC250A03 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZRC250A03?

All ZRC250A03 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZRC250A03, 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 ZRC250A03 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for ZRC250A03:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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