Diodes Incorporated ZRC250A03STOA

Overview

ZRC250A03STOA 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 ZRC250A03STOA datasheet, ZRC250A03STOA pinout, ZRC250A03STOA application, or ZRC250A03STOA equivalent, key selection criteria include knee current (15 µA typ), capacitive load stability, transient response time, TC performance across –40°C to +85°C, and SOT23-3 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The ZRC250A03STOA 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 capacitors while maintaining stability with capacitive loads up to 1 µF.

It features low dynamic impedance (0.3 Ω typ at 1 mA, 100 Hz), wideband noise of 60 µV_rms (10 Hz–10 kHz), and robust transient immunity-recovering to regulation within 10 µs after single-pulse disturbance and sustaining operation up to 200 mA peak surge current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23-3 (lead-free, RoHS-compliant). Pin configuration matches standard SOT23 cathode-anode-case layout with pin 1 = cathode, pin 2 = anode, pin 3 = case (internally connected to anode).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLVH431ACDBVR and LM4040C25IDBZR, the ZRC250A03STOA uniquely delivers fixed 2.5 V output, capacitor-free stability, and sub-10 µs transient response in SOT23-3-making it optimal for space- and response-critical embedded systems where simplicity and speed are non-negotiable.

Availability

ZRC250A03STOA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, battery-powered DMMs, and wireless sensor nodes requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance across production lots.

Supply support for ZRC250A03STOA 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, low-power, and thermally efficient solutions for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

The ZRC250 series belongs to Diodes' precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for space-constrained, battery-operated instrumentation where minimal external components and fast transient response are critical design requirements.

FAQ

Is ZRC250A03STOA a three-terminal or two-terminal device?

ZRC250A03STOA is a two-terminal shunt voltage reference: pin 1 (cathode) and pin 2 (anode) form the functional terminals; pin 3 is internally tied to the anode and serves as a thermal/electrical extension of the anode node-not an independent terminal. This configuration simplifies biasing and eliminates need for a third control pin.

Can ZRC250A03STOA drive a 1000 pF capacitive load without oscillation?

Yes. The ZRC250A03STOA is explicitly characterized and guaranteed stable with capacitive loads up to at least 1 µF, per its datasheet's "Capacitive Load Stability" section and transient response plots. No external series resistor or isolation capacitor is required-even at full rated current and across the full temperature range.

What is the maximum continuous current ZRC250A03STOA can sink in SOT23-3 package?

In SOT23-3 package at T_AMB = 25°C, the absolute maximum continuous current is limited by power dissipation: P_D = 330 mW → I_MAX = P_D/V_R ≈ 330 mW / 2.5 V = 132 mA. However, recommended operating current remains 20 µA to 5 mA; sustained >5 mA requires thermal derating and is not advised for long-term reliability.

Does ZRC250A03STOA require a minimum load current to maintain regulation?

Yes. ZRC250A03STOA requires ≥13 µA minimum cathode current (I_K) to maintain regulation. Below this, output voltage drops nonlinearly. This knee current is confirmed in the "Electrical Characteristics" table (I_MIN = 13 µA min) and validated across temperature-critical for ultra-low-power sleep-state design.