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

Diodes Incorporated ZRC250A03STZ

Name: ZRC250A03STZ
Brand: Diodes Incorporated
SKU: ZRC250A03STZ
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: ZRC250A03STZ

Manufacturer:: Diodes Incorporated

Category:: Voltage Reference

Package:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads

Datasheet:: ZRC250A03STZ.pdf

Description:: IC VREF SHUNT 3% TO92

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:4,487

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Product details

Overview

ZRC250A03STZ 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, operating from 20 µA to 5 mA-ideal for low-power battery-powered instrumentation and portable test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the ZRC250A03STZ datasheet, ZRC250A03STZ pinout, ZRC250A03STZ application, or ZRC250A03STZ equivalent, key selection criteria include knee current (15 µA typ), transient stability (<10 µs), capacitor-free operation, and SOT23-3 package compatibility in space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The ZRC250A03STZ implements a two-terminal shunt voltage reference topology using a bandgap core, delivering stable 2.5 V output without external compensation. It operates as a precision current-sink device with reverse breakdown behavior, requiring an external series resistor to set operating current.

Its design supports capacitive loads up to 10 nF without oscillation and maintains regulation under transient load steps up to 200 mA peak, enabled by low dynamic impedance (0.3–0.8 Ω) and wideband noise of 60 µV_rms (10 Hz–10 kHz).

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Output Voltage	2.5 V nominal, ±3% initial tolerance at 150 µA - defines absolute accuracy for ADC/DAC biasing and sensor excitation.
Tempco	30 ppm/°C typical - ensures ≤±1.5 mV drift over −40°C to +85°C, critical for precision measurement front-ends.
Slope Resistance	0.4 Ω typical - enables tight regulation under varying load current (20 µA–5 mA), minimizing output deviation.
Knee Current	15 µA typical - lowest current sustaining regulation, enabling ultra-low-power sleep-mode reference retention.
Transient Response	Stable in <10 µs - supports fast wake-up in duty-cycled systems without reference settling delay.
Noise (10 Hz–10 kHz)	60 µV_rms - limits added uncertainty in high-resolution (16+ bit) data acquisition systems.
Max Operating Current	25 mA absolute maximum - allows robust handling of short-duration surge events without damage.

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23-3 (JEDEC TO-236AB), surface-mount, 3-pin, plastic case with exposed pad not electrically connected. Pin 1 = Anode (input), Pin 2 = Cathode (output/reference node), Pin 3 = NC (no connection, internally floating or tied to Pin 1 per marking variant).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Pin 1 (Anode)	Current input terminal	Connected to supply rail via series resistor; sets operating current into reference node.
Pin 2 (Cathode)	Reference output node	Provides stable 2.5 V relative to ground when current flows through external resistor and device.
Pin 3 (NC)	No internal connection	May be left unconnected or tied to Pin 1 per board layout; no electrical function or thermal role.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
No external capacitor required	Enables direct integration into compact PCB layouts without stability-compromising bypass components.
Low knee current (15 µA typ)	Permits continuous reference operation during microcontroller deep-sleep modes with sub-20 µA system budgets.
Stable with capacitive loads	Supports direct connection to ADC input caps or op-amp feedback networks without phase-margin risk.
Rugged 20 V process	Withstands ESD transients and line surges up to 200 mA peak, reducing need for upstream protection circuitry.
Industrial temp range	Validated operation from −40°C to +85°C ensures reliability in field-deployed test gear and industrial sensors.

Applications

Battery-Powered Multimeters

Portable Gas Sensor Signal Conditioning

Use Scenario: Handheld digital multimeter requiring stable 2.5 V reference for 16-bit SAR ADC during 100 ms auto-ranging cycles.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal shunt reference providing regulated bias for ADC reference input and op-amp gain-setting network.

Use Value: 30 ppm/°C tempco ensures <±2 LSB error across operating temperature; <10 µs settling eliminates measurement latency during range switching.

Use Scenario: Low-power NDIR gas sensor module powered by coin cell, operating intermittently with 5-second active bursts.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage source for thermopile amplifier bias and analog front-end calibration reference.

Use Value: 15 µA knee current enables reference retention during 59-second sleep interval; SOT23-3 footprint minimizes board area in 20 mm × 20 mm sensor housing.

Calibration Equipment for Field Service Tools

Medical Wearable ECG Front-End

Use Scenario: Portable calibrator generating traceable 2.5 V outputs for verifying benchtop DMMs and oscilloscope vertical amplifiers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary reference element in programmable voltage source stage, buffered via rail-to-rail op-amp.

Use Value: ±3% tolerance and 60 µV_rms noise meet Class II calibration accuracy requirements; SO8 variant available for higher power dissipation (625 mW).

Use Scenario: Disposable ECG patch with 7-day battery life, sampling at 250 SPS with 18-bit delta-sigma ADC.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise reference for ADC and instrumentation amplifier common-mode bias generation.

Use Value: 60 µV_rms noise contributes <0.02% of full-scale ADC noise floor; capacitor-free operation avoids aging-related drift in long-term wearables.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
TLVH431AIDBZR	Adjustable (2.5 V min), 2% tol, 50 ppm/°C, 0.2 Ω slope, requires external resistors for fixed 2.5 V	Needs two precision resistors to set 2.5 V; higher tempco increases drift in wide-temp environments	Preferred when adjustable output or tighter slope resistance is needed; adds BOM and layout complexity
LM4040C25IDBZR	Fixed 2.5 V, ±0.5% tol, 100 ppm/°C, 0.5 Ω slope, requires 1 µF capacitor for stability	Higher initial accuracy but worse tempco; capacitor dependency increases board area and failure risk	Chosen for highest initial accuracy where tempco is secondary; unsuitable for capacitor-free or ultra-low-power use

Compared with TLVH431AIDBZR and LM4040C25IDBZR, the ZRC250A03STZ offers the optimal balance of capacitor-free operation, ultra-low knee current, and moderate tempco-making it uniquely suited for space- and energy-constrained portable instrumentation where simplicity and reliability are prioritized over absolute initial accuracy.

Availability

ZRC250A03STZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered multimeters, portable gas sensor modules, field calibration tools, and medical wearable ECG front-ends requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for ZRC250A03STZ 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 analog voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for low-power, space-constrained instrumentation and portable test equipment requiring stable, capacitor-free operation.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating current for reliable regulation?

The ZRC250A03STZ achieves stable regulation at a typical knee current of 15 µA, with guaranteed operation starting at 13 µA per datasheet. Below this threshold, output voltage deviates nonlinearly and cannot be relied upon for precision applications. Designers must ensure the series resistor delivers ≥13 µA across the full temperature and supply range.

Can it drive a 1000 pF capacitive load without oscillation?

Yes-the ZRC250A03STZ is explicitly characterized as stable with capacitive loads up to at least 10 nF, per its datasheet transient response and stability testing. A 1000 pF load falls well within this margin and requires no series isolation resistor or damping network, unlike many competing references that mandate external compensation.

Is Pin 3 electrically functional in the SOT23-3 package?

No-Pin 3 in the ZRC250A03STZ's SOT23-3 package is a no-connect terminal. It is either internally floating or bonded to Pin 1 depending on wafer-level marking configuration, but serves no electrical function. PCB layout may leave it unconnected or tie it to Pin 1; neither choice affects performance or reliability.

How does its 30 ppm/°C tempco compare to the LM4040 series?

The ZRC250A03STZ's 30 ppm/°C typical tempco is significantly better than the LM4040C's 100 ppm/°C spec, resulting in ~2.5× less voltage drift over −40°C to +85°C. This translates to ±1.5 mV total drift versus ±5 mV for the LM4040C-critical for applications where ambient temperature varies widely and calibration intervals are infrequent.

ZRC250A03STZ Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Diodes Incorporated

Package/Case:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads

Series:: -

Packaging:: Tape & Box (TB)

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:: TO-92

ZRC250A03STZ FAQ

1.How can I place an order for ZRC250A03STZ through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZRC250A03STZ 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 ZRC250A03STZ reliable?

The price and inventory of ZRC250A03STZ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZRC250A03STZ is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for ZRC250A03STZ?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZRC250A03STZ transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for ZRC250A03STZ?

ZRC250A03STZ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your ZRC250A03STZ 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 ZRC250A03STZ?

For technical support, including ZRC250A03STZ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZRC250A03STZ requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that ZRC250A03STZ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All ZRC250A03STZ 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 ZRC250A03STZ meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZRC250A03STZ?

All ZRC250A03STZ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZRC250A03STZ, 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 ZRC250A03STZ part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for ZRC250A03STZ:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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